Tan Cheng Bock, 83, not ruling out general election contest, hopes Iswaran’s exit will help PSP in West Coast

SINGAPORE: With the departure of former Transport Minister S Iswaran from West Coast GRC, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chairman Tan Cheng Bock hopes this will improve his party's chances in the next general election.

“Of course, we hope that will help us, but I think it all depends on the electorate, how we perform," Dr Tan told reporters at West Coast Market on Saturday (Jan 27) where party members made their rounds greeting residents.

The 83-year-old veteran politician added that the PSP would like to score more seats in parliament so that Singaporeans can "assess" its performance.

"We must show Singaporeans that we have capable people in the House," he added.

Iswaran, who helmed West Coast GRC, resigned from the People's Action Party (PAP) and his positions in government on Jan 16 amid a corruption probe against him. 

He was charged on Jan 18, accused of corruptly receiving more than S$166,000 (US$123,570) worth of flights, hotel stays and event tickets in exchange for advancing the business interests of property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, among other charges.

In the 2020 General Election, a PSP team led by Dr Tan put up a strong fight in West Coast GRC, with the PAP winning 51.69 per cent of the votes in a tight contest.

Dr Tan previously served in Ayer Rajah constituency as a PAP MP from 1980 to 2006, and the single seat later became part of West Coast GRC. 

PSP will ramp up its walkabouts in West Coast GRC from once a month to once a week, said secretary-general Leong Mun Wai, but the party maintains that the Iswaran factor has not changed its focus.

"Our focus is on serving the people," said Mr Leong, a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament.

"So we will continue our walkabouts and house visits, which we have already been doing after the last election actually."

NCMP Hazel Poa noted that there has been “quite a lot of talk” about Iswaran’s case potentially improving PSP’s chances in West Coast GRC. 

“I think that is only one factor," she said.

"In politics, in elections, there are many many factors affecting the results, and it would be complacent for us to actually think that just because of this one incident we will get a better chance at getting into parliament. I think we don’t want to make that mistake."

When asked about whether he plans to run in the next general election, Dr Tan said: “If you believe in active ageing, I shouldn’t retire right? If you all think that age is not a problem, I’ll be around.” 

When pressed to confirm if he would be contesting, he replied: “I never say no.” 

All the PSP members who ran in West Coast GRC at the 2020 General Election were present as Dr Tan and his team distributed mandarin oranges to residents at West Coast Market.

A group of about 15 PAP volunteers were there at the same time, and the two teams exchanged handshakes and pleasantries.

When asked about whether the PSP team for West Coast GRC is set to change, Dr Tan said the party would reveal this only closer to the next general election. 

Dr Tan also responded to questions about whether people are more receptive to his party, adding that he receives a “very warm response” on walkabouts. 

“On the whole, I can see a lot of progress has been made, and it’s good progress.”