Progress Singapore Party set for hotly contested leadership election

The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) will vote in its top leadership body on March 20, with 24 candidates set to vie for 12 elected seats on the central executive committee (CEC).

- Ng Wei Kai

The current committee was elected in 2023, and comprises secretary-general Hazel Poa, former party chief Leong Mun Wai, chairman Tan Cheng Bock and 11 others.

The Straits Times has learnt that most of them, other than assistant secretary-general Ang Yong Guan, will seek re-election, alongside a mix of long-time volunteers and new faces.

Dr Ang said earlier in 2025 that he would not stand in the CEC or general election following a three-year suspension of his medical licence.

The new CEC will later decide the party's secretary-general—its leader.

Observers said the only two serious candidates for the post are its Non-Constituency MPs—Ms Poa and Mr Leong.

As the party gears up for the 2025 General Election, it would be surprising if its cadres chose anyone else for the top job, Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan said.

He added: "With the original leaders from five years ago less prominent, Mr Leong and Ms Poa are most visible."

The party's roughly 100 cadres—its inner circle—will vote for 12 members of the new CEC on March 20. The CEC will then co-opt two more cadres to form a 14-member body, and later decide who will take up party leadership positions within it.