Bukit Panjang SMC battle of the jungle to capture the sleeping sloth.

[rocket]

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GE2025: Rematch at Bukit Panjang SMC between PAP’s Liang Eng Hwa and SDP’s Paul Tambyah​

In the 2020 General Election, Mr Liang narrowly defeated Prof Tambyah with 53.73 per cent of the vote in the single-seat ward.​

People’s Action Party's (PAP) candidate Liang Eng Hwa (left) will face Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chairman Paul Tambyah at the upcoming polls in Bukit Panjang SMC.

FAST
SINGAPORE: The People’s Action Party’s (PAP) Liang Eng Hwa will again face the Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) Paul Tambyah in Bukit Panjang SMC for the upcoming polls.
Both men were confirmed as candidates for the single seat ward on Nomination Day (Apr 23), setting the stage for a rematch of their 2020 race.
That year, Mr Liang narrowly defeated Prof Tambyah with 53.73 per cent of the vote. The contest was the closest among all SMCs that election.
Mr Liang, a managing director at DBS, served as an MP in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC from 2006 to 2020 before moving to Bukit Panjang SMC.
Prof Tambyah is a senior consultant in infectious diseases at the National University Hospital, and has been SDP’s chairman since 2017.
Both candidates arrived at the nomination centre at Methodist Girls’ School about five minutes apart from each other on Wednesday morning. They exchanged greetings briefly from across the street.
Later, during his balcony speech after his candidacy was confirmed, Mr Liang thanked the constituency's residents for the opportunity to serve them over the past five years.
“Bukit Panjang is a much better place today but there’s always more that we can do. With your trust and support, you can count on me again to work very hard for you,” he said.
His speech was met with loud cheers and chants of “PAP! PAP!” from supporters decked in white at the school's parade square.
His opponent Prof Tambyah, who is recontesting the seat, said to supporters: “Thank you to the 15,576 of you who voted for us the last time. We need just a few more.”
Calling on residents to “vote without fear”, Prof Tambyah asked that they “vote for a Singapore where everyone can thrive”.
SDP supporters, who brought a ukulele, broke out in song after his speech.
Speaking to journalists separately after the nomination proceedings, Prof Tambyah was asked how he felt about going up against Mr Liang again.
He replied it has always been a "friendly contest", and that "Mr Liang has been really gentlemanly in our interactions".
He added: "It’s not personal. It’s not between me and him. It’s about two different parties and two different visions for Singapore

 

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GE2025​

Paul Tambyah and Liang Eng Hwa face off again in Bukit Panjang SMC for GE2025​

SDP’s Paul Tambyah will once again contest PAP’s Liang Eng Hwa in Bukit Panjang SMC, marking a rematch of their closely contested 2020 race. Tambyah thanked the voters who supported him then and urged more to join his cause. ‘Vote without fear,’ he said. ‘Vote for a Singapore where everyone can thrive.

SINGAPORE: Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chairman Paul Tambyah will once again face the People’s Action Party (PAP)’s Liang Eng Hwa in Bukit Panjang Single Member Constituency (SMC).

Both candidates were formally nominated on 23 April 2025, Nomination Day for the upcoming General Election.

A rematch of the closest SMC race in 2020​

During the previous General Election in 2020, Liang secured 53.73 per cent of the vote in Bukit Panjang, defeating Tambyah in what became the narrowest victory margin among all SMCs that year.

Liang, a managing director at DBS, previously served as a Member of Parliament in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC from 2006 to 2020. He transitioned to Bukit Panjang SMC ahead of the last election.

Tambyah, a senior consultant in infectious diseases at the National University Hospital, has chaired the SDP since 2017.

Known for his articulate public engagements, he has often linked public policy issues with his experience in healthcare.

On Wednesday morning, both candidates arrived at the nomination centre at Methodist Girls’ School about five minutes apart. They exchanged brief greetings from across the road.

Appeals to voters during balcony speeches​

In his speech following the confirmation of his candidacy, Liang expressed appreciation to residents for their support over the past five years.

“Bukit Panjang is a much better place today but there’s always more that we can do. With your trust and support, you can count on me again to work very hard for you,” he stated.

Tambyah, addressing supporters shortly after, thanked the 15,576 voters who supported him previously, noting the slim margin and encouraging more to join his cause.

“Vote without fear,” he urged. “Vote for a Singapore where everyone can thrive.”

Tambyah later told the media that the contest remains respectful, calling Liang “gentlemanly” and characterising the race as a matter of differing political visions rather than a personal rivalry.

“It’s not personal. It’s not between me and him. It’s about two different parties and two different visions for Singapore,” he said.

After his speech, SDP supporters celebrated with music, playing a ukulele and singing at the venue.

Singaporeans will cast their votes on 3 May 2025 in the nation’s 14th General Election.

The contest in Bukit Panjang is expected to draw attention once more, given its history and symbolic value.

In a social media post, Tambyah reiterated his message to residents: “We promise that we will work hard for you at home and in Parliament. To speak up so all of us can thrive and not just survive.”

 

[Hightech88]

Looks like SDP got high chance to take this SMC..

Grok AI prediction and analysis (based on real-time data and latest news):
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Context and Background​

In GE 2020, Paul Tambyah secured 46.26% of the vote in Bukit Panjang SMC, losing narrowly to the People’s Action Party (PAP) incumbent Liang Eng Hwa, who won with 53.74%. Bukit Panjang remains the largest SMC in GE 2025, with 33,566 voters, making it a high-stakes battleground. Tambyah, a senior consultant in infectious diseases and SDP chairman since 2017, has maintained a strong presence in the constituency, engaging residents through events like the “Ask Paul Anything” session at Pang Sua Pond on April 8, 2025, where he addressed local concerns such as healthcare, caregiving, and safety. Liang, a four-term MP, has also been active, attending community events like the Fajar Hills family carnival on April 19, 2025, and focusing on infrastructure improvements despite challenges during the COVID-19 period.

Recent news highlights a growing voter appetite for diversity in parliament, as noted by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong post-GE 2020, where he stated PAP is unlikely to exceed 65% voteshare in future elections. This sentiment aligns with analyses suggesting millennial and Gen-Z voters are more receptive to a credible opposition. SDP’s “Thrive, Not Just Survive” manifesto, launched on April 19, 2025, proposes policies like cutting GST, introducing a public housing scheme, and education reforms, which could resonate with voters seeking alternatives. However, Bukit Panjang’s history of close contests and PAP’s incumbency advantage present challenges for SDP.

Three Voteshare Scenarios for Bukit Panjang SMC​

Scenario 1: SDP Voteshare at 48–49% (Slight Increase, Narrow Loss)​

• Context: Tambyah’s 2020 performance (46.26%) was a strong showing for a first-time SDP candidate in Bukit Panjang. A modest 2–3% swing could come from younger voters and those desiring diversity, especially given Tambyah’s continued engagement and SDP’s policy proposals. However, Liang’s incumbency and track record—highlighted by his comments on April 14, 2025, about catching up on projects post-COVID—may retain PAP loyalists.
• Outcome: SDP increases its voteshare to 48–49%, but PAP holds the seat at 51–52%. This scenario reflects a slight shift in voter sentiment but not enough to overcome PAP’s entrenched support base in Bukit Panjang.
• Likelihood: High. The close 2020 result and Liang’s acknowledgment of a “tight contest” suggest a competitive race, but PAP’s historical dominance in the ward (winning 53.74% in 2020) makes a narrow PAP victory plausible.

Scenario 2: SDP Voteshare at 50–51% (Breakthrough Win, Marginal Victory)​

• Context: A 4–5% swing towards SDP could occur if Tambyah capitalizes on voter frustration with PAP policies, such as housing and education inequality, which SDP’s manifesto directly addresses. The “Thrive” proposals, including education reforms like scrapping the PSLE, may appeal to families in Bukit Panjang. Additionally, the broader push for diversity in parliament, as noted by SMU’s Prof Tan, could tip the scales in a straight fight. Tambyah’s April 8, 2025, confirmation of contesting Bukit Panjang and his empathetic engagement with residents bolster his appeal.
• Outcome: SDP wins Bukit Panjang SMC with 50–51%, edging out PAP at 49–50%. This scenario would mark a significant upset, reflecting a stronger voter desire for opposition voices in parliament.
• ** SDP’s Chances**: Moderate to High. Tambyah’s near-win in 2020 and his consistent presence in the constituency position him well. The 2020 margin was just 7.48%, and a swing of this magnitude is feasible given the current political climate.

Scenario 3: SDP Voteshare at 53–55% (Decisive Win, Strong Mandate)​

• Context: A 7–9% swing would require a significant voter backlash against PAP, possibly driven by dissatisfaction with national issues like cost of living or local concerns such as lift upgrading and transport connectivity, which Tambyah noted as resident priorities. SDP’s focus on healthcare, housing, and education, combined with Tambyah’s professional credibility and SDP’s “northern strategy” (focusing on areas like Sembawang alongside Bukit Panjang), could amplify support. The national sentiment for diversity, as highlighted by Wong’s 2020 remarks, might also amplify opposition support in a constituency already showing openness to change.
• Outcome: SDP secures a decisive victory at 53–55%, with PAP dropping to 45–47%. This result would signal a major shift in Bukit Panjang, aligning with a broader opposition surge across Singapore.
• Likelihood: Moderate. While possible, such a large swing requires a perfect storm of local and national discontent. PAP’s historical voteshare in Bukit Panjang (consistently above 53%) and Liang’s gentlemanly rapport with Tambyah, as noted on April 23, 2025, may mitigate a drastic drop.

SDP’s Overall Chances in Bukit Panjang SMC​

Tambyah’s excellent performance in GE 2020 (46.26%) and his sustained engagement with residents give SDP a strong chance to win Bukit Panjang SMC in GE 2025. The national mood favoring diversity, as evidenced by Wong’s comments and SMU Prof Tan’s analysis of younger voters, further boosts SDP’s prospects. Scenario 2 (50–51% voteshare) is the most likely outcome if SDP effectively leverages its manifesto and Tambyah’s credibility, potentially securing the seat with a marginal victory. Scenario 1 (48–49%) remains a realistic fallback, while Scenario 3 (53–55%) would require broader anti-PAP sentiment to materialize. SDP’s chances of winning Bukit Panjang SMC are thus moderately high, with Tambyah’s groundwork and voter sentiment providing a solid foundation for a potential upset.
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[rocket]

Looks like SDP got high chance to take this SMC..

Grok AI prediction and analysis (based on real-time data and latest news):
---------------------------

Context and Background​

In GE 2020, Paul Tambyah secured 46.26% of the vote in Bukit Panjang SMC, losing narrowly to the People’s Action Party (PAP) incumbent Liang Eng Hwa, who won with 53.74%. Bukit Panjang remains the largest SMC in GE 2025, with 33,566 voters, making it a high-stakes battleground. Tambyah, a senior consultant in infectious diseases and SDP chairman since 2017, has maintained a strong presence in the constituency, engaging residents through events like the “Ask Paul Anything” session at Pang Sua Pond on April 8, 2025, where he addressed local concerns such as healthcare, caregiving, and safety. Liang, a four-term MP, has also been active, attending community events like the Fajar Hills family carnival on April 19, 2025, and focusing on infrastructure improvements despite challenges during the COVID-19 period.

Recent news highlights a growing voter appetite for diversity in parliament, as noted by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong post-GE 2020, where he stated PAP is unlikely to exceed 65% voteshare in future elections. This sentiment aligns with analyses suggesting millennial and Gen-Z voters are more receptive to a credible opposition. SDP’s “Thrive, Not Just Survive” manifesto, launched on April 19, 2025, proposes policies like cutting GST, introducing a public housing scheme, and education reforms, which could resonate with voters seeking alternatives. However, Bukit Panjang’s history of close contests and PAP’s incumbency advantage present challenges for SDP.

Three Voteshare Scenarios for Bukit Panjang SMC​

Scenario 1: SDP Voteshare at 48–49% (Slight Increase, Narrow Loss)​

• Context: Tambyah’s 2020 performance (46.26%) was a strong showing for a first-time SDP candidate in Bukit Panjang. A modest 2–3% swing could come from younger voters and those desiring diversity, especially given Tambyah’s continued engagement and SDP’s policy proposals. However, Liang’s incumbency and track record—highlighted by his comments on April 14, 2025, about catching up on projects post-COVID—may retain PAP loyalists.
• Outcome: SDP increases its voteshare to 48–49%, but PAP holds the seat at 51–52%. This scenario reflects a slight shift in voter sentiment but not enough to overcome PAP’s entrenched support base in Bukit Panjang.
• Likelihood: High. The close 2020 result and Liang’s acknowledgment of a “tight contest” suggest a competitive race, but PAP’s historical dominance in the ward (winning 53.74% in 2020) makes a narrow PAP victory plausible.

Scenario 2: SDP Voteshare at 50–51% (Breakthrough Win, Marginal Victory)​

• Context: A 4–5% swing towards SDP could occur if Tambyah capitalizes on voter frustration with PAP policies, such as housing and education inequality, which SDP’s manifesto directly addresses. The “Thrive” proposals, including education reforms like scrapping the PSLE, may appeal to families in Bukit Panjang. Additionally, the broader push for diversity in parliament, as noted by SMU’s Prof Tan, could tip the scales in a straight fight. Tambyah’s April 8, 2025, confirmation of contesting Bukit Panjang and his empathetic engagement with residents bolster his appeal.
• Outcome: SDP wins Bukit Panjang SMC with 50–51%, edging out PAP at 49–50%. This scenario would mark a significant upset, reflecting a stronger voter desire for opposition voices in parliament.
• ** SDP’s Chances**: Moderate to High. Tambyah’s near-win in 2020 and his consistent presence in the constituency position him well. The 2020 margin was just 7.48%, and a swing of this magnitude is feasible given the current political climate.

Scenario 3: SDP Voteshare at 53–55% (Decisive Win, Strong Mandate)​

• Context: A 7–9% swing would require a significant voter backlash against PAP, possibly driven by dissatisfaction with national issues like cost of living or local concerns such as lift upgrading and transport connectivity, which Tambyah noted as resident priorities. SDP’s focus on healthcare, housing, and education, combined with Tambyah’s professional credibility and SDP’s “northern strategy” (focusing on areas like Sembawang alongside Bukit Panjang), could amplify support. The national sentiment for diversity, as highlighted by Wong’s 2020 remarks, might also amplify opposition support in a constituency already showing openness to change.
• Outcome: SDP secures a decisive victory at 53–55%, with PAP dropping to 45–47%. This result would signal a major shift in Bukit Panjang, aligning with a broader opposition surge across Singapore.
• Likelihood: Moderate. While possible, such a large swing requires a perfect storm of local and national discontent. PAP’s historical voteshare in Bukit Panjang (consistently above 53%) and Liang’s gentlemanly rapport with Tambyah, as noted on April 23, 2025, may mitigate a drastic drop.

SDP’s Overall Chances in Bukit Panjang SMC​

Tambyah’s excellent performance in GE 2020 (46.26%) and his sustained engagement with residents give SDP a strong chance to win Bukit Panjang SMC in GE 2025. The national mood favoring diversity, as evidenced by Wong’s comments and SMU Prof Tan’s analysis of younger voters, further boosts SDP’s prospects. Scenario 2 (50–51% voteshare) is the most likely outcome if SDP effectively leverages its manifesto and Tambyah’s credibility, potentially securing the seat with a marginal victory. Scenario 1 (48–49%) remains a realistic fallback, while Scenario 3 (53–55%) would require broader anti-PAP sentiment to materialize. SDP’s chances of winning Bukit Panjang SMC are thus moderately high, with Tambyah’s groundwork and voter sentiment providing a solid foundation for a potential upset.
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Vote Dr Paul Tambyah

 

[myfoot123]

Pau Tambyah is a super heavy weight SDP candidate. Very loyal fellow and a senior doctor. I hope Bukit Panjang votes for him than the PAP low SES nobody candidate.

 

[bobby]

A good Kekling is a Kekling that can defeat PAP

 

[NanoSpeed]

Vote Dr Paul Tambyah

SDP will take this SMC for sure.

The image of Dr Chee has improved. He is no longer a jobless JLB. He is now a restauranteur and Sinkies look up to material success. His renewed and positive image will help Dr Thambyah to salvage at least 5% more of the votes. But I guess Dr Thambyah will win close to 60%, about 58%.

 

[rocket]

SDP will take this SMC for sure.

The image of Dr Chee has improved. He is no longer a jobless JLB. He is now a restauranteur and Sinkies look up to material success. His renewed and positive image will help Dr Thambyah to salvage at least 5% more of the votes. But I guess Dr Thambyah will win close to 60%, about 58%.

Nice one there

 

[rocket]

Pau Tambyah is a super heavy weight SDP candidate. Very loyal fellow and a senior doctor. I hope Bukit Panjang votes for him than the PAP low SES nobody candidate.

I also hope he win

 

[Charlie99]

SDP will take this SMC for sure.

The image of Dr Chee has improved. He is no longer a jobless JLB. He is now a restauranteur and Sinkies look up to material success. His renewed and positive image will help Dr Thambyah to salvage at least 5% more of the votes. But I guess Dr Thambyah will win close to 60%, about 58%.

I hope, and believe that Dr. Paul T has a very good chance to be elected.
A calm, caring and knowledgeable specialist.
Singaporeans need an MP like Dr. Paul T.

 

[3_M]

PT is the only hope for SDP. The rest can go fly kite.

 

[zeddy]

It's a shame if this good doctor is not elected to Parliament.

 

[bigozt]

Mad Dog Cheebye will forever be stain on SDP. Sorry Dr T, this one for Uncle Chiam

 

[TanSong]

Up

 

[rocket]

Prof Paul Anantharajah Tambyah​

Designations:​

• Senior Consultant, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital
• Professor, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore

Qualifications:​

MBBS (S'pore), Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases

Specialties/Sub-specialties:​

Infectious Diseases

Clinical Disciplines/Programmes:​

Medicine

Special Interests:​

Clinical trials, investigational agents and nosocomial infections

 

[TanSong]

By the name of meritocracy, pap should request all people to vote for Dr Tambiah instead of candidate with dubious credentials such as lesbo Poh Lee San

 

[rocket]

 

[TanSong]

By the name of meritocracy, pap should request all people to vote for Dr Tambiah instead of candidate with dubious credentials such as lesbo Poh Lee San

Dear @k1976
Pls choose

 

[k1976]

I vote for this one

 

[k1976]

@TanSong….Goddess of Workers …no need to choice