Newest opposition political party, Singaporeans First Party, says they're open to forming a coalition with other parties

Election fever heats up as newest party in Singapore showcases its founding members, some of which were from the PAP.

Belmont Lay| May 25, 01:19 PM

Former presidential candidate Tan Jee Say has founded a new political party.

At a press conference on May 25, 2014, Tan unveiled the Singaporeans First Party and said this latest outfit will champion policies to build a fair society with esteemed people and strong families, not treat citizens as economic digits and provide more social support and safety nets.

The party's manifesto is "Fair Society, Strong Families and Esteemed People” and was announced along with a list of 11 founding members.

The 11 founding members of the party are:

1. Dr Ang Yong Guan, psychiatrist and ex-grassroots leader

2. Tan Jee Say, financial adviser, ex-civil servant, banker and fund manager

3. Dr Loke Pak Hoe, Director of 3 multinational educational companies

4. Fahmi Rais, communications professional, ex-Young PAP and Legislative Assistant

5. Dr David Foo Ming Jin, chemist, logistics professional and ex-Young PAP

6. Tan Peng Ann, social entrepreneur, retired SAF officer and ex-PAP grassroots leader

7. Winston Lim, architect and town planner

8. Fatimah Akthar, architect

9. Michael Chia, retired engineer and volunteer social worker

10. David Tan LK, educationist and ex-grassroots leader

11. Jamie Lee Swee Yan, certified SAP IT professional and project manager

Tan, 60, is the party leader. A financial adviser and fund manager, he was formerly the principal private secretary to then Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.

In 2011 general election, he and Dr Ang ran together under the SDP banner in the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC.

At the press conference, Tan said they are keen to form a coalition party with other opposition parties for next general election: "We have enough people to contest in minimally 2 GRCs, maybe even 3 or 4. We expect more people to join us."

Founding member Ang, 59, also said the Singaporeans First Party logo stands for thinking with heart, and not just with the brain, which the PAP has been doing.

 

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