“I have a number where residents can WhatsApp me and send over voice messages. Some were surprised that the number reached me directly and that I was the one responding to them,” said Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.
He told Petir that during house visits, he distributes call cards containing a QR code linked to his mobile number. Residents can then WhatsApp him directly to give quick feedback and suggestions to better improve the neighbourhood or help others.
Mr Zhulkarnain was first elected during the 2020 General Election to represent Keat Hong constituency. The first-term MP stressed the importance of building connections with his residents, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when some could not go out of their homes and even then, some had difficulty recognising him and his team at the start when wearing masks was required.
“It’s a real connection, a relationship. You build deeper connections over time. You build networks so that people tell you what’s happening on the ground. They know they are part of this larger community and family. Most importantly, (I want) to tell people that it’s not just about getting help — everyone is able to help others.”
Mr Zhulkarnain said he hopes Singaporeans see MPs as people whom they can trust to give feedback, and work together with to resolve issues. As an MP, he saw his role to serve a larger purpose by bringing people together —activists, volunteers, and residents as one—to help the community.
He said, “Sometimes, the solution lies within us. We live in the same neighbourhood so we have to help look out for others around us. For example, you look out for the kids that are alone at home. Or the elderly uncle who lives alone next door. Everyone can play a part.”
Mr Zhulkarnain recalled how neighbours had looked out for one another when a fire broke out in a flat at Keat Hong. Even before the commander who leads a team of Civil Defence officers had a chance to brief him, two young residents who were at the ground floor of the the block, told him what happened.
“The two boys told me: ‘Mr Zhul, the fire is on the tenth floor. A window blew up. We waited and told people to stay away because of the broken glass.’ I knew the boys from my walkabouts and as this was during the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination), I told the boys: ‘Thank you for waiting. Now please go back and study.’ Although they were young, they were happy to help even if it is just to warn others.”
Mr Zhulkarnain said that while MPs come and go, the relationships that the activists and volunteers build with residents should withstand the test of time.
“It’s the connections that last,” he said. “I enjoy walking around Keat Hong and seeing familiar faces over the years. People come up to talk to me. They share their problems with me. That shows they trust me enough to confide in me. And it is with trust that stronger bonds are built over time, uplifting more families in the community.”
ICYMI, read A 14-year-old came to Zhulkarnain’s MPS: “The boy sounded like he had to grow up fast.”
