With Singapore’s general election set for May 3, the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) has launched its latest manifesto in a strategic bid to strengthen its appeal among voters. The party unveiled the new proposals during a walkabout at the vibrant Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market & Hawker Centre, signaling its intent to contest the Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency (GRC) and Potong Pasir Single Member Constituency (SMC). The manifesto spans 16 pages, highlighting the party’s comprehensive vision for Singapore’s future.
Blueprint for Economic Fairness and National Resilience
The SPP’s newly released manifesto touches on nine major themes that aim to address the most pressing concerns of citizens today. Central to its vision is the reinforcement of economic stability, equitable growth, and the creation of a dependable public transport network. As the cost of living continues to rise, the party is advocating for immediate interventions that can provide financial relief to everyday Singaporeans while supporting long-term economic health.
Transforming Surpluses into Support for Citizens
One of the manifesto’s more distinctive proposals is the redistribution of government Budget surpluses through the annual issuance of Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers. The party believes that rather than accumulating surplus funds, the government should use these resources to uplift lower-income households. This, they argue, will allow national wealth to circulate more directly among those in need, especially during times of inflationary pressure.
Delaying Tax Hikes Until Financial Need Arises
In an effort to safeguard the public from additional financial strain, the SPP suggests deferring planned hikes in the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This would only proceed if the government’s cumulative Budget deficit exceeds 3 percent of revenue over three consecutive fiscal years. During the manifesto launch, party secretary-general Steve Chia stressed the importance of responsible budgeting and transparency, criticizing the accumulation of reserves without clarity on their total size.
Addressing Income Disparity and Trade Agreement Concerns
The manifesto includes a strong stance on economic justice, proposing an increase in income tax rates for the top two percent of earners and the reinstatement of estate duties targeting ultra-wealthy individuals. In addition, the SPP calls for a re-examination of the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (Ceca). This review aims to protect the interests of local professionals by minimizing unfair job competition, especially among the PMET (professionals, managers, executives, and technicians) community.
Balancing the Labor Market with a Focus on Local Employment
Reducing Singapore’s dependency on foreign labor is another focal point in the SPP’s campaign. The party advocates a gradual decrease in the quotas for Special and Employment Pass holders. At the same time, it recommends adjusting dependency ratios in sectors where technological automation can replace labor-intensive processes. Chia pointed out that many Singaporeans have expressed unease about job security, underscoring the need for employment reforms that place local workers at the center of policy.
Prioritizing Safe and Efficient Public Transport Services
Public transport infrastructure also receives significant attention in the manifesto. The SPP is pushing for increased investment in the maintenance and reliability of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Citing the collapse of a platform screen door at Braddell MRT station, Chia emphasized the urgency of thorough safety checks and upgrades to ensure consistent service quality. The party views a safe and efficient transport system as critical to daily life and national productivity.
Reflecting on Past Advocacy and Future Aspirations
Looking back on the SPP’s impact, Chia recalled how the party’s early calls in 2004 for elderly support played a role in shaping the government’s Pioneer Generation Package a decade later. He emphasized that the current manifesto’s proposals are not just aspirational but designed to provoke meaningful dialogue in Parliament. The SPP will field candidates in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Potong Pasir SMC, including Chia himself, chairman Melvyn Chiu, Williamson Lee, operations executive Muhammad Norhakim, and operations manager Lim Rui Xian. Although Chia will contest Bishan-Toa Payoh, the specific assignments for other candidates remain pending.
Shaping Tomorrow Through Practical and People-Focused Policies
The SPP’s manifesto presents a mix of bold reforms and pragmatic solutions, aimed at steering Singapore toward greater inclusivity, fairness, and transparency. With policies rooted in direct engagement and feedback from residents, the party hopes to build stronger trust with the electorate. As the nation approaches election day, the manifesto serves as a clear representation of the SPP’s vision a future where national progress is shared more evenly and governance is anchored in accountability.