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Following the conclusion of the Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) rally on 24 April 2025, SDP Secretary-General Dr Chee Soon Juan was asked by the media to respond to remarks made by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung at a PAP rally, which questioned Dr Chee’s decision to contest in Sembawang West SMC instead of Bukit Batok, where he had previously stood.
Dr Chee dismissed the criticism as a distraction from substantive issues. “It’s a silly season for people right now,” he said. “When they find that they cannot talk about the issues, when they cannot talk about the policies, they start attacking the person.”
He added that voters are tired of such tactics and want a contest centred on real concerns. “They want to see a good debate, a good contest—but on the policies, on what affects them.”
Addressing the cost-of-living crisis, Dr Chee questioned the timing of recent government actions such as raising insurance premiums and implementing the 9% GST amid post-pandemic economic strain. “It doesn’t sound like somebody who’s very caring,” he said, asking if Ong had ever urged his fellow Cabinet colleagues to delay the GST hike out of concern for public welfare.
He also pointed to hikes in insurance premiums and overcrowded living conditions as further burdens. “Block after block after block of flats with very little space,” he said, inviting policymakers to walk through Sembawang with him to see the conditions residents face.
When asked whether the SDP would actively manage the constituency if elected, Dr Chee said: “Yes, we’ll run the constituency as it’s happening right now.”
He concluded by stating that upcoming campaign speeches would focus on other key issues, including immigration policy, and reiterated that SDP would keep the spotlight on substantive, people-centred proposals.
Dr Chee dismissed the criticism as a distraction from substantive issues. “It’s a silly season for people right now,” he said. “When they find that they cannot talk about the issues, when they cannot talk about the policies, they start attacking the person.”
He added that voters are tired of such tactics and want a contest centred on real concerns. “They want to see a good debate, a good contest—but on the policies, on what affects them.”
Addressing the cost-of-living crisis, Dr Chee questioned the timing of recent government actions such as raising insurance premiums and implementing the 9% GST amid post-pandemic economic strain. “It doesn’t sound like somebody who’s very caring,” he said, asking if Ong had ever urged his fellow Cabinet colleagues to delay the GST hike out of concern for public welfare.
He also pointed to hikes in insurance premiums and overcrowded living conditions as further burdens. “Block after block after block of flats with very little space,” he said, inviting policymakers to walk through Sembawang with him to see the conditions residents face.
When asked whether the SDP would actively manage the constituency if elected, Dr Chee said: “Yes, we’ll run the constituency as it’s happening right now.”
He concluded by stating that upcoming campaign speeches would focus on other key issues, including immigration policy, and reiterated that SDP would keep the spotlight on substantive, people-centred proposals.
