SDP goes on first walkabout since launching election preparations
SINGAPORE – The opposition Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) today (Jan 25) conducted its first walkabout since it launched its preparations for the next General Election, due to be held by January 2017.
The walkabout kicked off at the Marsiling Food Centre, with about 50 members and volunteers taking part. They covered several markets and food centres around Marsiling, Fajar and Bangkit, which lie within the boundaries of Sembawang GRC and Bukit Panjang SMC.
Leading the walkabout was SDP Secretary-General Chee Soon Juan and his sister Chee Siok Chin. Dr Chee has said he plans to run in the upcoming election, after sitting out the previous two because of bankruptcy. Also present was SDP Vice-Chairman John Tan, who ran in the 2011 General Election.
“We want to continue to be able to tell people that they need a voice in the Parliament - a voice that will help them articulate their concerns and their worries,” said Dr Chee.
SDP also handed out copies of its newsletter, The New Democrat, which highlights its alternative vision for the Central Provident Fund system.
Dr Chee said he does not think starting SDP’s preparations early will result in them losing momentum. “We are not doing this for ourselves,” he said. “It is a cause and causes are timeless. There is no time frame to it.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA
