A Losing Opposition Party Member ‘May Be Lost Forever’: PSP Chief

Leong Mun Wai says diversity in Parliament is the best insurance for long-term survival

- Syarafana Shafeeq

A PAP candidate who loses this election can still be appointed as a grassroots adviser or be fielded in the next election, but a losing opposition party member "may be lost forever", PSP chief Leong Mun Wai said on May 1.

Speaking at a rally on the final night of campaigning, Mr Leong, who is part of the party's slate contesting West Coast-Jurong West GRC, said: "We have gone through five years of probation and are ready to serve you as elected MPs – to be your voice in Parliament for both national and local issues."

Mr Leong and PSP's first vice-chair Hazel Poa had entered Parliament after the 2020 General Election as NCMPs, as they were the "best losers" then. Both the PAP and PSP had faced off in the then West Coast GRC in 2020, with the PAP winning 51.68 per cent of the vote.

Mr Leong told residents that voting in an opposition party was "not an act of ungratefulness".

"Your vote for the opposition is about renewal," he said. "Diversity is the best insurance for long-term survival in this changed world."

In his speech, he also sought to establish that PSP candidates could focus on both national and municipal issues.

The Government can create five- or 10-year plans for its constituencies, Mr Leong said, but MPs bear the responsibility of highlighting important issues for residents in Parliament.