Tan Cheng Bock urges young PSP supporters not to lose heart, praises Desmond Lee for conducting campaign 'admirably'

The Progress Singapore Party lost its parliamentary presence in this general election, as it failed to win all constituencies it contested.

After the sample count results were released, secretary-general Leong Mun Wai commented last night that the results were "shocking" to the party and they will take time to review their strategy and regroup themselves.

Founder and chairman of the party Tan Cheng Bock, who celebrated his 85th birthday recently, shared key thoughts on social media the day after election results on May 4.

Tan thanked all who voted for PSP for their support, and for those who didn't vote for his party, Tan said that they would work harder to gain their trust.

Tan also congratulated his opponents at West Coast-Jurong West GRC, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee and team, in his post.

He thanked Lee for his "gracious message to PSP" and praised him for conducting the campaign admirably, adding that Lee "set an example that many in [PAP] would do well to follow".

Lee credited PSP for mounting “a very strong contest, for raising good ideas and for engaging with us for a better Singapore” after the sample count results were released.

Lee also told reporters that the contest was a "very dignified" and "robust" one.

In his social media post, Tan encouraged his supporters, especially the young ones, to not lose heart.

"You are Singapore's future, and PSP remains your platform," Tan said.

He also told his supporters that their songs and cheers energised him during the past 10 days of campaign.

You can also read his full post here:

Post-Election: Early Thoughts

Our party went through a rough night. I have many thoughts, but allow me to share a few important ones today.

To those who voted PSP, we offer our deepest and most heartfelt thanks. We never take your support for granted.

To those who did not vote PSP, we respect your choice and humbly pledge to work harder to earn your trust in the future. Thank you for being patient with us.

To Minister Desmond Lee and your team, the voters of WCJW GRC have given you an immense honour - which is their vote and trust for the next term. My team and I offer our sincere congratulations for your electoral success. I especially thank you for your gracious message to PSP last night, for “putting up a strong contest, for raising good ideas, and for engaging with us for a better Singapore”. Minister Lee, you have conducted your campaign admirably – setting an example that many in your party would do well to follow.

Finally, to our faithful members and supporters — words fall short at moments like this. I share your hurt and disappointment.

But let me encourage you one more time.

You have punched above your weight for PSP in this campaign. Together, we stood not just against political opponents, but against an entire machinery who came at us with boundary line changes and limitless resources. And yet, you brought courage, heart and an unquenchable spirit. On a personal note, your songs and loud cheers energised this 85 year old during my campaign rounds. Thank you.

To our young supporters, don’t lose heart. You are Singapore’s future, and PSP remains your platform.

Today, we tend to our political wounds. But in time, those wounds will heal. And the scars we carry will not be marks of defeat, but lasting reminders that we dared to stand up, we dared to speak out, and together, we made sacrifices — not just for ourselves, but for the common good of all Singaporeans.

For country, for people.

Top image by Mothership and from Tan Cheng Bock's Facebook