Members of Parliament for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC have started their Meet-the-People sessions (MPS) this week, focused on serving residents.
Mr Seah Kian Peng, Prof Faishal Ibrahim, Ms Tin Pei Ling and their new colleagues Ms Diana Pang and Mr Goh Pei Ming, resumed their Meet-the-People’s sessions this Monday (April 28) and Tuesday (April 29) evening, respectively.
Diana Pang’s priority is getting to know the residents
Ms Pang told Petir that she has been volunteering at the MPS at PAP Fengshan branch for many years, since former MP Raymond Lim was in charge. Doing MPS was “not new” to her.
She shared that several of the residents whom she has met since walking the ground in early April came to see her at the MPS.
“I have been trying to help residents before MPS started. So, I saw familiar faces at the MPS, people whom I have talked to during my rounds,” she said.
She also recounted a heartwarming encounter in which a resident gave her a card to welcome her. “She coloured and painted it. I was very, very touched.”
On whether any cases stood out for her, she said: “Each case has its merits and pain points. So, I treat each one of them with heart and action, because that’s what I want to be represented,” she said. “But I also must be clear. It takes two hands to clap. So, I need their support and for them to work with me, then we can hand in hand solve the issues.”
For now, Ms Pang said that her priority is getting the residents to know her since she is relatively new, which means doing many walkabouts and house visits.
Goh Pei Ming will focus on building a stronger community with a strong kampong spirit
Mr Goh said that he is energised through his conversations with residents.
“Hoping to help residents is exactly why I chose to serve,” he said. “Having residents come approach MPS is also an indication of their trust that I’m able to help resolve their issues.”
Mr Goh, who took over former Marine Parade GRC MP Tan See Leng, said that residents sought help on a good range of issues.
“One left a deep impression. A Singaporean lady needed a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for her mother. They only have each other, and the LTVP would provide them with more assurance to take care of each other.”
As a new MP, he said that he would focus on two issues. They are building a stronger community with a strong kampong spirit, and seeking “better programming, events, courses” to bring residents together with the new community building coming up in 2026.
On the advice that previous MPs have given, he said: “ESM Goh advised that as a new MP, i should spare no effort to know the residents and walk the ground. Leverage on the rich experiences and networks of the grassroots leaders and activists.”
Mr Seah, in a Facebook post, shared that the MPS session started on a heartwarming note when a grateful resident expressed her appreciation by giving him a thank-you card and chocolates for his volunteer team.
“She had seen us in February, and we were glad we were able to make a difference for her and her family,” he said. “Thanks to my volunteers for their dedication and continued hard work helping me every Monday evening to meet residents and help them with their respective appeals.”
Prof Faishal said that more than 10 residents came to seek help at his first MPS at Kembangan. The issues include seeking financial assistance, application for citizenship and Permanent Residency and transfer of rental flats.
“We started to walk our ground immediately after the Nomination process. I am very happy to meet many residents during my house and coffeeshop visits,” he said. “We will care for our residents’ livelihood and enhance inclusiveness across generations.”
In a Facebook post, Ms Tin, who has served MacPherson residents as MP since 2011, was thankful for her team of passionate volunteers who “hunkered down most readily, listened and served our residents” on a busy MPS.
“I’m also thankful that despite my loss of voice, residents and I managed to somehow communicate about their issues faced,” she said. “Looking ahead, we will continue to do our best to serve and be better.”
The five-member PAP team stood uncontested in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC on Nomination Day. This was the first walkover in a Singaporean General Election since 2011.
