PRSP Kicks Off a Fresh Leadership Era
In a move that feels like a plot twist from a political drama, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has handed over the grand title of secretary‑general to former Republic of Singapore Air Force colonel Francis Yuen. The seasoned pilot, who’s been steering the party’s strategy as its assistant secretary‑general, is set to juggle executive duties and grassroots hustle while Dr Tan Cheng Bock (80) steps into the role of chairman.
Who’s Who, and Why It Doesn’t Matter
- Francis Yuen (71): formerly rose through the ranks in the Political Party’s central executive committee, contested Chua Chu Kang GRC last year, and now taking charge of core team building.
- Dr Tan Cheng Bock (80): party founder, now the guide‑poster and mentor for Francis, focusing on expanding external support to the party.
PSP spokesman Kumaran Pillai shrugged at the title distinction: “We’re not in power, so having a secretary‑general is just a fancy badge right now. What matters is the work behind the scenes.
Legitimacy and Unity in the air
Non‑Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai posted on Facebook that Francis is the unanimous pick to “take PSP to the next level,” adding, “Francis will light the fire while Dr Tan fortifies the party’s outer walls.”
When questioned, Pillai said Dr Tan keeps reaching out to other parties, civil society, and various community groups.
Rumors of a Party Power‑Struggle?
Last month, RedWire Times speculated that some PSP insiders were pushing for Dr Tan to step down so that younger “talented rising stars” could assume the role. Pillai brushed off the claim: “The new CEC lineup isn’t about a split. It’s a pre‑planned transition—Dr Tan promised to hand over the reins to a lighter‑weight.”
He also mentioned having long discussions with the cadre who stayed anonymous in the RedWire report. “There’s no coup, just a moment of communication gone wrong,” he said, likening it to a game of broken telephone.
New Faces in the CEC Podium
- Kayla Low: Chartered accountant, former SMC candidate for Yio Chu Kang, now treasurer.
- Phang Yew Huat: Businessman, stepping in as assistant treasurer.
- Wang Swee Chuang: Former PSP chairman, now vice‑chairman.
- Kumaran Pillai and Taufik Supan were added to the new CEC after the party conference on Sunday. Pillai runs a niche startup consultancy, while Supan is an IT project manager and last year’s candidate for Kebun Baru SMC and Nee Soon GRC.
With all the squadron changes settled, the Progress Singapore Party is geared up to navigate the next political season, trading in old command decks for a fresh crew that’s ready to fly high again.
<img alt="" data-caption="Mr Kumaran Pillai (left) and Mr Taufik Supan were co-opted into the new central executive committee.
PHOTO: Facebook/Progress Singapore Party” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”e2aff4a3-7a04-4381-b5c1-aa9fd5fe30b9″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210401_kumaranpillaiandtaufiksupan_fb.jpg”/>
Progress Singapore Party’s CEC Gets a Fresh Boost
On Sunday, the PSP’s CEC added six new members, turning up the women count on the board.
New Names to Watch
- Ang Yong Guan – Psychiatry pro who ran in Marymount SMC last year.
- Wendy Low – Lawyer campaigner who contested Tanjong Pagar GRC.
- Harish Pillay – Tech enthusiast also in Tanjong Pagar.
- Jess Chua – The latest fresh face on the committee.
Additional Fresh Faces
Besides the newcomers, Low and Phang are among the new additions.
Re‑elected Veterans
- Peggie Chua
- Hazel Poa (Non‑Constituency MP)
- Leong (Non‑Constituency MP)
Term Length
The newly chosen committee will serve a two‑year term, concluding in March 2023.
