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Tan Cheng Bock unveils palm-tree symbol for Progress Singapore Party

The Progress Singapore Party’s logo “is in the form of a palm tree signifying growth, purpose, strength and life,” said Dr Tan Cheng Bock. (IMAGE: Facebook / Dr Tan Cheng Bock)
The Progress Singapore Party’s logo “is in the form of a palm tree signifying growth, purpose, strength and life,” said Dr Tan Cheng Bock. (IMAGE: Facebook / Dr Tan Cheng Bock)

SINGAPORE — Ten days after his Progress Singapore Party (PSP) received official approval from the Registry of Societies, former presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock unveiled his political party’s symbol in a Facebook post on Thursday (11 April).

The red symbol resembles a palm tree, said Dr Tan in his post, “Our Party symbol is in the form of a palm tree signifying growth, purpose, strength and life.

“The tree has five fronds and the trunk is in the shape of a person. The person-shaped trunk represents the Party’s belief that people are its core interest and source of strength.

“The five fronds represent the five ideals which the Party subscribes to: Democracy, Equality, Justice, Peace and Progress. They also represent our multi-racial and inclusive society consisting of the four racial groups and new citizens.

“Our Party colours are red and white. Red symbolises life, passion, energy and strength. White symbolises purity, integrity and goodness.”

Newly formed party

Dr Tan, 78, had announced in January that he was forming the PSP with 11 others, including some former People’s Action Party cadre members. On 16 March, the party received in-principle approval by the Registry of Societies, before official approval was given on 1 April.

“The Progress Singapore Party looks forward to serving the people of Singapore and will work hard to fulfil the ideals to which we subscribe,” he wrote in his Facebook post.

In recent months, Dr Tan has been spotted having breakfast with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s younger brother Hsien Yang, fuelling talk of a possible political alliance.

Last July, he attended a media conference where seven opposition parties, excluding the Workers’ Party and Singapore People’s Party, came together to discuss the possible formation of an opposition coalition.

Dr Tan, who ran in the 2011 Presidential Election, lost to Tony Tan by just 7,382 votes. His subsequent attempt to contest the post in 2017 was thwarted when the government reserved the election for Malay candidates.

Related stories:

Tan Cheng Bock’s Progress Singapore Party formally registered, to submit party symbol

Tan Cheng Bock receives in-principle approval for registration of Progress Singapore Party

Tan Cheng Bock applies to form new political party along with some ex-PAP cadres