Property agent was inspired by JB Jeyaretnam

SINGAPORE — Former People’s Action Party (PAP) grassroots volunteer Darren Soh said today (Aug 27) that he decided to cross the political divide and join the Reform Party (RP) early this year because of its founder, the late J B Jeyaretnam, whom he regarded as a politician who dared to speak up for the rights of the common man.

“He made big sacrifices to push for democracy in Singapore, even after he was sued to bankruptcy,” said Mr Soh, referring to the veteran Opposition politician who died in 2008.

“Singapore needs talents like this, straight-talkers who have the courage to oppose fearlessly,” said the 45-year-old property agent.

Before joining RP, Mr Soh said he had been “very involved” with the PAP’s grassroots activities in Yew Tee for more than 20 years.

“Once, my son asked me, ‘Pa, you have helped PAP so many years and PAP hasn’t helped so many Singaporeans. A lot of people still don’t have jobs.’ This and many other incidents were like wake-up calls to me. It’s time to reform,” said Mr Soh, who spoke in Mandarin.

Having grown up in “a very low-income estate” in Bukit Ho Swee, Mr Soh said: “I understand what it feels like to be among the lower rungs of the social ladder.”

He hopes to be a “voice for these vulnerable groups”.

“That is why I have joined the Opposition. I want to reflect their concerns in Parliament, to be a bridge between voters and the Government,” Mr Soh said.

Singaporeans need strong Opposition parties, who do not oppose “for the sake of it”, he added. “They speak up because they love this country, they are born and bred here, like me.”

If elected, Mr Soh said he hopes to be an MP who is in touch with his residents and is “just a phone call away”.

Darren Soh, 45

Property agent with Propnex

FACT FILE:

- Holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from the RMIT University

- Spent 20 years volunteering with the People’s Action Party’s grassroots in Yew Tee

- Married with an 18-year-old son

- Enjoys playing table-tennis and shopping

HE SAID:

“I joined the Reform Party because of Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam. He made big sacrifices to push for democracy in Singapore, even after he was sued to bankruptcy. Singapore needs talents like this, straight-talkers who have the courage to oppose fearlessly.”