Prof Paul Tambyah elected SDP chairman
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Professor Paul Tambyah has been elected as the new chairman for the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), taking over from Dr Wong Souk Yee, who will move into the role of party’s assistant treasurer.
Prof Tambyah was elected at the SDP’s conference last weekend, along with other members of the party’s Central Executive Committee.
According to the SDP, Prof Tambyah had “strong support of party cadres”, including outgoing chairperson Dr Wong.
“I'm proud to support Paul's chairmanship and I'm sure the rest of my colleagues look forward to his leadership in the party,” Dr Wong said.
Prof Tambyah works at the Department of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and is a senior consultant at the Division of Infectious Diseases at the National University Hospital (NUH).
Prof Tambyah, who previously said he decided to enter politics because of his dissatisfaction with the financing of Singapore’s healthcare system, was fielded alongside Dr Chee for a contest in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC in the last elections.
Dr Chee Soon Juan retains his role as Secretary-General.
“I hope that more academics, professionals, and young people in particular will step up to be involved in civil society and politics in Singapore,” said Prof Tambyah in a post on SDP’s website.
“This is a particularly important time for our country when there are uncertainties about the economy and also serious questions about governance issues including the elected presidency.
“The SDP has never shied away from holding the government accountable to the people and I am happy to be a part of the SDP's efforts for the good of Singaporeans,” he added.