Hazel Poa steps aside, Dr Tan hails smooth transition as party focuses on election preparations

Leong Mun Wai has resumed leadership of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), positioning himself at the helm ahead of the next General Election after a unanimous and uncontested decision by the party’s top committee.

Founded in 2019 by Dr Tan Cheng Bock, the PSP has seen four leadership transitions, with Leong Mun Wai previously stepping down in 2024 after receiving a POFMA correction. He now reclaims the secretary-general role from Hazel Poa, who becomes vice chairperson.

Leong Reinstated Ahead of GE2025

Following internal party elections on March 20, Leong Mun Wai was re-elected as secretary-general of the PSP on March 26, taking over from Hazel Poa. The transition, described as a “relay team” handover by Leong, marks a strategic move as the party gears up for the coming General Election. Both Leong and Poa remain the party’s Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) after PSP’s strong showing in the 2020 West Coast GRC race.

Leadership Change Driven by Collaboration

Poa, who led the party from February 2024 after Leong stepped down due to a POFMA correction, said she welcomed the change as she takes on new personal responsibilities. Dr Tan Cheng Bock emphasized that there was no internal contest and praised the cooperative nature of PSP leadership, calling the move a return of the baton. “That is the way good politicians conduct themselves,” he remarked, referring to Leong’s earlier resignation.

Strengthening Party Structure and Groundwork

Over the past year, Poa has focused on internal organisation while Leong concentrated on field operations. With election preparations intensifying, Leong stated his intent to “orchestrate the campaign” and lead PSP to “greater heights.” Dr Tan expressed confidence in the current leadership, which includes both veteran members and newly appointed younger members in the Central Executive Committee (CEC).

Key Figures and Electoral Focus

The updated CEC includes familiar faces such as Dr Tan (chairman), Poa (vice chairperson), and S Nallakaruppan (treasurer), with newer members helming youth, membership, and logistics roles. PSP is expected to contest key constituencies such as West Coast-Jurong West GRC and Chua Chu Kang GRC. Dr Tan, when asked earlier this year, affirmed his intent to remain politically active as long as he is “able and relevant.”

From NCMPs to Potential MPs

PSP’s 2020 performance in West Coast GRC—securing 48.31 per cent of the vote against the PAP—remains the strongest by any opposition team in that election. The margin granted both Leong and Poa NCMP seats. With the party now focusing on reclaiming or surpassing that performance, leadership unity and campaign readiness are PSP’s priorities moving into GE2025.

As Singapore’s political landscape gears up for GE2025, PSP’s leadership consolidation under Leong Mun Wai signals stability and strategic continuity. With strong grassroots presence and internal cohesion, the party is set to remain a formidable opposition contender in the coming election cycle.

Sources: CNA (2025), Asia One (2025)

Keywords: PSP Secretary General, Singapore Opposition Politics, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, GE2025 Leadership