New political party in Singapore aims to 'put people first'

Updated May 27, 2014 14:27:42

The founder of Singapore's newest political party, Singaporeans First, says his party will put 'people at the heart of all public policies'.

Tan Jee Say, a former presidential candidate, announced the formation of the party at a press conference on Sunday.

The 11-member party includes a retired army colonel, architects and former activists from Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP).

Mr Tan told Asia Pacific the Singaporeans First party will introduce a new narrative in the island republic's political landscape.

'The nation has lost its soul. We need a new vision that puts Singaporeans at the heart of the nation,' he said.

'The vision of a fair society with strong families and a confident people with high self-esteem - the vision of Singaporeans First.'

Mr Tan says his party, which is yet to be formally registered, aims to narrow the poverty gap and provide a strong social safety net for Singaporeans.

The Singaporeans First party wants to remove the 7 per cent Goods and Services Tax and introduce a free education system.

It also aims to provide 'affordable' healthcare, old-age pension above the 'inadequate' Central Provident Fund savings and an unemployment insurance scheme.

'For the past 50 years, Singaporeans have been treated as economic digits in the economic growth of Singapore,' Mr Tan said.

'We want to turn it the other way around, we want to put people before economic growth.'

Topics:government-and-politics, singapore, asia

First posted May 27, 2014 14:21:44