Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general, Dr Chee Soon Juan, said today that the party’s chairman, Dr Paul Tambyah, could have become a minister had he joined the ruling party but Dr Tambyah did not do so because he believes in the values of the SDP.
Dr Chee made this comment as the SDP kicked off its General Election campaign this afternoon, at the Mandarin Hotel at Orchard Road.
The event was supposed to be held at a premise managed by KCC (Kingdom Community Church) Ventures Pte Ltd but KCC abruptly cancelled the venue booking a day before the event was scheduled to take place, citing “JTC inspection” and political reasons.
Members of the SDP spoke about how they feel the next General Election will shape up to be, at their Campaign Kick-Off today, as they appealed for donations to their campaign fund and for volunteers to join their efforts.
Dr Chee’s speech was the highlight of the event and he received a standing ovation from the audience several times. Dr Chee spoke about how the values of the SDP attracts good candidates.
He made particular mention of his party’s chairman and said that Dr Paul Tambyah could have easily become a Minister if he had joined the People’s Action Party (PAP) but Dr Tambyah joined the SDP because of the party’s values.
The SDP presents itself as an “alternative based on hope, not fear.” The party’s values are as follows:
“We believe in justice and freedom. We believe in giving the voiceless a voice, in empowering the powerless, where all are equal, prosperous and happy.
“We believe in a future based on hope, not fear; where we appeal to our better angels and not our basest instincts. We believe in a system where people come before profit, rights before riches and wisdom before wealth.”
Inviting Singaporeans to join the SDP to “build a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow,” in a letter provided to all the participants of the Campaign Kick-Off, the party promised:
“Imagine a Singapore where we don’t constantly struggle with the cost of living, where our CPF savings are returned to us, where we don’t have to unfairly compete with foreigners for employment, where our poor have a roof over their heads, and where opportunities and quality jobs abound for our youth.
“Well, you don’t have to. Such a future can become a reality if you support the SDP.”