Progress Singapore Party chief Francis Yuen steps down in leadership shake-up

SINGAPORE: The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) on Sunday (Mar 26) elected a new Central Executive Committee (CEC), with Mr Francis Yuen stepping down from his position as secretary-general. 

The 73-year-old, who took over the role two years ago, will remain a member of the opposition party founded in 2019 by Dr Tan Cheng Bock, a former lawmaker with the ruling People's Action Party.

"Mr Yuen has recently been appointed as executive chairman of an overseas publicly listed company, so his new position will make it difficult for him to lead the party," said the PSP in a press release.

"The new PSP secretary-general will be announced at a later date." 

CNA understands that the new 12-member CEC plans to appoint its office holders on Mar 29.

Vice-chairman Wang Swee Chuang and youth wing head Jess Chua have also stepped down from the committee, which is the party's top decision-making body.

Dr Tan, whom Mr Yuen had succeeded as secretary-general, remains the PSP's chairman and a member of the CEC. 

"Serving in the CEC is hard work," said Dr Tan in a statement, praising the previous committee elected in April 2021.

He also complimented the PSP's two Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) - Mr Leong Mun Wai and Ms Hazel Poa - for performing "substantially well" in Parliament.

The duo were re-elected to the CEC, alongside treasurer Peggie Chua, assistant treasurer Phang Yew Huat, women's wing head Wendy Low and 2020 general election candidate Ang Yong Guan.

Ms Low also contested Tanjong Pagar GRC at the polls, on a PSP slate that included Mr Harish Pillay and Mr Abas Kasmini, who were both elected to the new CEC on Sunday.

Mr Abas is a new addition to the CEC, as are Mr Jeffrey Khoo and Mr Nadarajan Loganathan who were part of a PSP team that contested West Coast GRC.

Ms Tan Chika, who was co-opted into the CEC in 2020 but missed out in 2021, was elected this time.

The new CEC will serve for two years until March 2025.

In his statement, Dr Tan described the PSP as having "gained significant recognition from the public”, and said its goal was to win more seats in the House.

"We still cannot form the government, but we will be around to check on the incumbent," said the 82-year-old.

The outgoing party chief Mr Yuen said in parting remarks that the PSP was "here to stay".

"It must grow from strength to strength. The PSP must build up its brand, presence in Parliament and ability to articulate to the Singaporean people." 

Tham, A. (2023, March 26). Progress Singapore Party chief Francis Yuen steps down in leadership shake-up. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/progress-singapore-party-new-central-executive-committee-francis-yuen-3375106