As the political landscape heats up in Singapore, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general Chee Soon Juan is gearing up for a rematch in the Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency (SMC) during the upcoming general election. Having previously contested in 2020 and narrowly losing to People’s Action Party (PAP) MP Murali Pillai, Dr Chee is determined to rally support and bring new perspectives to the forefront.
Fundraising Efforts at Orange & Teal
To fund his campaign, Dr Chee is hosting a series of fundraising dinners at his restaurant, Orange & Teal, between 18 February and 26 February 2024. The dinners are exclusively open to Singapore citizens, with reservations starting at $100 per person.
- Date Range: 18 February – 26 February 2024
- Location: Orange & Teal, Rochester Mall
- Ticket Price: Starting at $100
Addressing Education and Immigration Policies
In a recent Facebook video, Dr Chee highlighted his concerns about Singapore’s education system, criticising its “content-driven and exam-oriented” approach. He argued that this system has failed to cultivate a community equipped with the necessary skills for future challenges.
Among his proposals, Dr Chee suggested:
- Eliminating the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)
- Reducing class sizes to 20 students per teacher
- Encouraging creative and critical thinking in students
A Call for Change
Dr Chee has expressed a sense of urgency, stating, “There is no new, bold thinking to tackle the problems that our society faces… Singaporeans will have to step in to get the job done.” As the election date approaches, the SDP plans to intensify its efforts and address key local issues.
With the next general election required to be held by 23 November 2024, the countdown is on for both candidates and voters alike to discuss the future direction of Bukit Batok and beyond.