As Singapore prepares for the general election on May 3, the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) has made a strategic move by launching its latest manifesto in the heart of Toa Payoh. Amidst the buzz of the Lorong 8 Market & Hawker Centre, the party introduced a 16-page roadmap for economic justice, job security, and public infrastructure reform. This year’s manifesto takes a bolder stance, addressing bread-and-butter issues and outlining targeted solutions for working- and middle-class Singaporeans.
Prioritizing Surplus Redistribution Through CDC Vouchers
Among the most compelling proposals is the annual issuance of CDC vouchers sourced from budget surpluses. The SPP envisions this as a direct way to redistribute national wealth to those who need it most. In a climate of rising inflation and financial anxiety, this move could offer immediate relief to lower-income households, demonstrating the party’s commitment to turning economic growth into tangible benefits for everyday citizens.
Postponing GST Hikes Until a Clear Fiscal Need Arises
In a clear divergence from recent tax policy trends, the SPP is advocating for a freeze on any GST increases unless the nation’s budget deficit exceeds 3 percent of government revenue for three consecutive years. At the launch, secretary-general Steve Chia stressed the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility while avoiding undue pressure on consumers. He questioned the opacity surrounding Singapore’s reserves and criticized the practice of amassing surpluses without providing timely assistance to citizens.
Championing Progressive Taxation and Economic Sovereignty
To combat wealth inequality, the SPP’s manifesto includes a call to raise taxes on the top 2 percent of earners and reinstate estate duties on ultra-wealthy individuals. In addition, the party has committed to reviewing the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with an eye toward protecting local employment. These measures aim to ensure that economic policies prioritize Singaporean livelihoods without compromising national competitiveness.
Job Security and Responsible Foreign Manpower Policy
A core component of the SPP’s platform is addressing job displacement and foreign labor dependency. The manifesto outlines plans to gradually reduce quotas for Special and Employment Pass holders, especially in industries where automation is a viable alternative. Chia highlighted how job security concerns, especially among PMETs, remain a top issue among constituents. The party’s strategy aims to balance economic openness with local job preservation.
Investing in a Safe and Efficient Public Transport System
Public transport reliability forms another critical pillar of the SPP’s manifesto. With recent incidents such as the Braddell MRT platform door collapse raising public concern, the party is advocating for stronger investment in infrastructure upkeep. Chia emphasized that safety and efficiency must be fundamental to Singapore’s transit system, not afterthoughts triggered by emergencies. The party believes that robust transport is key to maintaining quality of life in an urban society.
Reflecting on the SPP’s track record, Chia pointed to his earlier push for elderly support in 2004, which eventually contributed to the Pioneer Generation Package in 2014. This legacy of influence illustrates how the party, even with limited parliamentary presence, has sparked meaningful policy conversations. The 2025 manifesto continues that tradition with proposals that are not just idealistic, but actionable as Singapore’s fiscal and social landscape evolves.
Looking Ahead to the May Elections
As the election draws near, the SPP will be fielding candidates in both Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Potong Pasir SMC. While Steve Chia has confirmed his candidacy in Bishan-Toa Payoh, the exact deployment of other team members such as Melvyn Chiu, Williamson Lee, Muhammad Norhakim, and Lim Rui Xian is still being finalized. Their shared focus remains clear: to bring transparency, fairness, and compassion back into national discourse, and to ensure that economic policy starts and ends with the people it affects most.
In summary, the SPP’s 2025 manifesto offers a refreshing, people-centered alternative at a time when cost-of-living concerns dominate the public mindset. With its emphasis on fairness, accountability, and practical governance, the party is positioning itself as a serious voice in shaping Singapore’s future.