Former NSP Chief quit after five months in position

Former  NSP chief quit after five months in position.

Former NSP Chief Tan Lam Siong said he has parted ways with the party that he has led for about five months, and is planning to run as independent candidate for the upcoming general election.

He has plans to contest as single-member constituency in Whampoa which is currently under PAP's. 

Mr Tan, who has joined the NSP two years ago, had been elected as secretary-general at the party's committee election in January.

Stepped down in June, citing "incompatibility issues", he remained as part of the party's top decision-making body. Ms Hazel Poa, a former government scholar and 2011 election candidate, has been appointed acting secretary-general to take his place.

Speaking to the media about his decision to leave the party completely, Mr Tan said: "If I were to continue in NSP, it will be something which I would feel uncomfortable with. There are certain ideologies I have that are not completely matching (with the party's). I would prefer to be free and to have greater freedom."

He told the media that he was leaving the party on friendly terms. He has sent a text message to NSP president Sebastian Teo to wish him all the best.

Since 2011 NSP has had four different secretary-generals . and also saw a spate of resignations occurs on the same year, sparking talk of possible rifts within the party.

Within this year, NSP party has lost a total of six members, including Mr Tan.

Mr Tan declined to comment much on NSP's matters, adding: "Politicking happens in the political arena. I find it quite upsetting that people regard one another as foes rather than as comrades."

Speaking on his choice of Whampoa, he said he has been doing community and social work and is familiar with the issues that residents there are facing around the area

Mr Tan mentioned he has not met anyone else walking Whampoa yet, so it seems like no one is interested other than the incumbents," he said.

Being offered a post in other parties, Mr Tan mentioned that he had turned down all offers and would run as an independent candidate in the next election.

"Mr Tan has in plan of setting up his own party to develop more into politics...but not for the next election," he mentioned.