GE2025: PAP rejects call to debate with PSP’s West Coast-Jurong West GRC team
PAP’s team says there are platforms to debate policies during the elections
[SINGAPORE] The opposition Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) slate for West Coast-Jurong West GRC has invited its PAP counterpart to a debate during the general election “to let voters decide who has the better policies”.
The invitation was issued by PSP’s secretary-general Leong Mun Wai during his speech to supporters on Wednesday (Apr 23) afternoon, after candidates from both parties successfully filed their nomination papers at Nan Hua High.
In a response issued later that evening, National Development Minister Desmond Lee, who is heading the PAP team for the constituency, said that there are platforms for political parties to debate policies during the general election, and asked PSP to publish its local plans for residents to study.
The PSP slate comprises Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) Leong and Hazel Poa, as well as first-time candidates Sumarleki Amjah and Sani Ismail.
Apart from Lee, the other candidates on the PAP team are Senior Parliamentary Secretary Shawn Huang, three-term MP Ang Wei Neng, and new faces Hamid Razak and Cassandra Lee.
Speaking to reporters at Jurong West Market shortly after the nominations, Leong said that PSP had suggested a debate as it felt that a healthy debate on policies would make for a good election.
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He noted that he and Poa have suggested alternative policies to the government during their term as NCMPs. PSP has also issued a manifesto with various policy recommendations.
“So we really wish that our opponent, Minister Desmond Lee and his team could actually debate us on the policy and then let the voters decide who has better ideas.”
Poa, who is also the vice-chairperson of PSP, added that the party would be open to a debate in any format and on any topic with the PAP team.
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When asked about the invitation, PAP’s Lee, who was unveiling the party’s manifesto for the GRC at a separate media conference, said that he would respond to it on another occasion as he wanted residents to understand PAP’s plans for the constituency.
The manifesto covers nine areas the PAP team will focus on if elected. These include addressing the cost of living, supporting seniors and helping jobseekers.
It also suggests ways to support families and youths, as well as empower disabled persons and those in need. The manifesto also proposes infrastructural upgrades and improving greenery in the GRC.
In a subsequent statement issued to the media on the matter, Lee said that political parties that say they have walked the ground should also be able to put out detailed proposals to benefit residents.
“We have done so. We ask PSP to publish these local plans for residents to study,” said Lee.
He added that there are platforms to debate policies during the elections. Parties can also publish their policy ideas in their manifestoes.
“Voters can scrutinise these plans during the general election,” said Lee.
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