Several Singapore Democratic Party candidates claim they first proposed the Non-Open Market Housing Plan in 2019, which removes land costs from future HDB flat prices.
Secretary-General Chee Soon Juan said that while many SDP policies faced criticism from the ruling party, they were later implemented as policies years later.
SDP Highlights Their Housing Policy Proposals
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) held a rally on Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025, at the hard court and field next to Sun Plaza.
In response to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung’s criticism of the Democratic Party’s housing policy, several candidates pointed out that the SDP had first proposed their Non-Open Market Housing Plan back in 2019.
James Gomez said the policy advocates pricing BTO flats based on construction and administrative costs, excluding land prices.
Under this plan, two-room flats would cost $70,000, while five-room flats would cost $240,000.
Additionally, homeowners who wish to sell their flats would sell them directly back to the Housing Development Board rather than on the open market.
“This isn’t about taking away value, but restoring the original purpose of the HDB system. For young Singaporeans, what matters most is having affordable housing to start their independent lives,” Gomez said.
SDP Claims PAP “Criticise First, Copy Later”
Regarding Ong Ye Kung‘s claim that the Democratic Party’s policies are too radical and impractical, Chee refuted this by saying the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) consistently “criticise first, copy later.”
He said that SDP proposals such as minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and increasing personal income tax for high-income groups were initially criticised but later implemented in similar forms after some time.
Chee cited examples where the SDP had proposed a minimum wage policy as early as 2001, which was then criticised by the government for weakening Singapore’s competitiveness.
“However, the PAP introduced a similar Progressive Wage Model in 2012, setting a minimum wage of $1,000 for low-income workers in designated industries.”
Gomez addressed town development issues, stating that upgrade projects are paid for by taxpayers’ money through national policies and government funding, rather than being bargaining chips that the PAP can use to sway voters.
Tambyah also said that if SDP candidates are elected, all community facility improvement projects will still proceed as scheduled, as these are initiated by government agencies.
During his speech, Tambyah shared a conversation he had with residents, acknowledging that grassroots programs like the $1 concession help alleviate the pressure of rising living costs.
He said these programs are funded by the People’s Association, and while the SDP may not currently receive funding, they are confident they can raise the necessary funds from other sources to continue these programs if elected.
He also urged the People’s Association to respect voters’ wishes by appointing elected SDP MPs as grassroots advisors if they win.
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
