Review of #PAP and #SPP Manifestos (Excerpts) complete version 2

Briefing Document: Review of PAP and SPP Manifestos (Excerpts)

This briefing document analyzes key themes and proposals presented in excerpts from the manifestos of the People's Action Party (PAP) https://www.pap.org.sg/manifesto/ and the Singapore People's Party (SPP) https://singaporepeoplesparty.org/manifesto2025/ for the 2025 General Election.

Overall Themes and Approach:

Both parties address a range of national issues, reflecting common concerns among Singaporeans. However, their approaches and proposed solutions exhibit notable differences.

• PAP: The PAP presents a comprehensive vision across nine distinct chapters, highlighting their track record and outlining plans for the future. Their approach emphasizes continuity, building upon existing foundations, and a focus on a "Dynamic Economy – Opportunities For All" and "A More United Team – A Stronger Singapore." Their proposals tend towards enhancing existing schemes, investing in infrastructure, and adopting new technologies.
• SPP: The SPP manifesto, titled "IT IS TIME," adopts a more direct and assertive tone, explicitly addressing challenges faced by Singaporeans and proposing specific policy changes. Their key themes revolve around Accountability, Commitment, and Empathy (A.C.E), with a strong focus on addressing the rising cost of living, job security, housing affordability, and democratic reforms.

Key Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Economy and Cost of Living:

• PAP: Aims to "grow a dynamic economy that generates jobs and opportunities for all." They propose supporting PMETs and nurturing Singaporean leaders, strengthening fair employment safeguards, maintaining Singapore as a business hub, investing in infrastructure (transport and digital), adopting new technologies (including AI), and securing clean energy. They also plan to support businesses, particularly SMEs, through tax rebates, schemes like the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme, and help with manpower, capital, and market expansion. To address cost pressures, they mention providing support for households through CDC vouchers, cash payouts, and utilities rebates.
• Quote (PAP, A Dynamic Economy): "We want a Singapore where opportunities abound, and there is pride and recognition in every job."
• Quote (PAP, For Every Singaporean): "Like many other countries, Singapore faces cost pressures... But we have actively shielded Singaporeans from these rising costs."
• SPP: Directly addresses the "Rising Costs of Living, Inflation" as a key theme. They propose concrete measures to alleviate financial burdens. These include a Yearly Balanced Budget with annual distribution of surpluses as CDC vouchers (with more for lower-income), a GST Freeze until specific conditions are met, and the expansion and implementation of a Living Wage Policy to ensure low-income workers can meet basic needs. They also propose Progressive Taxation by raising income tax on the top 2% and reintroducing estate duty for the ultra-high-net-worth.
• Quote (SPP, Economic Stability & Fairness): "Singaporeans face rising cost of living with stagnant wages, straining youth saving for the future, families raising children, and seniors with shrinking retirement funds."
• Quote (SPP, Economic Stability & Fairness): "GST Freeze: Halt GST increases until the cumulative budget deficit exceeds 3% of government revenue for three consecutive years."
• Quote (SPP, Economic Stability & Fairness): "Living Wage Policy: Expand and implement a living wage policy to ensure low-income workers and families can meet basic needs."

2. Employment and Job Security:

• PAP: Focuses on providing "more support for PMETs," "nurtur[ing] more Singaporean corporate leaders," and "strengthen[ing] safeguards for fair employment, including through the Workplace Fairness Act." They also aim to make it easier for businesses to access manpower.
• Quote (PAP, A Dynamic Economy): "We will provide more support for PMETs, and nurture more Singaporean corporate leaders."
• SPP: Identifies "Job Insecurity, Unemployment" as a major concern. Their proposals aim to prioritize local workers and address competition from foreign talent. They suggest Local Hiring Incentives through tax breaks and higher local hiring quotas, codifying TAFEP guidelines into law, and Flexible Retirement by abolishing the statutory age of 63 and offering incentives for hiring seniors. They also propose reviewing the CECA agreement with India, gradually reducing Special/Employment Pass quotas and dependency ratios in automatable sectors, and encouraging automation.
• Quote (SPP, Employment & Job Security): "Job insecurity—from automation, retrenchment fears, under-employment and foreign talent competition—affects youth entering the workforce, all working adults, and seniors nearing retirement."
• Quote (SPP, Employment & Job Security): "Local Hiring Incentives: Offer tax breaks to businesses prioritising Singaporean PMETs and enforce higher local hiring quotas with a raised Local Qualifying Salary."

3. Housing and Retirement Security:

• PAP: Reaffirms the commitment to ensuring "Every Singaporean will always have the opportunity to own a high quality, affordable home." They highlight their building program and plans to launch 100,000 new HDB flats between 2021 and 2025. Future plans include building over 50,000 new flats in the next three years, increasing Shorter Waiting Time flats, exploring options for higher-income couples and singles, acting to maintain a stable property market, and planning for HDB town rejuvenation. They also introduce a new classification framework (Standard, Plus, Prime BTO flats) to keep flats in choice locations accessible.
• Quote (PAP, More Affordable Public Housing): "Every Singaporean will always have the opportunity to own a high quality, affordable home."
• SPP: Addresses "Housing Affordability, Retirement Adequacy." They propose lowering the minimum age for singles to apply for HDB flats to 30, expanding the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) to all estates nearing lease expiry, and gradually phasing out ethnic quotas in HDB estates.
• Quote (SPP, Housing and Retirement Security): "High private property prices and HDB lease decay trouble Singaporean buyers and owners alike."
• Quote (SPP, Housing and Retirement Security): "Singles Citizen HDB Scheme: Lower the minimum age for singles to apply for BTO or resale HDB flats to 30 years old."

4. Social Support and Welfare:

• PAP: Emphasizes providing "The Support That You Need" for every Singaporean, particularly in the face of cost pressures. They detail support for households, parents (expanded parental leave, lower pre-school fees, support for large families), Singaporeans needing more support (reinforcing social safety nets, enhancing Workfare, extending Progressive Wages, ComLink+ for lower-income families, support for disadvantaged children), and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) (strengthening post-18 transition, boosting employment, subsidizing disability services, piloting community living models). They also focus on "Financial Security And Peace Of Mind" for seniors, outlining the Majulah Package, enhanced Workfare and Silver Support, matching grants for CPF top-ups, raising the re-employment age, increasing senior worker CPF rates, co-funding senior wages, reviewing the CPF system, and providing matching grants for MediSave top-ups. Care for seniors includes building Active Ageing Centres, increasing subsidies for long-term care, developing new care models, and strengthening support for caregivers.
• Quote (PAP, For Every Singaporean): "We will continue to strengthen our marriage and parenthood support programmes, to provide families with children all the help they need."
• Quote (PAP, For Seniors): "Seniors should enjoy their golden years with financial security and peace of mind."
• SPP: Addresses "Social Welfare, Inequality, Ageing Population Support, National Service Debates." They propose a Minimum Wage (e.g., $1,500 monthly), Wealth Redistribution through increased tax reliefs for lower-income and higher top-tier income taxes, and increased CDC vouchers for low-income families. They suggest Caregiver Support with paid parent-care leave and subsidized elder-friendly housing. They also propose NS Reform, reducing National Service to 18 months and raising allowances.
• Quote (SPP, Social Cohesion and National Identity): "Inequality, ageing needs, and NS debates impact youth, families, and seniors, testing social unity and national values."
• Quote (SPP, Social Cohesion and National Identity): "Minimum Wage: Set a living wage (e.g., $1,500 monthly) to ensure dignity of living."

5. Healthcare and Mental Wellness:

• PAP: Aims to make healthcare "More Affordable" and empower Singaporeans to achieve "Better Health." They focus on preventive care and healthier lifestyles through programs like Grow Well SG, Healthier SG, and Age Well SG, and innovations like the Queenstown Health District. They plan to increase healthcare capacity by adding 13,600 beds and developing new hospitals. Mental health support includes a National Mental Health Office, increased access to services, and expanded capacity.
• Quote (PAP, More Affordable Healthcare): "We will continue to make healthcare more affordable. We will go beyond treating illness."
• SPP: Highlights "Healthcare Costs, Accessibility, Mental Health Support." They propose subsidizing telehealth access, raising Medisave withdrawal limits for preventive and mental health care, subsidizing ageing-in-place services, and capping out-of-pocket costs with a universal scheme. For mental health, they suggest integrating professionals into polyclinics and NS institutions, offering unpaid mental health leave, and easing Mandatory Treatment Orders for offenders with mental disorders.
• Quote (SPP, Healthcare and Mental Wellness): "High healthcare costs and mental health challenges burden seniors, youth, and all who are seeking timely care."
• Quote (SPP, Healthcare and Mental Wellness): "Mental Health Integration: Integrate mental health professionals into polyclinics and National Service institutions."

6. Education and Youth Well-Being:

• PAP: Describes the education system as "robust" but acknowledges the pressure of competition. They highlight changes to focus on the "joy of learning" and help children develop strengths, mentioning the replacement of streaming with subject-based banding and changes to PSLE scoring and the Gifted Education Programme. Future plans include broadening definitions of success, customizing education, investing in teachers, and partnering with various stakeholders. Support for special needs includes new Special Education schools and early intervention centres. They also emphasize investing in adult Singaporeans through SkillsFuture, empowering reskilling and upskilling, helping companies with job redesign and training, and supporting job seekers.
• Quote (PAP, More Pathways): "We will continue to reform and reshape education so that we can all become the best versions of ourselves."
• Quote (PAP, More Pathways): "Beyond schools, we are investing significantly in every adult Singaporean through SkillsFuture."
• SPP: Addresses "Youth, Education System, and Mental Pressures." They propose personalized learning through reduced class sizes, a modern curriculum focusing on AI mastery and skills-based reasoning with less exam pressure, and more vocational options. They also call for expanding mental health resources in schools and communities, allowing CPF use for overseas tertiary education, and lowering the voting age to 18.
• Quote (SPP, Education and Youth Well-Being): "Education stresses youth and parents, and seniors are worried about the future generations, amid mental health pressures and a need for relevance."
• Quote (SPP, Education and Youth Well-Being): "Lower the voting age to 18 to involve youth in governance."

7. Environment and Sustainable Living:

• PAP: Aims for a "Vibrant City – More Sustainable Living," emphasizing the transition from a Garden City to a City in Nature. They are committed to reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, expanding green and blue spaces, and integrating flood resilience and land reclamation. They also plan to improve public transport to be faster, greener, and more seamless.
• Quote (PAP, A Vibrant City): "Now, we will make green living a way of life."
• Quote (PAP, A Vibrant City): "We will continue to reduce carbon emissions to reach net-zero by 2050, so as to secure a cleaner and greener Singapore for future generations."
• SPP: Includes "Green Singapore" as part of their theme on Public Transportation. They propose expediting the full electrification of public service buses from 2040 to 2033.
• Quote (SPP, Sustainable Public Transport): "Green Transition: Expedite the full electrification of public service buses from 2040 to 2033."

8. Arts, Culture, and Sports:

• PAP: Seeks to take arts, culture, and sports "to new heights – making them more accessible and enjoyable for all." This includes developing new sports facilities, upgrading existing ones, expanding the SG Culture Pass, introducing early arts exposure, offering more arts apprenticeships, scholarships, and spaces, and establishing a new Museum of Design.
• Quote (PAP, Arts, Culture And Sports): "Now we will take sports, arts and culture to new heights – making them more accessible and enjoyable for all."

9. National Unity and Governance:

• PAP: Highlights "A More United Team – A Stronger Singapore," stating that "Unity is Singapore’s greatest strength." They aim to strengthen cohesiveness by building Singaporean identity, upholding multi-racial and multi-religious society, enhancing integration, and keeping Singapore "an oasis of peace and harmony." They seek to refresh the social compact, nurture a stronger culture of giving, connect donors and volunteers, increase civic participation, and strengthen the partnership between people and government. They also emphasize that their manifesto was "inspired by your suggestions and ideas" and is a "shared vision."
• Quote (PAP, A More United Team): "Unity is Singapore’s greatest strength. Without unity, we would not have come this far."
• Quote (PAP, A More United Team): "This manifesto was inspired by your suggestions and ideas. This is our shared vision to take Singapore forward."
• SPP: Focuses on "Governance and Democratic Freedom," emphasizing the need for "greater transparency, more accountability, and diverse voices." They propose Proportional Representation in Parliament, a Freedom of Information Act for public data access, easing defamation laws to encourage open public discussion, implementing a yearly 2% reduction in Ministry budgets to reduce waste, setting Fixed Elections years and dates, and establishing an Independent Elections Commission.
• Quote (SPP, Governance and Democratic Freedom): "After 60 years of independence, citizens seek greater transparency, more accountability, and diverse voices in public conversations."
• Quote (SPP, Governance and Democratic Freedom): "Proportional Representation: Amend the Constitution to allow proportional representation for smaller parties in Parliament."
• Quote (SPP, Governance and Democratic Freedom): "Freedom of Information: Enact a law for public data access to enhance transparency."

Other Notable SPP Proposals:

• Family Support and Birth Rates: Addresses declining birth rates with proposals for Second-Child Housing Incentives, a Third-Child Benefit (allowing private property purchase without ABSD or higher HDB grants), and IVF subsidies.
• Quote (SPP, Family Support and Birth Rates): "Singapore faces serious declining birth rates. We must take bigger and bolder measures to make parenthood more attractive."
• Sustainable Public Transport: Beyond green transition, they propose investing heavily in MRT maintenance for reliability and providing higher travel subsidies for low-income families and Silver Support recipients.

Conclusion:

The PAP manifesto presents a broad-based approach to governing, highlighting past achievements and outlining plans for continued progress across various sectors. The SPP manifesto, on the other hand, offers a more pointed critique of current challenges and proposes more disruptive changes, particularly in areas like economic fairness, employment, housing, and political governance. Both manifestos reflect an understanding of the concerns of Singaporeans, but they propose distinct pathways for addressing these issues. The SPP explicitly calls for a shift in the "balance of power" in parliament.

Singapore Politics Study Guide

Quiz

1. According to the PAP's manifesto, what is their main goal for the Singaporean economy?
2. What is one specific way the PAP plans to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?
3. What significant challenge has impacted Singapore's public housing building program in recent years, according to the PAP?
4. Name one type of support the PAP is offering to households to help with living expenses.
5. How does the PAP plan to address the issue of Singapore's aging population in terms of employment?
6. What are the three age-specific programs the PAP mentions for promoting health and well-being?
7. What is highlighted as Singapore's greatest strength by the PAP in the context of national unity?
8. According to the PAP, what does SG60 mark, and what is it an opportunity to refresh?
9. What is one proposed change to the education system mentioned by the PAP to address intense competition and stress?
10. What is the stated aim of the Singapore People's Party (SPP) manifesto, guided by A.C.E.?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The PAP's main goal for the Singaporean economy is to grow a dynamic economy that generates jobs and opportunities for all, with opportunities abounding and pride and recognition in every job.
2. One specific way the PAP plans to support SMEs is by easing cost pressures through tax rebates and measures like the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme, or by enabling businesses to upgrade and raise their productivity, making it easier for businesses to access manpower and capital, or helping companies expand into new markets. (Any one of these is acceptable).
3. According to the PAP, the Covid pandemic set back Singapore's public housing building program.
4. The PAP is offering households CDC vouchers, cash payouts, utilities rebates, and other support to help with living expenses. (Any one of these is acceptable).
5. To address the aging population in terms of employment, the PAP plans to raise the re-employment age and co-fund wages to encourage employers to hire and retain seniors.
6. The three age-specific programs mentioned by the PAP are Grow Well SG for children and adolescents, Healthier SG for adults, and Age Well SG for seniors.
7. Unity is highlighted as Singapore's greatest strength by the PAP.
8. According to the PAP, SG60 marks a new phase of nation building and is an opportunity to refresh the social compact and the Singapore Dream.
9. One proposed change to the education system by the PAP is replacing streaming with subject-based banding, or revamping the PSLE scoring system and the Gifted Education Programme, or broadening definitions of success, customizing education for diverse abilities and interests, investing in teachers' professional development, or partnering parents, industry, and the community to deliver holistic, rounded education. (Any one of these is acceptable).
10. The stated aim of the SPP manifesto, guided by Accountability, Commitment, and Empathy (A.C.E), is to foster a sustainable and equitable society for all generations.

Essay Format Questions (No Answers Provided)

1. Compare and contrast the People's Action Party's (PAP) and the Singapore People's Party's (SPP) approaches to addressing the rising cost of living in Singapore. Use specific examples from their manifestos to support your points.
2. Analyze the key differences in the PAP's and the SPP's proposals regarding employment and job security for Singaporeans. What are the potential implications of each party's suggested policies?
3. Evaluate the different strategies outlined by the PAP and the SPP for supporting families and addressing Singapore's declining birth rate. Which approach do you believe is more comprehensive and why?
4. Discuss the varying perspectives of the PAP and the SPP on governance and democratic freedom in Singapore, as presented in the provided excerpts. How do their proposed changes reflect their core values?
5. Examine the PAP's and the SPP's plans for the healthcare system and mental wellness. How do their proposed solutions differ, and what specific issues are they aiming to address?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Accountability, Commitment, Empathy (A.C.E): The guiding principles mentioned in the Singapore People's Party's Manifesto 2025.
• Active Ageing Centres: Facilities mentioned by the PAP for keeping seniors engaged and mobile.
• Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD): A tax on property purchases, mentioned by the SPP in the context of incentives for families with a third child.
• Age Well SG: A PAP program focused on empowering seniors to stay healthy.
• Arts, Culture and Sports – Everywhere For Everyone: Chapter 8 of the PAP manifesto, outlining plans for these sectors.
• Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC: A Group Representation Constituency contested by the SPP.
• Blue Spaces: Areas related to water, such as marine parks, that the PAP plans to expand for sustainable living.
• BTO Flats: Build-To-Order public housing flats offered by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) in Singapore.
• CDC Vouchers: Community Development Council vouchers provided by the government to help households with living expenses, mentioned by both PAP and SPP.
• CECA Agreement (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement): A free trade agreement with India that the SPP proposes to review.
• ComCare: A social safety net scheme in Singapore, mentioned by the PAP.
• ComLink+: A program mentioned by the PAP to work with lower-income families individually.
• CPF (Central Provident Fund): Singapore's compulsory comprehensive savings and investment scheme, mentioned by the PAP in relation to senior worker contributions and MediSave, and by the SPP in relation to overseas tertiary education.
• Cross-Island Line: A new Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line the PAP plans to build.
• Development Support-Learning Support Programme: A program mentioned by the PAP to support children with developmental needs in pre-schools.
• Dynamic Economy – Opportunities For All: Chapter 1 of the PAP manifesto, focusing on economic growth and jobs.
• Eastern General Hospital: A new hospital the PAP plans to open.
• Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC): A committee that reviews electoral boundaries, which the SPP proposes to make independent of the Prime Minister's office.
• Employment Pass: A work pass for foreign professionals in Singapore, mentioned by the SPP in the context of quota reduction.
• Estate Duty: A tax on the wealth of deceased individuals, which the SPP proposes to reintroduce for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
• Ethnic Quota: A policy related to the ethnic composition of HDB estates, which the SPP proposes to gradually phase out as a pilot.
• Flexible Retirement: The SPP's proposal to abolish the statutory retirement age and offer incentives for hiring older seniors.
• For Every Singaporean – The Support That You Need: Chapter 3 of the PAP manifesto, outlining support for various groups.
• For Seniors – Financial Security And Peace Of Mind: Chapter 4 of the PAP manifesto, focusing on support for the elderly.
• Forward Singapore: An engagement initiative mentioned by the PAP as inspiration for their manifesto.
• Freedom of Information Act: A law proposed by the SPP to provide public access to data and enhance transparency.
• General Election (GE): The term used for the election in Singapore.
• Gifted Education Programme: A program for academically gifted students in Singapore, which the PAP has revamped.
• GST Freeze: The SPP's proposal to halt Goods and Services Tax increases under certain conditions.
• Greater Southern Waterfront: A redevelopment project mentioned by the PAP for creating waterfront living.
• Green Spaces: Areas of nature, such as parks and park connectors, that the PAP plans to expand.
• Green Transition: The SPP's plan to expedite the electrification of public service buses.
• Grow Well SG: A PAP program focused on empowering children and adolescents to stay healthy.
• HDB (Housing & Development Board): Singapore's public housing authority.
• Healthier SG: A PAP program focused on empowering adults to stay healthy.
• IVF Subsidies: Financial aid for In Vitro Fertilization, proposed by the SPP to support families.
• Jurong Regional Line: A new Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line the PAP plans to build.
• Kallang Alive: A development project mentioned by the PAP to encourage active living, including new sports facilities.
• Living Wage Policy: A policy proposed by the SPP to ensure low-income workers can meet basic needs, including setting a minimum wage.
• Local Qualifying Salary: A minimum salary for local workers that affects foreign worker quotas, which the SPP proposes to raise.
• Long Island: A project mentioned by the PAP integrating flood resilience, land reclamation, and redevelopment.
• Majulah Package: A package created by the PAP to support seniors.
• Manifesto: A public declaration of the policy and aims of a political party.
• Mandatory Treatment Orders: Court orders requiring individuals with mental disorders to undergo treatment, which the SPP proposes to ease for offenders.
• MediSave Account: Part of the CPF scheme used for healthcare expenses, mentioned by the PAP and SPP.
• Mental Health Leave: Unpaid leave for mental health purposes, proposed by the SPP.
• Minimum Wage: A baseline wage level proposed by the SPP as part of their living wage policy.
• More Affordable Healthcare – Better Health: Chapter 5 of the PAP manifesto, focusing on healthcare affordability and well-being.
• More Affordable Public Housing – More Choices: Chapter 6 of the PAP manifesto, focusing on housing affordability and options.
• More Pathways – More Fulfilled Dreams: Chapter 2 of the PAP manifesto, focusing on education and skills development.
• More United Team – A Stronger Singapore: Chapter 9 of the PAP manifesto, focusing on national unity and social cohesion.
• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Singapore's rapid transit system, mentioned by the PAP and SPP in relation to infrastructure and reliability.
• Museum of Design: A new museum the PAP plans to establish.
• National Mental Health Office: An office the PAP plans to boost support for mental health.
• National Service (NS): Mandatory military service for male citizens and permanent residents in Singapore, discussed by the SPP in the context of reform.
• NCMP (Non-Constituency Member of Parliament): A member of Parliament from the opposition who was not elected but appointed to ensure a minimum number of opposition voices in Parliament.
• Net-zero Emissions: A target for reducing carbon emissions mentioned by the PAP.
• Old Police Academy: A location whose heritage will be incorporated into the new Mount Pleasant housing estate, mentioned by the PAP.
• Open Discourse: Encouraging open public discussion, which the SPP aims to facilitate by easing defamation laws.
• PAP (People's Action Party): The ruling political party in Singapore.
• Park Connectors: Pathways linking parks, which the PAP plans to expand.
• Pioneer Generation Package: A government package for elderly citizens, mentioned in the SPP's history.
• PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians): A category of workers the PAP plans to provide more support for, and the SPP mentions in the context of local hiring incentives.
• POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act): Legislation mentioned by the SPP, which they propose to ease the use of.
• Polling Day: The day of the election.
• Proportional Representation: An electoral system proposed by the SPP to allow smaller parties a fairer representation in Parliament.
• Progressive Taxation: A tax system where higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in tax, proposed by the SPP.
• Progressive Wage Credit Scheme: A scheme mentioned by the PAP to ease cost pressures for businesses.
• PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination): A national examination in Singapore, whose scoring system the PAP has revamped.
• PwDs (Persons with Disabilities): A group the PAP plans to build a more inclusive Singapore for.
• Queenstown Health District: An innovation in healthcare mentioned by the PAP.
• Re-employment Age: The age at which employers must offer re-employment to eligible employees, which the PAP plans to raise.
• Resale HDB Flats: HDB flats that are sold on the open market after the minimum occupation period.
• Retrenchment Benefits: Compensation provided to employees who are laid off, which the SPP proposes to mandate by law.
• Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS): A scheme where HDB flats are redeveloped, which the SPP proposes to expand to all estates nearing lease expiry.
• SG Culture Pass: A pass to support and grow Singapore's arts and culture scene, which the PAP plans to expand.
• SG60: Refers to 60 years of Singapore's independence, marking a new phase of nation building according to the PAP.
• Shorter Waiting Time flats: HDB flats with a reduced waiting period for applicants, which the PAP plans to increase.
• Silver Support Scheme: A scheme providing cash payouts to eligible seniors, mentioned by the PAP.
• Singles Citizen HDB Scheme: A scheme allowing single citizens to apply for HDB flats, which the SPP proposes to lower the minimum age for.
• SkillsFuture: A national movement in Singapore to encourage lifelong learning and skills development, mentioned by the PAP.
• SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme: A scheme to help Singaporeans who have lost their jobs, mentioned by the PAP.
• SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises): Businesses that the PAP plans to support.
• Social Compact: An implicit agreement among members of a society, which the PAP aims to refresh.
• Social Safety Nets: Programs and policies designed to protect vulnerable populations, such as ComCare and Silver Support, mentioned by the PAP.
• SPED Schools (Special Education Schools): Schools for students with special needs, which the PAP plans to build more of.
• SPP (Singapore People's Party): An opposition political party in Singapore.
• Standard, Plus and Prime BTO flats: A new classification framework for HDB flats mentioned by the PAP.
• Steve Chia: The Secretary-General of the Singapore People's Party.
• Subject-based Banding: An education system reform in Singapore where students are grouped by subject ability instead of overall academic stream, implemented by the PAP.
• TAFEP (Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices): An organization that promotes fair employment practices, whose guidelines the SPP proposes to codify into law.
• Telehealth: The use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, which the SPP proposes to subsidize for certain groups.
• Therapeutic Gardens: Gardens designed for therapeutic purposes, which the PAP plans to build more of.
• Under-employment: A situation where a person is working fewer hours than they want or is in a job that does not fully utilize their skills and education, mentioned by the SPP as a concern.
• Unity: Highlighted by the PAP as Singapore's greatest strength.
• Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS): A scheme for the redevelopment of HDB towns, mentioned by the PAP.
• Vibrant City – More Sustainable Living: Chapter 7 of the PAP manifesto, focusing on environmental sustainability and urban development.
• Wage Co-funding: Government contribution to wages, which the PAP proposes to use to encourage hiring and retention of seniors.
• Workfare: A scheme in Singapore that supplements the income of lower-wage workers, which the PAP plans to enhance.
• Workplace Fairness Act: Legislation mentioned by the PAP for strengthening safeguards for fair employment.

Timeline

• 1984: Chiam See Tong is elected to represent Potong Pasir in the Singapore Parliament, initially under the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP).
• November 21, 1994: The Singapore People's Party (SPP) is officially registered.
• 1997 General Election: Chiam See Tong contests and wins the Potong Pasir seat under the SPP banner.
• 2001-2006: Steve Chia serves as a Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) and is the youngest parliamentarian in the 10th Parliament. He credits Chiam See Tong as his "beacon." During this period, he raises issues such as care for seniors, allowing earlier HDB flat purchases for singles, and greater public transport subsidies. He publishes a book of his parliamentary speeches and questions titled "Called to Serve" in 2006.
• 2011 General Election: Chiam See Tong contests in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, while his wife, Lina Chiam, contests in Potong Pasir. Both are narrowly defeated. Lina Chiam is appointed a Non-Constituency MP (NCMP), maintaining the SPP's presence in Parliament.
• 2015: Lina Chiam's term as Non-Constituency MP ends.
• 2019: Steve Chia is elected Secretary-General of the SPP.
• 2020 General Election: The SPP contests in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, securing 32.77% of the vote, and in Potong Pasir, securing 39.23%. Despite the losses, Steve Chia reflects on his political tenacity and aims to challenge the PAP's dominance.
• 2020-2025: The People's Action Party (PAP) states they have recovered from the Covid pandemic, made incomes more equal, and enabled Singaporeans to earn more. They also report being on track to launch 100,000 new HDB flats. The PAP highlights "Promises Made, Promises Kept" during this period, covering achievements in various sectors.
• Approaching Polling Day (leading up to the 2025 General Election): The Singapore People's Party (SPP) releases its "Manifesto 2025: It Is Time," addressing evolving challenges and proposing policies guided by Accountability, Commitment, and Empathy (A.C.E.). Steve Chia, as Secretary-General, writes the foreword, inviting Singaporeans to reflect on the manifesto. The manifesto details SPP's proposals across nine themes, including Economic Stability & Fairness, Employment & Job Security, Housing and Retirement Security, Family Support and Birth Rates, Governance and Democratic Freedom, Education and Youth Well-Being, Healthcare and Mental Wellness, Sustainable Public Transport, and Social Cohesion and National Identity. The SPP seeks support through donations and volunteers for their "credible and competent challenge to the PAP in this 2025 General Election."
• By 2030: The PAP plans to redevelop Alexandra Hospital and open the new Eastern General Hospital. They also plan to build four new Special Education (SPED) schools and establish more early intervention centres for children with developmental needs.
• By 2033: The SPP proposes expediting the full electrification of public service buses from 2040 to 2033.
• By 2050: The PAP aims to reduce carbon emissions to reach net-zero.

Cast of Characters

• Chiam See Tong: A significant figure in Singapore's opposition politics. He represented Potong Pasir in Parliament for many years, first under the SDP and then the SPP. He is credited by Steve Chia as a "beacon."
• Mdm Lina Chiam: Wife of Chiam See Tong. She contested the Potong Pasir seat in the 2011 General Election and was appointed a Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) following her narrow loss.
• Steve Chia: Secretary-General of the Singapore People's Party (SPP) since 2019. He previously served as a Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) from 2001 to 2006. He is the author of "Called to Serve" and advocates for greater accountability and transparency in government policies.
• Lawrence Wong: PAP Secretary-General. He is featured in the PAP Manifesto, expressing his determination to continue the progress of Singapore and build on the foundations laid by previous leaders. He states his commitment to renewing the PAP team and serving Singaporeans.
• Singaporeans (collectively): Referenced throughout the PAP and SPP sources as the people for whom the parties are developing policies and seeking support. The manifestos are presented as reflecting their hopes, concerns, and aspirations, and aiming to improve their lives.
• PAP (People's Action Party): The ruling political party in Singapore. The sources present their manifesto and outline their achievements in the past five years (2020-2025) and their plans for the future across various sectors.
• SPP (Singapore People's Party): An opposition political party in Singapore. The sources present their Manifesto 2025, outlining their vision and proposals to address current challenges and offer an alternative voice in Parliament.
• PMETs: Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians. Mentioned by the PAP as a group they will provide more support for and nurture more Singaporean corporate leaders from.
• SMEs: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Mentioned by the PAP as businesses they will support to restructure and grow.
• Seniors: Referenced by both the PAP and SPP as a demographic group with specific needs regarding financial security, healthcare, and employment.
• Parents/Families with children: Referenced by both the PAP and SPP as groups receiving support through parental leave, pre-school fees, and financial aid for having children.
• Lower-wage workers/Lower-income families: Referenced by both the PAP and SPP as groups requiring enhanced support through social safety nets, wage schemes, and financial assistance.
• Persons with Disabilities (PwDs): Mentioned by the PAP as a group they aim to build a more inclusive Singapore for, focusing on employment opportunities and adult disability services.
• Youth: Referenced by the SPP as facing challenges related to education, mental health, and job insecurity. The SPP proposes lowering the voting age to 18 to involve them in governance.
• Caregivers: Referenced by both the PAP and SPP as requiring support for their role in caring for seniors.

FAQ

What are the key economic priorities outlined?

• Both sources highlight economic stability and fairness. The People's Action Party (PAP) focuses on growing a dynamic economy, creating opportunities for all, supporting PMETs and Singaporean corporate leaders, strengthening fair employment safeguards, maintaining Singapore as a business hub, investing in infrastructure, adopting new technologies like AI, and securing clean energy. They also aim to support businesses, particularly SMEs, through tax rebates, productivity measures, and easier access to manpower and capital. The Singapore People's Party (SPP) addresses rising costs and stagnant wages by proposing measures such as a yearly balanced budget with surplus distribution (more for lower-income), a GST freeze, implementing a living wage policy, and progressive taxation on higher earners and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

How do the sources address the issue of job security and employment?

• The PAP intends to provide more support for PMETs, nurture local corporate leaders, and strengthen fair employment safeguards through the Workplace Fairness Act. They also support businesses in restructuring and growing, which can lead to job opportunities. The SPP directly tackles job insecurity by proposing local hiring incentives through tax breaks for businesses prioritizing Singaporeans, enforcing higher local hiring quotas with a raised Local Qualifying Salary, and codifying fair hiring and retrenchment benefits into law. They also suggest abolishing the statutory retirement age with incentives for hiring seniors and reviewing the CECA agreement while gradually reducing quotas for foreign passes in automatable sectors. Encouraging automation for a high-skill, high-value economy is also a key point.

What are the proposed solutions for housing affordability and retirement security?

• The PAP aims to keep public housing affordable and accessible by building a significant number of new flats, increasing Shorter Waiting Time flats, exploring options for higher-income couples and singles, and managing the property market. They also plan for the rejuvenation of HDB towns and highlight a new classification framework for BTO flats in desirable locations. The SPP proposes lowering the minimum age for singles to apply for HDB flats, expanding the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme to preserve asset value, and piloting a gradual phase-out of ethnic quotas in HDB estates to ensure fair market value for minority owners.

How do the sources propose to support families and address declining birth rates?

• The PAP offers support to households through various schemes like CDC vouchers, cash payouts, and utilities rebates. For parents, they propose expanded parental leave, lower pre-school fees, and enhanced support for large families, aiming to strengthen marriage and parenthood support programs. The SPP focuses on significant incentives to make parenthood more attractive, proposing additional housing grants for parents of a second child, allowing families with a third child to purchase private property without Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty or receive a higher HDB/BTO grant, and providing financial aid for couples needing IVF.

What measures are suggested to enhance governance, transparency, and democratic freedom?

• The PAP's manifesto introduction mentions renewing their team and bringing in committed and capable people, as well as refreshing the social compact and increasing avenues for civic participation, strengthening the partnership between people and government. The SPP has more explicit proposals for democratic reform, suggesting constitutional amendments for proportional representation, enacting a Freedom of Information law for public data access, easing defamation laws to encourage open discourse, implementing yearly budget reductions for ministries, setting fixed election years and dates, and establishing an independent electoral boundaries commission.

What initiatives are outlined for healthcare and mental wellness?

• The PAP emphasizes making healthcare more affordable and empowering Singaporeans to stay healthy through preventive care and healthier lifestyles, citing programs like Grow Well SG, Healthier SG, and Age Well SG. They also plan to increase healthcare capacity by adding beds and building new hospitals, as well as growing the healthcare and nursing workforce. Mental health support is boosted with a National Mental Health Office, increased access to services, and expanded capacity. The SPP proposes subsidizing telehealth consultations for specific groups, raising Medisave withdrawal limits for preventive and mental healthcare, subsidizing ageing-in-place services, integrating mental health professionals into polyclinics and NS institutions, offering unpaid mental health leave, and easing Mandatory Treatment Orders for offenders with mental disorders.

What are the plans for improving public transport and promoting sustainability?

• The PAP highlights investments in transport infrastructure, including building new MRT lines and extending existing ones to improve connectivity and bring more households within a 10-minute walk of a train station, along with expanding and improving bus services. They also aim for a more sustainable living environment by expanding green and blue spaces and integrating flood resilience and land reclamation. Reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 and exploring clean energy sources like nuclear power are also mentioned. The SPP focuses specifically on public transport reliability and affordability, proposing heavy investment in MRT maintenance to prevent disruptions, providing higher travel subsidies for lower-income families and seniors, and expediting the full electrification of public service buses.

How do the sources address social cohesion and support for vulnerable groups?

• The PAP emphasizes strengthening cohesiveness by building Singaporean identity, upholding the multi-racial and multi-religious society, enhancing integration efforts, and keeping Singapore an oasis of peace and harmony. They aim for a society where there is respect, everyone is valued, and no one is left behind, fostering a stronger culture of giving and connecting donors/volunteers with those in need. They also outline support for Singaporeans who need more support through social safety nets, enhanced Workfare, targeted support for lower-income families, and assistance for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. For Persons with Disabilities, they aim to strengthen the transition from school to work, boost employment, subsidize services, and pilot community living models. The SPP proposes a living wage policy to ensure a dignity of living, wealth redistribution through tax reliefs for lower-income and higher taxes for top earners, increased CDC vouchers for low-income families, caregiver support through paid leave and subsidized housing/retirement options, and reforms to National Service including reduced duration and increased allowances.