Lawyer Alex Yeo will represent the People’s Action Party in Potong Pasir SMC in the upcoming General Election, replacing Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, the well-loved three-term PAP MP.
Mr Yeo, 46, entered politics in 2020, when he was fielded as part of the PAP’s team in Aljunied Group Representation Constituency. He was previously the branch chairman of PAP’s Paya Lebar division.
At a press conference at PAP Potong Pasir Branch on April 16, Mr Yeo said he was not new to Potong Pasir, having started volunteering there in 2013. He previously served as the branch secretary of the PAP Potong Pasir branch before being asked to lead the PAP Paya Lebar branch in Aljunied GRC in 2017.
“So, returning to Potong Pasir now, the familiarity with residents, volunteers, with activists, feels like I’ve come home.”
In the past few years, Mr Yeo has continued to engage and help Potong Pasir residents through the community legal clinic he set up in 2016, as well as through his pro bono Lasting Power of Attorney programme. To Mr Yeo, a part of him has “never left” the constituency.
In his opening remarks, Mr Yeo thanked Mr Sitoh for his past 25 years of service.
“Personally, he’s been a dear mentor of mine, and I’ve learned a lot about community leadership and service from him,” he said. Mr Sitoh, 61, has been the MP for Potong Pasir SMC since 2011.
Mr Yeo also revealed plans to launch a manifesto outlining a five-year plan for Potong Pasir. The manifesto will detail “hardware” initiatives involving infrastructure improvements, as well as “heartware” initiatives aimed at supporting families and strengthening community bonds.
His team has plans to “refresh and rejuvenate” older estates in Potong Pasir, and to bring mobile clinics to the area to cater to the healthcare needs of seniors. Newer estates like Bidadari may also require infrastructure upgrades, he noted, such as a sheltered linkway connecting Cedar Primary School to the nearest public housing block.
“We derive these plans through listening, observing, and engaging Potong Pasir residents across the constituency. We do not set out to propose these plans lightly, and intend to deliver on every promise made.”
Mr Yeo said he appreciates Potong Pasir’s political history and legacy, and knows what voters expect from their elected representatives, regardless of party affiliation.
“I know I cannot simply ride on the good work of my predecessors. I understand that trust and relationships cannot be inherited – they must be earned. And my team and I are determined to work very hard to build relationships with residents, one at a time and earn your trust.”
Regarding the significant increase in voters compared to GE2020, Mr Yeo said that his team must work harder to serve the larger and more diverse electorate. “We must be very observant and be able to understand what these different needs are.”
“I believe that the key for any team looking to serve Potong Pasir residents well over the next five years must have a keen understanding of how to blend the rich heritage of the past, with the dreams and aspirations of residents in the future.”
Sitoh Yih Pin: Grateful to Potong Pasir residents for their love, support, and encouragement
Speaking to the media, Mr Sitoh, who turns 62 this year, said that he specially requested for Alex Yeo to come to Potong Pasir to stand as a candidate here.
“I’m of the view that for Potong Pasir to run this next lap effectively and efficiently, and for us to continue to view a better home, it is important to have a younger person.”
Mr Sitoh, an accountant by profession, has served as the MP for Potong Pasir SMC for three consecutive terms since the 2011 General Election.
He joined politics in 2001, and contested Potong Pasir SMC in two elections in 2001 and 2006. Both were won by beloved veteran opposition MP Mr Chiam See Tong.
When asked about his plans, Mr Sitoh said he hopes to spend more time with his family, and three-year-old granddaughter.
He also thanked Potong Pasir residents for their love, support and encouragement over the 25 years he spent in the constituency. “Whether … it is in moments of defeat or victory, to me, they’re all good moments to remember.”
