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SINGAPORE: The chairman of the Singapore People’s Party (SPP), Jose Raymond, announced on Tuesday (December 22) that he will be leaving politics to focus on expanding his business.
In a Facebook post, Raymond thanked his supporters and his team of volunteers for their efforts during the 2020 general election.
“My team and I fought with a lot of heart and we moved forward because of how you responded,” he said.
Raymond said the time has come for you to focus on the things that will help you “create impact in other ways, help others in different ways” and take your signature regionally.
He is the chief strategy officer for SW Strategies, a strategic advisory firm that started in 2016.
Raymond said in his Facebook post that he has wanted to run the regional firm since the firm began and that the Malaysia chapter was added in 2019.
Speaking to the CNA, Raymond said he submitted his resignation letter last Thursday, adding that he plans to have the “third chapter” of his company in Jakarta or Bangkok.
“My mission to serve others still remains, I can do it in many other ways. I will be able to continue serving people, but not in the political arena or in political areas,” Raymond said.
The SPP said that its central executive committee (CCA) received Raymond’s resignation letter and will make a decision at its next CCA meeting.
Mr. Raymond became president of the SPP last November, replacing Ms. Lina Chiam, the wife of opposition stalwart Chiam See Tong.
He contested in the Potong Pasir Uninominal Constituency (SMC) for the first time in the 2020 General Election in July. He lost the seat to Potong Pasir MP Sitoh Yih Pin of the People’s Action Party (PAP), who won 60.69 percent of the vote.
“My respect to many of you on both sides of the political aisle, for putting years into what you really believe,” Raymond said.
