Alex Tan Tiong Hee, a founding member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of Dr Tan Cheng Bock's Progress Singapore Party (PSP), has come under heavy criticism for his remark on some smaller opposition parties.
In the interview with The Online Citizen (TOC), Alex remarked that the parties in the proposed coalition - the People's Power Party (PPP), the Singaporeans First Party (SFP), the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and the Reform Party (RP) - were led by "captains of sinking boats".
PSP has since released a statement contextualising the statement made by Alex Tan, and the party's position on the matter.
In the statement, PSP clarified that the Alex Tan had made the statement in jest during a casual group chat that also involved members of the proposed alliance.
It however dissociated itself from Alex Tan's statements, highlighting that his views are not shared by the party and that it respects the commitment and contributions made by these opposition parties.
Alex Tan's position has been made untenable by this remark.
He has been central to the growth of the PSP and is, by many accounts, Dr Tan's PA and right-hand man.
Will he be asked to leakve the party or will he leave on his own accord?
Whatever he chooses to do, it is not likely to have a major impact on PSP's advance towards the elections. It has made great strides forward and the potential loss of Alex Tan, no matter how valuable he was, will not derail the party's machinery.
