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.
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