PSP's Tony Tan calls on PAP's Henry Kwek to debate senior citizens' issues

Progress Singapore Party (PSP) candidate for Kebun Baru SMC, Tony Tan, has asked incumbent People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Henry Kwek for a response to his invitation for "public discourse".

Speaking to the media before a walkabout at Mayflower Market and Food Centre, Tan shared that he has interacted with many senior citizens during his campaign so far, and has had numerous exchanges that Kwek "may find useful".

Tan expressed the hope that Kwek would accept the invitation to debate, emphasising that being a Member of Parliament (MP) is not merely about soundbites but about the need to debate, especially in Parliament, on matters of policy.

He made the point that Kwek is the Vice-Chair of the PAP's Seniors Group, and therefore would be suited to discuss such issues.

When asked about Kwek’s response during a doorstop the previous day — where Kwek said the shaping of policies for Singapore "does not need to be adversarial" — Tan replied that "debating is not adversarial".

He said it is important to hear differing views, especially those that challenge one’s plans, in order to "help shape and better the plans".

Kwek, meanwhile, had also said during his doorstop that they will use "many means of advocating" for Singaporeans, including parliamentary questions, speeches in Parliament and participating actively in debates, reported The Straits Times.

Nonetheless, Tan asked Kwek to give him a "yes or no" reply on whether he intends to take up the invitation, if it's the latter, that's "ok" but he would know it's not happening.

Will serve as MP full-time

Tan also shared that if elected, he plans to serve as an MP "full-time".

He pledged to spend his mornings running programmes to support the elderly, particularly those who live alone or are unwell.

In the evenings, he aims to organise events for residents to "mix and mingle", in hopes of building a stronger sense of community.

He also pledged that his first parliamentary question, if elected, would be to ask why the government intends to allocate S$5 billion to develop Singapore’s stock market.

At this point, Tan remarked that we are facing an "economic crisis on hand", citing U.S. tariffs and the rising cost of living.

On the issue of cost of living, Tan said there is growing anxiety among both the elderly and younger Singaporeans.

Rounding up his doorstop, Tan said that regardless of the election outcome, the government should fully support younger Singaporeans and explore ways to assist them in areas such as education.

Top photo by Khine Zin Htet/Mothership