Energy within PSP matches my passion: new face Sani Ismail on right moment to join politics

"I have been looking at Singapore's political landscape, waiting for the right moment to participate in it, because I have a lot of passion, and I found that the energy within PSP (Progress Singapore Party) matches with what I have and what I hope to achieve," said one of the political party's new faces, Sani Ismail.

Speaking to the media during a walkabout at Boon Lay Place Food Village on Apr. 5, Sani expressed his hope to reach a level where Singaporeans can "understand and appreciate" differing viewpoints in the interest of improving policies.

"I think Singaporeans, we are ready for it," he said.

Sani joined PSP seven to nine months ago and has been actively participating in various walkabouts and door-to-door visits with the team.

Meeting residents at walkabouts

According to his Facebook, Sani has previously participated in walkabouts at Choa Chu Kang and at the Taman Jurong Market & Food Centre.

When asked by the media if the locations of his walkabouts indicate where he plans to contest, Sani neither confirmed nor denied it, explaining that the party is active in different areas and that he "merely goes out and helps the local teams."

"And as it so happens, I'm here today," he said.

On his strategy for reaching out to residents, Sani mentioned that he has been "very physical" in various areas to meet residents.

"Residents were very welcoming to see us," he said.

He also shared that many residents have raised concerns with him about issues such as the rising cost of living, the need for affordable housing, and the growing social inequality.

"I think residents I’ve met during my door-to-door visits would understand that I hope they can feel that I'm a very genuine person, very approachable, and that I have their interests at heart and a good listening ear," he later added.

Sani is currently working as the managing director and in-house legal counsel of management consultancy firm Deesolo International.

Other new faces

Another new face, Stephanie Tan, also greeted residents during the walkabout, engaging in conversations as she handed out flyers and tissue packets.

She was previously spotted at a walkabout with PSP founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock at Clementi 448 Market and Food Centre.

A PSP newsletter revealed that the 36-year-old graduated from the Faculty of Law at the National University of Singapore and is currently a full-time housewife.

Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Hazel Poa was also present at the walkabout, along with Sumarleki Amjah, a former Workers' Party volunteer.

Both were seen conversing with residents who came up to them.

Sumarleki has been with the PSP since mid-2024 and was one of the new faces at PSP's first walkabout in Taman Jurong.

He is also the head of Packaged Food and Business Development at Del Monte and was featured in their volunteer series.

Samuel Lim, the youngest Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the PSP at the age of 29, was also present at the walkabout in Boon Lay.

Another person present at the walkabout was Poa's husband Tony Tan Lay Thiam, who introduced himself as a member of the party.

Tan and Poa both contested in 2011 general election as National Solidarity Party candidates in Chua Chu Kang GRC.

They met when they were both students at the University of Cambridge.

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Top photos by Mothership