GE2025: Singapore Democratic Party launches campaign slogan, calls for GST to be scrapped for essentials

In terms of its GST proposal, Dr Chee said the increases over the years “really befuddles us”.

The GST was introduced in 1994 at 3 per cent. This increased to 4 per cent in 2003, 5 per cent in 2004, 7 per cent in 2007, 8 per cent in 2023 and 9 per cent last year.

He added: “Why is it that when you’ve got a whole host of cost increases, whether it’s your water price, whether it’s your petrol duty, whether it’s your bus or MRT fares – on top of that, you tag on and add 2 per cent to the GST?

“It makes absolutely no sense to us. So what we’re saying is that you make sure, right now, that we roll back all these cost increases, roll back your GST to pre-COVID levels, and let the people breathe easier just a little bit.”

“KEEPING COMMUNICATIONS OPEN”

SDP has said it would embark on a “northern strategy” for the upcoming General Election.

In recent weeks, it has unveiled its potential candidates in Sembawang and Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs), as well as Sembawang West and Bukit Panjang SMCs.

Dr Chee will be fielded in Sembawang West, while Professor Tambyah is expected to face the People’s Action Party’s Liang Eng Hwa in Bukit Panjang again.

Sembawang GRC likely faces a three-cornered fight, with the National Solidarity Party (NSP) also intending to run there. NSP secretary-general Spencer Ng has said his party is the “incumbent opposition” in Sembawang.

NSP contested in the constituency in the past two elections, while SDP ran there in 2006 and 2011. 

The two parties have reportedly failed to reach an agreement to avoid a three-cornered fight, with NSP rejecting SDP’s proposal to contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC instead.

In response to CNA’s question on Saturday on the progress of SDP’s talks with NSP, Dr Chee reiterated that his party is “continuing to keep our communications open and see if we can work things out”.

“But as I said, it’s not so much of who stands where, but where you stand. You make sure that it’s not like tissue paper, you put on the table and ‘chope’ … It’s formulating our message to the voters,” he added.

When asked if SDP would stand in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, Dr Chee said it “looks unlikely at this stage” as the party wants to “consolidate” its resources.