S'pore's People's Power Party withdraws from opposition alliance People's Alliance for Reform

The People's Power Party (PPP) has announced its withdrawal from an alliance of opposition parties, citing "irreconcilable strategic differences" with regard to the upcoming general election which must be held by November 2025.

PPP withdraws from PAR

In a Facebook statement on Feb. 22, PPP said that it has always been "actively advocating for greater unity among opposition parties since [its] establishment in 2015" and pushed for an opposition alliance in 2020.

The People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) was formed in June 2023, comprising People's Voice, The Reform Party, People's Power Party, and the Democratic Progressive Party.

Citing "irreconcilable strategic differences for GE2025", PPP said that its withdrawal would ensure the alliance could continue to function as "an effective political force in the upcoming GE without unnecessary disruptions" that might arise from the parties' fundamental strategic differences.

"PPP wishes PAR all the best in GE2025 and we are open for future collaboration with PAR should the opportunities arise," said the party.

Disagreements on contesting Tampines GRC, position on Covid-19 vaccine: PAR's Secretary-General Lim Tean

Secretary-General PAR Lim Tean posted a response to the PPP's withdrawal on Facebook, saying that the PPP had insisted on contesting the Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

The other three parties—People's Voice, The Reform Party, and the Democratic Progressive Party—disagreed on the contestation, as it might potentially lead to "a four-corner fight".

"We also could not agree to PPP’s position on the Covid-19 vaccine," Lim added.

In June 2024, PPP urged the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to temporarily suspend the administration of Covid-19 vaccines due to reports of "adverse effects associated with Covid-19 vaccination".

MOH has since refuted the claims, noting that the list of scientific articles cited by PPP was mostly from the same group of authors, including some who have been known to promote messages against Covid-19 vaccination.

Lim emphasised that the PAR is "a true coalition of parties and not merely a loose gathering", and as such they will fight GE2025 with a common manifesto.

PAR plans to focus on issues like the cost of living and public housing, giving priority to Singaporeans for jobs, and significantly reducing immigration.

The remaining three parties "will be fielding our strongest teams and candidates in the GRCs and SMCs we shall be contesting, in order to defeat the PAP", said Lim.

Top image via PPP and PAR Facebook