SDP eyes vacant Punggol seat

SMU Assistant Professor of Law and NMP Eugene Tan commented on the five-way fight slated for the Punggol East by-election after SDP announced its intentions to contest. He said, “It’s the first time where a PAP-held ward has been vacated on less-than-happy terms – it’s one rare occasion where [the PAP is] on the defensive. It’s as good a chance as [the SDP] can get in creating awareness of their party and making political hay. Punggol East also has a younger demographic profile which opposition parties generally assess to be likely more open to political courtship. A lot of the hot-button issues [discussed] during the General Election last year, such as transport and cost of living, remain fairly attractive lightning rods today and I suppose still provide a fertile terrain to rally support."