Chiam See Tong celebrates 90th birthday, SPP promises to 'extend his legacy' in Potong Pasir & Bishan-Toa Payoh

Chiam See Tong celebrated his 90th birthday on Mar. 12, 2025.

His wife, Lina Chiam, marked the occasion on her Facebook:

"We wish Chiam See Tong a healthy and blessed birthday with many years of joy and fulfillment in the years to come," she wrote.

The post was shared by the Singapore People's Party (SPP) on their Facebook page, with a caption affirming that they will be contesting Potong Pasir Single Member Constituency (SMC) and Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for the upcoming 2025 General Election (GE):

"We will work hard to win the hearts of Potong Pasir and Bishan-Toa Payoh residents. We will reach out and extend your legacy for more years to come."

"Lion of Potong Pasir"

Chiam retired after 39 years in politics, before the 2015 GE, at the age of 80, due to health reasons.

He was Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) from 1980 to 1993.

During the 1984 GE, Chiam won against People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Mah Bow Tan in Potong Pasir SMC.

He stepped down as SDP leader in 1993, and thereafter joined the Singapore People's Party (SPP), eventually becoming their leader.

Chiam served for 27 years as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Potong Pasir SMC, from 1984 to 2011.

During the 2011 GE, Chiam did not contest his seat in Potong Pasir but led the SPP to contest Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC instead. He would lose to the PAP team there.

PAP MP Sitoh Yih Pin has been holding the single seat in Potong Pasir since 2011.

Potong Pasir SMC

During the previous GE in 2020, Sitoh won against SPP candidate Jose Raymond.

Ahead of this year's election, the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) has made some changes to Potong Pasir SMC.

Due to the new Bidadari developments, and consequent high population growth in the area, the EBRC has moved some polling districts in Potong Pasir SMC to Marine Parade GRC.

With the EBRC report, five SMCs were removed, while six new ones were added, bringing the new total number of SMCs to 15.

Top photo from Lina Chiam/Facebook & Singapore People's Party/Facebook