Fielding Minority & Age Diversity – Dr Tan Talks Straight
During yesterday’s press conference (June 25th), Dr Tan Cheng Bock of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) tackled some hot topics that people had tossed up on the debate floor: why are we putting so many minorities and older folks on the ballot?
Minority Candidates – The Full Line‑up
- Nadarajah Loganathan, 57
- Kumaran Pillai, 49
- Abas Kasmani, 67
- Harish Pillay, 60
- Mohammad Taufik Supan, 40
- Bradley Bowyer, 53
- Sri Nallakarupan, 56
- Kala Manickam, 52
- Abdul Rahman, 67
Out of 24 candidates, nine are from minority backgrounds – that’s a solid 37.5 % representation so hopefully we’re not just talking about “one‑of‑a‑kind” but a real commitment to inclusivity.
“We’re All Singaporeans” – The Core Message
When folks ask why we’re fielding minorities, Dr Tan responds, “Why does that bother you?” He says the vibe should be: We’re all Singaporeans – just pick the people who look out for you, not the picture on the ballot. Even a bilingual breezy English‑speaker like Bradley Bowyer is fair game as long as the candidate has the right heart.
Age? More on Quality Than Numbers
People also throw in the idea that the party is a senior‑citizens club. “We’ve got more seasoned faces,” whines some. Dr Tan, aged 80, turns the conversation around: Age is just a number; the important thing is what you bring to the table. He emphasizes that we don’t cherry‑pick youngsters just to look good – we need that right mix of mindset, passion, and drive.
Young & Vibe‑Ready Candidates
On the flip side, PSP does have youthful firepower:
- Choo Shaun‑Ming, 23, NUS law undergrad
- Terence Soon, 30, Singapore Airlines pilot (turning 30 later this year)
“Be it senior or youth, anyone who loves Singapore and wants to serve can step up,” Dr Tan says.
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Key Takeaway
Let’s stop asking who we’re fielding and start asking why. If a candidate has vision, heart, and the right spark, that’s what matters – and that’s the spirit of PSP.