GE2025: Multi-cornered fights expected in Tampines, Ang Mo Kio as People's Power Party stakes claim

The stage is set for multi-cornered fights in Ang Mo Kio and Tampines GRC in the upcoming elections after the People's Power Party (PPP) announced on April 22 that it will contest both constituencies.

PPP had earlier indicated that it was preparing to contest in Tampines Changkat SMC, Nee Soon GRC and Jalan Kayu SMC. It later backed out of running in Nee Soon GRC to give way to Red Dot United.

PPP secretary-general Goh Meng Seng will lead the Tampines team, which comprises landscaping executive Vere Nathan, 26, founder of a green technology firm Peter Soh, 65, entrepreneur Arbaah Haroun, 50, and party chairman Derrick Sim, 44, who is a financial planner. For Ang Mo Kio, the candidates are former civil servant Martinn Ho, 64, safety coordinator Thaddeus Thomas, 43, horticulturist Heng Zheng Dao, 24, and IT engineer Samuel Lee, 33. The team will be led by party treasurer and limousine service provider William Lim, 47.

Mr Goh Meng Seng said in a press conference on April 22: "There are a lot of contestants in different places with conflicted interests."

On the party's decision to pull out of the contests in Tampines Changkat and Jalan Kayu, he said: "As a party, we also want to give respect to the bigger parties... We have decided that we will actually have to disappoint our candidates, as well as our supporters."

The announcement will see PPP entering multi-cornered fights in both constituencies. Tampines will be the most hotly contested GRC, with four parties currently staking their claims.

Other than the incumbent PAP, the Workers' Party and the National Solidarity Party (NSP) are also expected to contest in Tampines. In Ang Mo Kio, PPP will be going up against the PAP team led by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and the Singapore United Party (SUP).

In Ang Mo Kio, PPP will be going up against the PAP team led by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and the Singapore United Party.

Mr Goh apologised to the NSP and SUP for "this conflict", with the team also bowing at the press conference.

In its manifesto issued on April 4, the party's key policy suggestions include monthly payouts of $300 for each child from families that earn a household income at or below the 70th percentile of the population until the child finishes secondary school.

It also suggested that employees' contribution to the Central Provident Fund be reduced to 5 per cent from the current 20 per cent, and that essential groceries and healthcare services be exempted from the goods and services tax.