Tan Cheng Bock, Hazel Poa Step Down From PSP Leadership as Party Launches Renewal Plan

Progress Singapore Party (PSP) founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock and one of its former Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs), vice-chair Hazel Poa, have stepped down from the party's leadership body.

- Ng Wei Kai

Party treasurer S. Nallakaruppan has also stepped down from the central executive committee (CEC), the party announced in a press release on July 5.

Dr Tan will be replaced as chairman by Mr A'bas Kasmani, who was previously second vice-chair, while Mr Anthony Neo, previously assistant treasurer, will replace Mr Nallakaruppan as treasurer.

Dr Tan, Ms Poa and Mr Nallakaruppan—who were unsuccessful candidates at the May general election—will remain members of the party, the PSP said. Dr Tan has been designated party adviser.

The CEC also co-opted three new members, all of whom also stood under the party banner in GE2025: Mr Sani Ismail, Mr Lawrence Pek and Ms Stephanie Tan.

Mr Sani, a lawyer, contested West Coast-Jurong West GRC, while Mr Pek, a former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, contested Chua Chu Kang GRC.

Ms Tan, a homemaker and former lawyer, ran in Pioneer—a single-seat constituency. All three lost their races to candidates from the ruling People's Action Party.

The trio have not taken on any specific positions on the CEC, which is the party's highest decision-making body.

At a press conference at the party's headquarters in Bukit Timah Shopping Centre on July 5, party chief Leong Mun Wai thanked those stepping down, and said this is a "big moment" for the PSP.

He said: "We are launching a renewed party today."

The plan for renewal will involve four key areas, Mr Leong said.