Yah Lah But #637 ft. Dr Paul Tambyah - Why He Chose Opposition Politics, Chee Soon Juan & the Politics of Public Healthcare
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Apr 1, 2025 Dr. Paul Tambyah, an infectious disease expert and opposition politician with the Singapore Democratic Party, shares his journey from medicine to politics. He discusses the intricacies of Singapore's healthcare system and critiques the shift toward privatization. Dr. Tambyah offers insights into the challenges of opposition politics and the importance of public trust, especially in light of COVID-19. He also explores the impact of misinformation on vaccine debates and advocates for a community-focused political approach to foster social harmony.
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Pneumonia Research
- Dr. Tambyah's research project in Singapore and Vietnam aims to identify the causes of pneumonia in one-third of patients where the cause is unknown.
- They work with local scientists and build capacity, unlike researchers who parachute in, collect data, and leave.
Entry into Politics
- Dr. Tambyah's political involvement began with volunteering for the SDP in 2010 and speaking at rallies in the 2011 GE.
- One of his speeches at Boat Quay went viral after a student posted it on Facebook.
Choosing SDP
- Dr. Tambyah chose SDP for its clearly defined left-of-center ideology focused on human rights and universal access to healthcare, housing, and education.
- He didn't officially join until 2015 due to his involvement with MARUAH, which prohibited political party members.
