S1E22: Desmond Tan on life - and lessons - as a first-term MP

Now that we’re in 2025, one thing’s for sure – a General Election is on the horizon.

Synopsis: Out on Thursdays, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

When exactly? That’s anyone’s guess. But political parties are already up and about, ramping up efforts to touch base with voters.

And, judging by the recent episode between some volunteers of Progress Singapore Party and People’s Action Party in Bukit Gombak in Chua Chu Kang GRC, the political temperature is rising.

In the lead-up to the polls, The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah looks at how MPs, and others involved in the GE, are preparing themselves.

In this week’s episode, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Desmond Tan stops by to talk about his experience so far as a first-term MP.

Mr Tan, who has been an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC since 2020, said he “won’t call it a job because... it’s an elected role that has no fixed job description and no fixed terms of reference”.

The 54-year-old, who spent almost three decades in the Singapore Armed Forces before joining the People’s Association, said that he had to “level up very quickly” when he joined politics and took on positions in the government.

When he ran for office in the last GE as a rookie, he lost 3.5kg during the hustings. In anticipation of this year’s campaign, he’s gaining some weight, and is also more emotionally ready for the work.

For one thing, he has built relationships with the residents in his ward, and has put in the work since the last election to serve them.

And how does Mr Tan, NTUC’s deputy secretary-general, deal with criticism over a hot potato issue like, say, the failed Allianz-Income Insurance deal?

“Sometimes there may be disagreement (in) opinions, but we have to continue our path,” he said. “As long as I speak the truth and I’m clear about my conscience, I have nothing to worry about.”

On a lighter note, Natasha asked him what he thinks of the nickname some voters bestowed on him in 2020 – “Down-To-Earth Desmond” – and what nickname he would pick for himself, if he had to.

Watch or tune in to the episode to find out what he said.

Highlights (click/tap above):

6:24 Politicians must accept that they won’t always be right

10:18 “I have no strategy for social media.”

14:35 “You can’t just give an order, like in the army.”

21:34 Being labelled “Down-To-Earth Desmond” 

29:25 He lost 3.5kg during the 2020 GE

Host: Natasha Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg)

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Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Eden Soh & Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

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