With some introspection, we are not afraid to say that 2023 is somewhat of an annus horribilis for the PAP. But on the bright side, it is during challenging times that the strength of a team shines through.
Because despite the turmoil, the main priority for the PAP remains steadfast and unchanged. That is, the welfare of residents must continue to be taken care of to the highest standards.
This spirit to serve, embedded in our DNA, is what prompted Minister for National Development and West Coast GRC MP Desmond Lee to make the following promise, “We would like to assure residents of West Coast division that we will continue to serve them and ensure that their needs are supported.”
In the week since Mr Iswaran was placed on leave, Minister Lee, along with other West Coast GRC MPs – Mr Ang Wei Neng, Ms Foo Mee Har and Ms Rachel Ong have dived into the heart of West Coast to reassure residents that their wellbeing will not be compromised. From knocking on doors in block visits to joining community partners with their outreach programs, it is all in a day’s work for our MPs keen to know their constituents better and help them in any way they can.
That is why, despite the unexpected resignations of two MPs from Tampines and Marine Parade GRCs, residents can stay secure, knowing that their interests will continue to be well looked after.
In a Facebook post, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong shared that MPs Ms Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson SMC) and Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten SMC) will join the Marine Parade team, which includes MPs Mr Seah Kian Peng, Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman and Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng to assist the Kembangan-Chai Chee (KCC) division.
“We will all pitch in to support KCC fully…Between us, we will handle all the Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) cases and appeals and continue the various community programs already in place,” said Minister Tong.
Similarly, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli is determined to let Tampines residents know they are in good hands.
The other three MPs, Mr Koh Poh Koon, Mr Baey Yam Keng and Mr Desmond Choo, are committed to complementing my efforts to care for Tampines East residents, shared Minister Masagos.
Unity and strength in our GRCs
It is never ideal for a GRC to be missing an MP. But it is also times like this that shows the merit of the GRC system in spite of its criticism. Leveraging the teamwork of MPs, activists and volunteers committed to serving their residents, here is a system that strives to provide stability when it is most needed, and it is a system the PAP fully supports.
As a responsible government, the PAP is keen to minimise the impact on residents and ensure they continue to be cared for should an MP exits prematurely. And from West Coast to Tampines, Jurong to Marine Parade, the remaining MPs from these GRCs will step up, and step in to serve residents from their hearts.
Picture Source: Edwin Tong/Desmond Lee/Masagos Zulkifli via Facebook