"I believe the processes of good governance have gone astray."

These were the strong words by former People's Action Party (PAP) MP and 2011 Presidential runner-up Tan Cheng Bock at a press conference, held on July 26, marking the inauguration of his new party, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP).

Elaborating on his stance, Tan said there had been an erosion of transparency, independence and accountability -- the foundations that created trust between the government and the people.

He added that Singapore is in need of a good political system that requires a strong system of checks and balances.

A credible alternative to the ruling party

As for his rationale for setting up PSP, Tan said it was not an easy decision to do.

He added that in his various walkabouts, many Singaporeans had voiced their desire to have a credible alternative to the ruling party.

Moreover, these Singaporeans had urged Tan to step up once more to rally the people.

Elaborating on the sentiments underpinning such a desire, Tan said:

"They feel that the current system is imbalanced. Many are concerned that a government with an overwhelming majority in Parliament is going to fail to take in different perspectives, different ideas and just push their policies without due consideration of sentiment from the people and the longer-term consequences."

transparency, independence and accountability

A party that brings positive politics and unifies

In lieu of such concerns, Tan added that PSP has since set the aim of offering people a party that brings positive politics into the political landscape of Singapore.

As for what this entailed, Tan explained:

"I mean a space where people can come forward to share and debate policies, opinions and ideas with respect for each other despite a difference of views, without fear of being judged or shamed or other consequences that come from speaking a different point of view."

Tan added that this also meant PSP values a good mix and diversity of people within its ranks, with the party currently in need of people from multiple backgrounds and vocations.

Tan said:

"As more and more come forward, I really hope the fear factor will diminish, and they will be encouraged by those coming before them."

Lee Kuan Yew was not looking for "Yes Men"

Tan also harkened back to his initial days of recruitment into the PAP, a time when Lee had said to him:

"I am not looking for Yes Men. I need people like you to help me."

Tan said this was how he came to develop his ethos and sense of duty of always putting the country and people first.

As for instances in which he did not toe the party line, Tan first highlighted an example in 1999, on the matter of foreign talent, recounting the incident as such:

"In 1999, when they wanted to bring in more foreign talent, I said, 'We are in a recession, we must make sure our Singaporeans come first during this time.' They were very upset with me -- George Yeo and Lee Kuan Yew."

As for another example, Tan highlighted a moment in which he voted against the PAP, despite the party whip, on the matter of Nominated MPs.

Here, Tan painted the moment as such:

"I believed then, and I still believe now, that Members of Parliament, who vote on bills in the House, MUST have the mandate of the people. They should not be chosen by a committee. So I took a stand. It seemed to me that party interest was put above national interest. But I was the lone voice."

PSP will aim to nurture the younger generation

Tan then segued into revealing the second aim of PSP -- that of mentoring and guiding a team of younger members.

Giving his praise to the first-generation of PAP leaders, Tan stated that it was their generation which had inspired people to join their party and place country before self.

In explaining how this ethos would form the basis of mentoring the younger generation, Tan stated:

"I want to encourage and nurture that same spirit of selflessness and public service which I see in our younger members, and guide them to approach public service in a practical and pragmatic manner, with a longer-term view. We will not choose immediate economic gains, but aim instead for longer term sustainability."

Tan further cited his 26 years of experience in Parliament, and added that he would also draw on his experience of running town councils, a community development council and the Feedback unit.

However, Tan clarified that his team also remained open to new ideas and contributions despite their experience.

Party must be a "unifying catalyst"

Tan subsequently concluded by reiterating that it was his desire for PSP to be a "unifying catalyst" that brought people together.

In extending an invitation to Singaporeans to attend the party's launch on Aug. 3, Tan said:

"I want PSP to serve as a unifying catalyst, to bring people together, from all corners of society, working towards a better system for Singapore, united by a common cause-- the love of our country and our fellow country men and women...We need to build up our strength and capabilities...We need to more Singaporeans to come help us."

Top photo by Andrew Koay