Progress Singapore Party Faces a Sudden Surge of “I‑Should‑Go‑Now” Departures
It seems the PSP’s inner circle is growing rather faster than its membership: Kayla Low, the party’s spirited treasurer, waltzed out of her role, citing a career that demands a lot of jet‑setting.
Why Kayla’s Taking a “Bye‑Bye” to the Treasury
- Kayla, now 44, explained on The Straits Times that her new job’s travel schedule simply doesn’t play well with the party’s budget‑keeping needs.
- She quietly expressed a sincere wish for PSP’s continued success, saying “I would like to take this opportunity to wish the party all the success in its endeavours.”
Who’s Stepping in?
After the announcement, Francis Yuen, the PSP’s secretary-general (who inherited the reins after Dr. Tan broke ties with the People’s Action Party), confirmed the swap. He noted Kayla “requested that she be relieved of her duties,” and the party’s Facebook page crowed that Peggie Chua, a two‑term central executive committee member, will fill the void.
Beyond the Party Scene
- Kayla is quitting membership but plans to stay as a volunteer, just as the PSD’s rulebook says members need a 6‑month “walk‑the‑ground” before filing for election candidacy.
- She first landed a seat on the CEC in March, then was appointed treasurer a few days later—just in time to run for the Yio Chu Kang constituency last year.
- In that election, her 39% share was a respectable effort but still fell short against new PAP hopeful Yip Hon Weng.
What’s Her Story?
Kayla’s LinkedIn biography reads almost like a treasure chest: four decades making money, plus a brief stint as a prison officer and volunteer, with a side of consulting, wholesale, food & beverage, and online ventures. She left a portfolio that managed 11 local companies in July to become managing director of a shiny e‑commerce platform.
Popularity + Significance
Sources say she was a favorite among the Yio Chu Kang crew and the local residents, making her exit a notable blow to PSP. The departure follows a string of high‑profile exits, including former candidate Brad Bowyer (who vacated the party in August after controversial troll‑like social‑media posts) and Terence Soon (youth wing head who also left for overseas opportunities).
Other PSP Drama
- PBS’s stance on the Singapore‑India trade agreement sparked a lively debate, with concerns that the party may be targeting a particular race or nationality. The leadership has beat that claim in the ring.
- In late 2023, speaking out over pandemic measures, Kala Manickam and the PSP split ways, adding to the turbulence.
Final Take
With a flurry of departures, the PSP is contending with both a dip in internal stability and a continuous attempt to reclaim its relevance on the political stage. Whether Kayla’s short jet‑trip will haunt the party’s finances remains to be seen, but the spirit of PSP’s “anything‑can‑happen” tagline certainly keeps everyone on their toes.
