Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chairman Dr Tan Cheng Bock and secretary-general Leong Mun Wai criticised the People's Action Party (PAP), saying that it has «lost its way». They were speaking at a PSP rally held at Catholic High School on Thursday (April 24). Addressing the crowd, which consisted of residents of Marymount and Kebun Baru SMCs as well as party supporters, Leong said: «I'd like to tell you what I've learned from my...almost five years in Parliament. »My time in Parliament has convinced me that the 4G PAP has really lost its way. The more I debate the Government...the more I realise that it is not the 'Grade A' government that we used to know."

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) took aim at how the government manages cost of living, especially with regards to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), in its first rally of the 2025 general election. Party chief Chee Soon Juan, chairman Paul Tambyah and other members spoke on stage at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Thursday (April 24) evening. Dr Chee took issue with the practice of handing out cost-of-living vouchers while simultaneously raising the GST rate. He likened the situation to «an arsonist setting your house on fire and giving you a cup of water to put it out». He also questioned PM Lawrence Wong's attribution of the hike to «global trends». Dr Chee listed the essentials that he said have gone up in price, such as water, transport, petrol, electricity, Electronic Road Pricing charges and university hostel fees. He then compared the rising costs to how the People's Action Party government spends money, arguing that the ruling party is no longer as «prudent and frugal» as it once was.

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) will be the only party holding a political rally tomorrow (April 25), on the first night of Party Political Broadcasts (PPB). The rally will be held from 7pm to 10pm at Beacon Primary School for the electoral division of Bukit Panjang SMC.  SDP's Prof Paul Tambyah will again face off against the People's Action Party's Liang Eng Hwa in the upcoming polls. AsiaOne will livestream the rally on Facebook and YouTube. There were a total of five rallies today. PPB will be on free-to-air television and radio for the eight parties with at least six candidates to share their campaign messages. The English broadcast will be available on Mediacorp Channel 5 at 8pm and on CNA at 9pm. The second round of PPB will take place on May 1.

Voters should not let the opposition have a «free pass», Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his first rally speech on Thursday (April 24) for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC at Woodlands Stadium. PM Wong, who is also secretary-general for the People's Action Party (PAP), addressed the opposition's call for voters not to hand the PAP a «blank cheque», countering with a caution of his own. «Yes, look at the PAP candidates, consider them carefully,» he began. «But I will also say, don't give the opposition a free pass.» Apply the same standards to them as done to the PAP — in terms of integrity, competence and readiness to serve, added PM Wong. «Remember, above all, when the election is over... the real contest is not the PAP versus the opposition. It is Singapore versus the world. It is our little red dot versus a dangerous and troubled world.» Earlier in his speech, the PM also emphasised the significance of this election, stating that there is turbulence amid trade barriers and global tariffs.

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong spent Thursday morning (April 24) bonding with residents in Punggol GRC. Gan, who made a last-minute switch from Chua Chu Kang GRC to lead PAP's Punggol GRC team in the May 3 General Election, told AsiaOne at Punggol Field about his experiences during his walkabouts. «My objective really was to meet as many residents of Punggol as possible, because I really want to know them and let them know about me,» he shared. Gan, 66, together with his team of Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Janil Puthcheary, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs Sun Xueling and Yeo Wan Ling, met residents at Punggol MRT and also visited coffeeshops and a Prime Supermarket at Punggol Field.

AsiaOne bagged five awards, including Best News Website and Best Fact Checking Project, at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025. The 16th edition of the Digital Media Awards Asia saw 193 entries from news content companies across Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and more. Organised by World Association of News Publishers, the awards were created to recognise news organisations for leadership and innovation in the adoption of media strategies for the digital age. Winners were awarded on Wednesday (Apr 23) at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre, as part of the Digital Media Asia conference, Asia-Pacific's largest regional digital news media event. AsiaOne wins Best News Website for coverage on Pope Francis' visit Before his recent passing, last year in September, Singapore had the honour of welcoming the late Pope Francis for a historic papal visit. It marked the head of the worldwide Catholic Church's first visit to Singapore. He was rounding up his 45th Apostolic Journey abroad and held a Holy Mass at the Singapore National Stadium to some 50,000 attendees.

SINGAPORE - The eleventh-hour decision by WP to withdraw from Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC will make it near impossible for opposition parties to co-operate and avoid multi-party contests in future elections. Speaking during a walkabout at Kampung Admiralty Hawker Centre on April 24, National Solidarity Party (NSP) secretary-general Spencer Ng said that maintaining unity among opposition parties to avoid multi-cornered battles is going to be «extremely difficult, or close to impossible». «Some parties, in the name of opposition unity, demand that the other party make way for them. »They make use of this (idea of) opposition unity and try to barge their way through,« said Mr Ng, who leads the five-member NSP team contesting Sembawang GRC. His comments echo the view of People's Power Party (PPP) secretary-general Goh Meng Seng, who said that he was angry that WP decided not to field a team for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC. »It is very ironic that the slogan of WP is working for Singapore. But do you really work for Singapore when you deprive 130,000 voters of their right to vote?" he reportedly said.

Candidates during the General Election are often under great public scrutiny, and this can sometimes include receiving comments from members of the public.  One netizen's comment has drawn strong rebuke from Red Dot United (RDU)'s candidate Liyana Dhamirah, who took to Facebook on Wednesday (April 23) — just a few hours before she was to head to her nomination centre at Nan Hua High School — to speak up on an incident that had happened to her.  In the post, the 38-year-old said that under the comments of a video showing her speaking at an unspecified press conference, one netizen remarked: «I want one nasi lemak chicken set.» 

Residents of the newly formed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC found out on Wednesday (April 23) that they will not partake in this year's general election. The People's Action Party (PAP) was the only party to submit nomination papers for this constituency, resulting in a walkover — the first since the 2011 General Election. The Workers' Party (WP) was expected to field a team in this constituency. Several residents from that GRC shared their thoughts on the unexpected walkover with AsiaOne today. Of the 10 residents interviewed, about half voiced their dissatisfaction over the absence of an electoral contest in their constituency. Jackie Lim, a 30-year-old profession who works in the advertising technology industry, told AsiaOne that she is «furious» that she won't be able to vote in the upcoming General Election. 

The General Election 2025 is in full swing and these parties will be holding their rallies this evening (April 24). AsiaOne will also be livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube the rallies by People's Action Party (PAP), Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and The Workers' Party (WP). GRAPHIC: AsiaOne The PAP team for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC includes Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Zaqy Mohamad, Alex Yam and Hany Soh. PM Wong revealed in a social media post yesterday that Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung and Poh Li San will be making special appearances at the rally. The former is contesting in Sembawang GRC while Poh in Sembawang West SMC. The People's Power Party (PPP) team for Tampines GRC includes Goh Meng Seng, Derrick Sim, Vere Nathan, Peter Soh and Arbaah Haroun.

Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh said he has acknowledged the disappointment of some Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC residents whom he met on Nomination Day (April 23), following news that the constituency will not be contested this general election. The People's Action Party (PAP) won this new GRC in a surprise walkover after WP did not turn up at the constituency's assigned nomination centre. WP was expected to field a team in this constituency. This is the first electoral walkover since the 2011 General Election. Responding to a question posed by the media on the walkover, Singh said on April 24 that there is «nothing untoward» about WP's decision on where to field candidates, and that they had put forward the «best slate» possible. «We want a more balanced political system. And this is the same point I made yesterday to some Marine Parade residents who I met,» he told reporters at Sengkang's Kopitiam Square. "I acknowledged and validated their disappointment that we will not standing there.

The general election on May 3 will mark the final time Progress Singapore Party (PSP) founder Tan Cheng Bock contests a seat. «This will be my last election,» said Dr Tan, 84, in a video posted to his Facebook page on Thursday (April 24). He will turn 85 this weekend.  «At my current age, I wouldn't be in politics unless I saw a real need,» he added, saying that many are struggling with cost of living, housing and employment issues. Dr Tan reflected on his 26-year political career and highlighted key issues he had championed, including free parking on Sundays and public holidays, and using CPF funds for tertiary education.

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng has penned a heartfelt Facebook post thanking Marine Parade residents for their support for the past five years.  Dr Tan said he's leaving Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC with a «full heart» after a surprise move in the eleventh hour which saw him moved to lead the People's Action Party (PAP) team in Chua Chu Kang GRC. «It is difficult to leave Marine Parade,» said Dr Tan, while reassuring residents that they have been left in good care with the new PAP team comprising Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, Seah Kian Peng, Tin Pei Ling and new faces Diana Pang and Goh Pei Ming. The five-member PAP team for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC was returned unopposed after no other candidates filed nomination papers for the constituency. «Over the past five years, I have been deeply blessed by your warmth, support, and friendship. Marine Parade is special, and I will cherish the memories we have together,» said Dr Tan in his Facebook post posted yesterday afternoon, addressing residents. He then thanked them for allowing him into their lives.

From Tan Chuan-Jin's viral running photo to Jamus Lim's iconic «cockles of my heart» catchphrase, memes and jokes are what make something as serious as the General Election more lighthearted.  And for the 2025 General Election, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has unintentionally got the ball rolling.  In a viral video, founder and chairman Tan Cheng Bock, secretary-general Leong Mun Wai and a PSP supporter were seen narrowly avoiding being hit by a carpark barrier on Nomination Day (April 23).  The trio had alighted from their car outside a coffeeshop near Nan Hua High School and after the vehicle drove off, the barrier dropped.  Leong was quick to catch it before it hit anyone and as he did so, a man donning the PSP shirt ran to assist them.  While thankfully no one was harmed, tickled netizens got creative. 

As Nomination Day comes to a close and battle lines have been drawn, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says he expects this year's General Election to be a «tough contest». Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday (April 23) with fellow People's Action Party (PAP) members Masagos Zulkifli, Chan Chun Sing and Indranee Rajah, PM Wong, who is also the party's secretary-general, said: «The opposition is better organised than before, and aside from one walkover, every area will be fiercely contested. »My team and I will work very hard to make our case to Singaporeans and win every vote.« He added that he has assembled the »best possible team for Singapore« in this »changed world«, noting the challenges this time are »more severe" compared to the last election amid the current global climate. “The opposition says: Don’t fear. This is an overreaction. The PAP is overdoing it. But I think if you truly examine the facts and ask yourself, is the world changing? Is something different? The answer is yes,” PM Wong said.

SINGAPORE - Independent candidate Darryl Lo, who is contesting Radin Mas SMC, will not hold physical rallies, will distribute 15,000 fliers and will put up 200 posters with a team of 12 volunteers. And while he acknowledged he has no political presence, he said he is going solo as there is no credible opposition in his constituency. Mr Lo is one of two independent candidates standing for election when Singaporeans go to the polls on May 3. The other is Mr Jeremy Tan, who is contesting Mountbatten SMC. Both men are first-time candidates, and plan to be full-time MPs if elected. On Nomination Day on April 23, Mr Lo, 28, told The Straits Times: «I always have the belief that sometimes an underdog may emerge successful. And I hope the residents see my perseverance and hard work.» He will be up against incumbent PAP MP Melvin Yong, 53, and People's Alliance for Reform's (PAR) Kumar Appavoo, 56. There are 25,497 voters in Radin Mas.

Nomination Day in Singapore took place on Wednesday (23 April), officially setting the stage for the upcoming General Election. From surprise matchups to familiar faces returning to the spotlight, the day provided clarity on who is running where—and what to look out for in the days ahead. Here are five key highlights from today’s events.  Heng Swee Keat and Teo Chee Hean to retire  Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced via a Facebook post on Nomination Day that he will not be running in the upcoming election.  DPM Heng said that he believes it is the «right time to make way for a new team of capable individuals who are well placed to serve Singapore». He also expressed his gratitude to the activists and volunteers from East Coast and Tampines.  «You have dedicated your time and effort to forging a more cohesive and caring Singapore,» said DPM Heng. 

Nomination Day has wrapped up, with 211 parliamentary hopefuls putting up their candidacy for the General Election. We've compiled the 33 electoral divisions (in alphabetical order) and the full list of candidates contesting them.

Today (April 23) marks Nomination Day, where prospective candidates for the General Election file their nomination papers, kicking off the countdown to Polling Day on May 3.  Here's what some of the candidates did with their loved ones before heading off to the races — from sharing special moments to penning their heartfelt appreciation.  The Workers' Party's Ong Lue Ping whips up breakfast  PHOTO: Facebook/Dr Ong Lue Ping Dr Ong Lue Ping from The Workers' Party (WP) prepared a hearty breakfast for his family.  He also stated that this is how he would be expressing his love for them over the days leading up to Polling Day. 

Four parties will be contesting in five-member Tampines GRC during the upcoming General Election. The People's Action Party (PAP) team, led by Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, 62, will be defending against Workers' Party (WP), National Solidarity Party (NSP) and People's Power Party (PPP).  Candidates from all four parties successfully filed their nomination papers at Poi Ching School on Wednesday (April 23). The PAP team defending Tampines GRC includes Senior Minister of State Dr Koh Poh Koon, 53, and three-term Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng, 54, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Sustainability and the Environment. They are joined by newcomers Assistant Professor Charlene Chen, 43, and former Chief of Army David Neo, 47. Said Masagos: «I'm very proud to have five of us here working together.» The election is not only about theoretical democracy, he said, but it's about the residents' needs and dreams. When asked about PAP feels about WP contesting in Tampines, Masagos said: «We will build on the promises we delivered, why WP is in Tampines is for them to answer.»

The Workers' Party's (WP) secretary-general Pritam Singh will once again helm the five-member Aljunied GRC. The other members of the team are Sylvia Lim, Gerald Giam, along with new faces Fadli Fawzi and Kenneth Tiong. The only other change is Faisal Manap who will lead the WP's Tampines GRC team. The opposition party will go up against the People's Action Party (PAP) team led by Chan Hui Yuh and consisting Adrian Ang, Faizal Abdul Aziz, Daniel Liu and Jagathishwaran Rajo. Speaking to the media on Wednesday (April 23), Singh termed Faisal as his «dear brother», and said that the latter always wanted to represent Tampines. Said Singh: «He's been asking me to consider that proposal for quite some time, and he succeeded... he is proud to lead the Tampines team.» Talking about the contests ahead, Singh said there will be tough fights everywhere. «Every single vote counts.» The People's Action Party (PAP) has fielded a five-member team led by marketing director Chan Hui Yuh, featuring newcomers Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz, Daniel Liu, Jagathishwaran Rajo, and Dr Adrian Ang, to contest  Aljunied GRC.

The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) will take on the People's Action Party (PAP) in the western end of Singapore again after the two teams of candidates were nominated at Nan Hua High School on April 23. West Coast GRC saw the narrowest of vote difference at General Election 2020, with PAP claiming 51.68 per cent of the share. The new five-member West Coast-Jurong West GRC, which was formed mainly with parts of West Coast GRC, will be contested by PAP's anchor minister Desmond Lee, Shawn Huang, Ang Wei Neng, new faces Cassandra Lee and Dr Hamid Razak, and PSP's Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Leong Mun Wai, Hazel Poa, Sumarleki Amjah and Sani Ismail. National Development Minister Lee thanked residents for giving him the privilege to serve during the previous term. «During this time, we've visited you and we've met you at events and walkabouts. We've served you at meet the people sessions. We are here to serve you and we seek your support over the next five years, so we can look after our estate and continue to serve you for five years and onwards,» he said. 

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will lead the People's Action Party to contest in the new four-member Punggol GRC, moving from Chua Chu Kang GRC where he served as MP for 14 years. The 66-year-old's candidacy was a closely guarded secret leading up to Nomination Day on Wednesday (April 23). Gan arrived at the nomination centre in Yusof Ishak Secondary School in Punggol Central at around 11.30am to submit his nomination papers for Punggol GRC. The other members of PAP team in the GRC are Dr Janil Puthucheary, Sun Xueling and Yeo Wan Ling.  Leading up to Nomination Day, there was much speculation that who would be the anchor the PAP slate for Punggol GRC.  Punggol GRC, with 123,557 voters, was created after the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee recommended carving out the Punggol estates in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, to merge with Punggol West SMC. The PAP will face a fight with the Workers’ Party, which is fielding newcomers Harpreet Singh, Jackson Aw, Siti Alia Abdul Rahim Mattar and Alexis Dang. 

Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today.  1. Books Kinokuniya to open new outlet at Raffles City this August With the recent closures of Epigram Coffee Bookshop and Times Bookstores, it has been pretty bleak for bookworms in Singapore. However, Books Kinokuniya's latest update regarding a new outlet opening in Raffles City Shopping Centre this August should help raise spirits... » READ MORE

The stage is set for Nomination Day on Wednesday (April 23), marking an important milestone leading up to May 3 when Singaporeans go to the polls in a closely watched General Election. Several senior ministers — including Dr Ng Eng Hen, Dr Amy Khor, and Dr Maliki Osman — have announced their departure from politics over the past week, signalling a period of transition and renewal.  Both the People's Action Party (PAP) and opposition parties have fielded fresh faces that promise to make a change in the respective constituencies they are contesting in. Here's what to watch for on Wednesday, as prospective candidates file their nomination papers at the nine centres across the island. Where is Pritam Singh headed? Pritam Singh, the secretary-general for the Workers' Party (WP), was not clear on whether he or other incumbent Aljunied GRC MPs would be contesting there this time.

Puan Noor Aishah, wife of Singapore's first president Yusof Ishak, has died at the age of 91 early Tuesday (April 22) morning. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his Cabinet are deeply saddened by the death of Puan Noor Aishah. PM Wong said in a Facebook post on Tuesday: «With grace and quiet strength, she stood by Encik Yusof Ishak and steadfastly supported him throughout our tumultuous years of nation building.» «Her kindness and service touched countless lives - may her legacy continue to inspire us all.» Puan Noor Aishah died peacefully at the Singapore General Hospital at 4.28am. Her husband, the late president, died in 1970 at the age of 60.