Former NSP veteran Steve Chia switches camps

SINGAPORE — Former long-time National Solidary Party (NSP) member Steve Chia, who made the headlines in the 2015 General Election (GE) after he aborted plans to make a political comeback, has joined the Singapore People’s Party (SPP).

SPP members told TODAY that the former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament now sits on the party’s central executive committee as the organising secretary. Mr Chia declined comment when contacted.

Pictures of Mr Chia, 47, going on a walkabout in Bishan clad in party colours were put up on SPP’s Facebook page on Thursday (Jan 18).

After joining the NSP in 1995, Mr Chia contested in his first GE two years later, and became an NCMP from 2002 to 2006. In the 2015 GE, he had planned to contest in the Macpherson Single Member Constituency (SMC). However, he made a u-turn after a link — which led to a website carrying details about the nude photo scandal involving him in 2003 — was shared widely.

Also spotted in SPP’s pictures of recent walkabouts was former Singapore Environment Council executive director Jose Raymond, 46, who started volunteering with the party two months ago.

SPP members said that Mr Raymond has taken part in the party’s activities in Potong Pasir SMC and Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency.

Mr Raymond, who also declined comment, had helped with the electoral campaigning for Cabinet Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in the 2011 and 2015 GEs. At one time, he was also Dr Balakrishnan’s press secretary when he helmed the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

Mr Raymond, who is currently the Singapore Swimming Association’s vice-president, is also the deputy chairman of the Chiam See Tong Foundation, which aims to help disadvantaged children realise their sporting dreams.