The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) is making major leadership changes as it enters a new phase of renewal after the 2025 General Election.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock, PSP’s founder and chairman, has stepped down from the party’s top leadership. Also stepping down are vice-chair Hazel Poa and party treasurer S. Nallakaruppan. All three were founding members and contested in GE2025 but were not elected.
PSP chief Leong Mun Wai announced the changes at a press conference held on July 5 at the party’s Bukit Timah headquarters. He called it a “big moment” for the party.
“We are launching a renewed party today,” Mr Leong said.
New leadership and new faces in PSP
Dr Tan will be succeeded as chairman by A’bas Kasmani, who was previously second vice-chair. Anthony Neo, formerly assistant treasurer, will take over as treasurer from Mr Nallakaruppan.
Although stepping down from leadership roles, Dr Tan, Ms Poa, and Mr Nallakaruppan will remain as party members. Dr Tan will serve as party adviser.
PSP also announced that three new faces have joined the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), its highest decision-making body. All three were first-time candidates in GE2025:
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Sani Ismail, a legal counsel, contested in West Coast–Jurong West GRC
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Lawrence Pek, former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, ran in Chua Chu Kang GRC
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Stephanie Tan, a homemaker and ex-lawyer, contested Pioneer SMC
All three lost to the People’s Action Party (PAP) in their respective constituencies and have not been assigned specific CEC roles yet.
What’s behind the leadership change?
PSP said the leadership reshuffle is not a reaction to the GE2025 results, where the party lost its NCMP presence and saw vote shares drop. Mr Leong said the party had always planned for renewal, but elections took priority earlier.
Now that PSP has no seats in Parliament, the focus is shifting to grooming new leaders and rebuilding trust with Singaporeans.
“GE2025 was a loud wake-up call. We’ve heard you and we will serve you better,” Mr Leong said.
The party’s renewal plan includes:
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Developing younger leaders
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Strengthening connections with the ground
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Helping Singaporeans better understand government policies
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Becoming more active and effective online
Farewell, but not goodbye
Dr Tan, 84, said he is stepping down with peace in his heart, knowing that the party is in good hands.
“Leadership is about service, not clinging to power,” he said.
Dr Tan added that this is not just a farewell, but a fresh chapter for PSP. He described Mr Sani, Ms Tan, and Mr Pek as “part of the next generation” that will carry the PSP banner forward.
He also explained that Ms Poa has been unwell and has been having vision problems, and that both she and Mr Nallakaruppan agreed it was time to let new leaders take over.
“We’ve done enough. It’s time to let the newer guys step up,” said Dr Tan.
PSP’s new chairman Mr A’bas said Dr Tan’s leadership style — compassionate, inclusive, and responsible — will continue to guide the party.
“I take this appointment as a challenge to lead PSP to a higher level,” he said.
This marks the second round of leadership changes in 2025. In March, a CEC election was held to prepare the party for GE2025, with Leong Mun Wai returning as secretary-general after Hazel Poa stepped in temporarily.
