The Progress Singapore Party canvassed for the people’s support at their inaugural party walkabout on 29 Sept, when they walked the ground at all 29 constituencies in Singapore. Some party members who participated in the outreach event have shared why they decided to join the PSP, led by veteran politician Tan Cheng Bock, in one of the party’s latest videos.

The video begins with Dr Tan asserting that the aim of the walkabout was to get Singaporeans to know about the PSP. Revealing that the party belongs to all its members, he said: “I want Singaporeans to know about PSP. Many think that the party only belongs to Tan Cheng Bock, which we don’t want to portray that. The party belongs to all of us here.”

One party member indicated that he joined the party because he wanted to see more voices representing Singaporeans. He said: “The idea is that only one particular group of people knows what’s best for everyone going forward? No lah.”

On how Singapore is governed today, the member said: “Singapore sometimes is not run as a country. It is run as a company whereby the bottom line is everything. I was quite shocked to realise that there are more than a quarter million Singaporeans living below the poverty line. I’m totally shocked!”

Asserting that it is time for Singaporeans to shed their fear of aligning with the opposition so that their voices can be heard, he added:

“The day has come whereby Singaporeans who feel that there are things that are not right with the country have decided to step forward. One of the very crucial things that I hope we can slowly eliminate is this fear in Singaporeans – the fear to come forward to do something or to be even aligned with an opposition party.

“Look, we are all Singaporeans. We just want to make things better.”

Another member recalled that he was spurred to join the party and play a role in helping create change when Dr Tan formed his opposition party. He said: “When Dr Tan started his party, I saw it on YouTube. I am a young person, sleeping on my bed, looking at the video (and thinking) what am I doing? So I felt that I need to support. I felt that you need to support a person who is stepping out.”

Pointing out that the PSP involves Singaporeans from all walks of life who are passionate about serving their fellow citizens, one supporter said:

“People just want to have more credible voices in Parliament. Don’t think it’s just about pure academic smarts – we’re talking about people on the ground who have the heart for the people. It’s not just about having straight A students – life is more than that.”

He added: “As we progress in society, i think what’s important is that we do not leave people behind…to change things, you have to be courageous.”

Echoing her colleague’s views, a female party member said: “More and more I find that if you only have one party, one dominant party in Parliament, you’re not going to have a real conversation, a real debate.”

Asserting that Singaporeans need to “get rid of fear in order to move forward to step up,” she said: “This first successful walkabout will show that hey, you don’t have to be afraid to come out (and) make a difference together.”

Watch the video in full here: