On 24 Apr 2025, People’s Action Party (PAP) Health Minister Ong Ye Kung accused Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan of abandoning Bukit Batok to contest in Sembawang West.
A heated exchange between the two parties was subsequently ignited just days before the General Election.
Ong Ye Kung’s Accusation
During a PAP rally at Woodlands Stadium, Ong Ye Kung questioned Chee Soon Juan’s decision to leave Bukit Batok after contesting there in the 2016 by-election and the 2020 General Election.
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Ong referenced Chee’s previous assurance to Bukit Batok residents, quoting him as saying, “You know me, I’m not going anywhere.” Ong remarked that Chee “packed up and left, and came to Sembawang West” shortly after the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee’s report was published.
Ong described Chee’s move as a “calculated political move,” noting that Chee had also previously left Holland-Bukit Timah GRC to contest in Bukit Batok
Ong argued that if Chee became the Member of Parliament for Sembawang West, he would not work with the PAP, but instead challenge the government, making it difficult for Ong to serve residents effectively.
Ong suggested that Chee’s strategy was to make Sembawang West residents feel isolated and upset, thereby increasing his own chances of winning the seat.
Ong further stated that Chee could have chosen to contest in the new Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC if he was truly committed to Bukit Batok, but instead opted for Sembawang West.
SDP’s Rebuke
SDP candidates responded swiftly at their own rally on 25 Apr 2025. Damanhuri Abas, contesting in Sembawang GRC, accused Ong of using “tactics of a playground bully” and erasing Chee’s decade-long efforts in Bukit Batok.
Damanhuri highlighted what he called an “uneven political playing field,” referencing frequent boundary changes and alluding to gerrymandering.
James Gomez, another SDP candidate, countered Ong’s remarks by pointing out Ong’s own move from Aljunied GRC to Sembawang GRC after the 2011 General Election.
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Gomez questioned why Ong had “abandoned his Aljunied family” and referenced other PAP MPs who have shifted constituencies following electoral boundary changes.
Gomez also emphasized that SDP’s presence in Sembawang spans two decades, rejecting claims of opportunism.
SDP chairman Paul Tambyah joined the fray, comparing Chee’s move to Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong’s switch from Chua Chu Kang GRC to Punggol GRC, which Tambyah described as “far more questionable”.
Tambyah asserted that government projects would proceed regardless of which party wins, dismissing concerns raised by PAP about constituency neglect.
Chee Soon Juan’s Response
Chee Soon Juan addressed policy issues at the SDP rally, focusing on the impact of Singapore’s growing foreign population.
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He argued that the government’s immigration policy has led to increased mental health issues, higher living costs, overcrowding, and environmental degradation.
Chee stated that Singapore is now the third most densely populated country globally, attributing this to what he called an “irresponsible” immigration policy by the PAP.
Heated Debate
The exchange between PAP and SDP has intensified as both sides trade barbs over candidate movements and political commitment, setting the stage for a contentious contest in Sembawang West and beyond.
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