Professor Paul Tambyah has been elected as the new chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), the party said in a statement on its website on Tuesday (Sept 26).
Prof Tambyah, a medical specialist, succeeds Dr Wong Souk Yee, who is now the party’s assistant treasurer.
Alongside other members of the party’s Central Executive Committee, the professor was elected at SDP’s 18th Ordinary Party Conference over the weekend.
In SDP’s statement, Prof Tambyah said:
“I hope that more academics, professionals, and young people in particular will step up to be involved in civil society and politics in Singapore. This is a particularly important time for our country when there are uncertainties about the economy and also serious questions about governance issues including the elected presidency.”
“The SDP has never shied away from holding the government accountable to the people and I am happy to be a part of the SDP’s efforts for the good of Singaporeans,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Chee Soon Juan remained as the party’s Secretary-General.
He told members at the conference to continue to “raise important issues and get the party ready for the next contest”, although the next general elections “are still a couple of years away”.
He said:
“Singapore is at a cross-roads, and with the PAP losing its way, it is crucial that the SDP works hard to get into Parliament and give Singaporeans hope in our future.”