PPP chairman Derrick Sim steps down after GE 2025 defeat and internal reflection

SINGAPORE: People’s Power Party (PPP) Chairman Derrick Sim has announced that he is stepping down from all positions within the party, including his role as Chairman and Central Executive Committee member.

He said the decision was made in the aftermath of the General Election 2025 results.

The 45-year-old stated that his departure reflects “personal responsibility” following what he described as disappointing electoral outcomes for the party.

In response to Sim’s announcement, PPP Secretary-general Goh Meng Seng said in a Facebook post that he would be making a further statement regarding Sim’s departure.

Leadership transition and handover process

Sim explained that he had initially remained in office after the election to ensure the party’s administrative and financial matters were properly concluded.

He said this included completing documentation, auditing processes, and ensuring a structured handover.

He added that he now believes it is appropriate for “better leadership to take over”, marking a formal end to his leadership role within PPP.

“As Chairman, I believe leadership means taking responsibility not only during victories but also during defeats. I had originally intended to step down much earlier. "

"However, I remained because I wanted to ensure that the party's accounts, financial records, and administrative matters were properly documented, audited, and handed over in good order.”

Sim began his career in the Singapore Police Force as an investigating officer before transitioning into the finance industry.

He later built his professional career in financial services and is currently serving as an associate director at a financial advisory firm.

GE 2025 performance

During the GE2025, Sim contested in Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC) alongside PPP Chief Goh Meng Seng in a four-cornered contest.

The People’s Action Party (PAP) retained Tampines GRC with 52.02 per cent of the vote, down from 66.41 per cent in 2020.

The Workers’ Party (WP) secured 47.37 per cent, while the National Solidarity Party (NSP) and PPP received 0.18 per cent and 0.43 per cent respectively.

Both NSP and PPP failed to cross the 12.5 per cent threshold required to retain election deposits, resulting in forfeitures of S$67,500 per five-member team.

Personal political motivations and vaccine safety stance

In a Facebook post on 2 July, Sim said his entry into politics was driven primarily by concerns over vaccine safety and what he believed were possible vaccine-related injuries, describing the issue as an “unpopular” but necessary focus. 

He said personal observations of incidents among acquaintances following COVID-19 vaccination prompted him to review scientific literature, regulatory submissions, and clinical trial documentation in greater depth.

Sim also cited whistleblower allegations concerning vaccine trial conduct, arguing that such claims warranted “proper investigation rather than silence” rather than dismissal. He added that limited willingness among mainstream political actors to engage with these questions contributed to his decision to enter politics. 

Separately, he recounted a 2022 meeting with MP Dr Koh Poh Koon, saying it ended abruptly after questions on vaccine policy, with follow-up attempts unsuccessful.

Sim addresses allegations of PPP as a “mole party”; defending PPP leadership

Sim also addressed repeated public allegations that PPP operates as a “mole party” aligned with PAP, describing the claim as inaccurate.

He added that criticism directed at PPP often stemmed from Goh’s public commentary, particularly in relation to Workers’ Party matters.

Sim described Goh as having a long historical connection with the WP, including involvement in its earlier development during periods without digital campaigning tools.

He said Goh had acted as a mentor figure, introducing him to former party members and explaining political history and analytical frameworks based on “first principles” thinking.

Sim argued that Goh’s criticisms of opposition figures were rooted in principles rather than personal hostility, and suggested his positions were influenced by longstanding ideological commitments.

He also noted that disagreements over housing policy and the Housing and Development Board (HDB) Asset Enhancement Programme had contributed to Goh’s departure from the WP in earlier years.

Funding and electoral participation

Sim stated that PPP’s campaign was supported by contributions from medical professionals, concerned citizens, party members and donors from fundraising efforts.

He also acknowledged financial contributions from Goh, Soh, and other supporters.

He said ultimately, electoral outcomes are determined by voters and that the party accepted the results.

He added that other issues such as cost of living and housing affordability were already being addressed by other political actors.

Sim said: “I entered politics because I believed there was a vacuum on medical accountability.”