SINGAPORE - Dr Tan Cheng Bock, the Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) founder, said on May 10 that he will not be involved in the next general election, but the party will return for the next round.

He said: “Today, it’s just to come here and say thank you to those who voted for us, and also to show to those who didn’t vote for us (that) we are not running away.

“We’ll be back soon. We’ll be back in maybe five years’ time. By then, I hope a younger team will take over, and I hope the people will look at us in a different way.” 

Dr Tan and party chief Leong Mun Wai gave a brief address to the media before a walkabout at West Coast Market at Block 726 West Coast Road.

This comes seven days after PSP lost all six constituencies it contested at the May 3 general election.

Dr Tan said his party had put up a good fight.

“It’s been a good journey for us, for the younger people. They know what it’s like to fight in the direction (with) all the odds against you,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we didn’t do that well. I don’t want to blame anybody now. I think the important thing is we are just looking forward to see how we can train our younger (members) to understand what is politics and what it is like.”

Dr Tan said he will remain in the party to advise the younger generation.

Dr Tan celebrated his 85th birthday on April 26, during campaigning. Earlier, he had said that he took part in this election in the hope of drawing more younger people to Parliament.

“For me, I’ve gone into Parliament for 26 years, but I want the younger lot to be given that chance to have the experience,” he said on May 10.

“I tried my best. I think maybe they (voters) think: “You’re not ready”, but it’s okay, because the Workers’ Party took about 60 years to just gain 10 seats.

“I told them (PSP members) don’t be discouraged. At least we were given the initial chance. But never mind, we will learn and come back.”

Mr Leong said: “PSP is not going to run away. We’ll reflect, regroup and return.”

He also thanked tho...