Tan Cheng Bock and Hazel Poa step down from Progress Singapore Party’s top decision-making body

Key Concepts:

• Leadership transition within the Progress Singapore Party (PSP)
• Renewal plan focusing on new leadership, community trust, policy understanding, and online presence
• Emphasis on service, integrity, and compassion in politics
• Importance of unity, trust, and dedication among party members

1. Leadership Transition:

• Dr. Tan Cheng Bock announces his decision to step down as chairman of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP).
  • He emphasizes that his motivation for starting PSP was to advocate for a better Singapore, not personal ambition.
  • He believes leadership is about serving and empowering others, not clinging to power.
• Mr. Banana is identified as the successor, with Dr. Tan expressing confidence in his courage, conviction, and clarity to lead PSP.
• Hazel Pua and Treasurer Nala, founding leaders, are also stepping down from their leadership roles.
  • They are recognized for their dedication, sacrifice, and contributions to the party's stability in its early years.
• Three new leaders are welcomed into the central executive committee: Stephanie Tan, Lawrence, and Sunonny.
  • These individuals contested in the last general election and demonstrated capability and conviction.
• Dr. Tan will assume the role of party advisor, providing support and guidance without interfering in the new leadership's decisions.
  • He stresses that leadership must be earned, not inherited.

2. Renewal Plan:

• The renewal plan is built on the foundation laid by Dr. Tan and the founding leaders, with a vision of a fairer, stronger, and more livable Singapore.
• Four key areas of focus:
  • Nurturing new leaders: Mentoring by founding leaders to ensure continuity and knowledge transfer.
  • Building stronger trust with Singaporeans on the ground: Engaging with the community to understand their needs and concerns.
  • Helping Singaporeans understand government policies better: Facilitating informed discussions and providing clarity on policy implications.
  • Making the party's voice louder online: Enhancing online presence and engagement to reach a wider audience.

3. Core Values and Principles:

• Compassion: Emphasized as a strength, not a weakness, in political leadership.
• Diversity of views: Respect for different perspectives and opinions within the party and the community.
• Integrity and service: Guiding principles for political action and decision-making.
• Unity, trust, and dedication: Essential qualities for party members to work together effectively.
• Love for the country: The driving force behind the party's efforts to improve Singapore.

4. Post-Election Analysis and Future Direction:

• The last election is acknowledged as a "loud wakeup call" for PSP.
• The party is committed to listening to Singaporeans and striving to serve them better.
• Despite setbacks, PSP is determined to "get back up on our feet" and work towards reform.
• The path to reform is recognized as long and challenging, but the party remains confident in building a stronger PSP for the next general election.

5. Notable Quotes:

• "When I started Progress Singapore Party, it was never about personal ambition. It was about standing up for a better Singapore." - Dr. Tan Cheng Bock
• "Leadership must be earned, not inherited." - Dr. Tan Cheng Bock
• "We came together not for titles or fame but to serve the people of Singapore." - Dr. Tan Cheng Bock
• "We are not driven by personal gain... We are driven by by love for our country." - Dr. Tan Cheng Bock

6. Synthesis/Conclusion:

Dr. Tan Cheng Bock's announcement marks a significant transition for the Progress Singapore Party. The leadership renewal plan focuses on empowering new leaders, strengthening community ties, improving policy understanding, and enhancing online engagement. The party reaffirms its commitment to its core values of compassion, integrity, and service, and aims to build a stronger, fairer, and more livable Singapore. Despite facing challenges, PSP remains dedicated to serving the people of Singapore and working towards a better future.