Lawyer Marshall Lim will represent the People’s Action Party in the upcoming general election, contesting the single Workers’ Party-held Hougang constituency. Describing himself as a fighter, he wants to take the fighting spirit and the ethos of public service to his political journey to fight for the Hougang residents and serve them sincerely.
The 38-year-old, a former public prosecutor turned defence lawyer introduced himself at the branch office in Hougang on Sunday (Apr 13).
Speaking in English, Mandarin and Teochew, Mr Lim told the media that politics was a natural choice for him, as he wanted to serve the wider community beyond providing legal assistance.
Mr Lim previously served as an assistant chief public defender at the Public Defender’s Office, which provides legal aid to those facing non-capital charges. He was also a former deputy public prosecutor in the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“Politics is a natural choice. I am a fighter, and I want to bring that spirit, that ethos of public service… what I have learnt (after) doing years of advocacy in the courtroom, fighting for people. I want to bring that with me into my political journey,” Mr Lim
“I believe in the power of advocacy. It is not a slogan or tagline. It is my way of life, and you cannot do it part-time… You have to deliver it. You have to show it,” he added.
The Hougang SMC has been held by the WP since 1991, when it was won by former WP chief Low Thia Khiang.
Marshall Lim: My focus has always been about serving the residents in a sincere way
Asked about what he will bring to the table, Mr Lim said he is mindful of the history in the constituency, but he is not held back or shackled by it.
“My focus has always been about serving the residents in a sincere way,” he added. “At every election, the slate is wiped clean and every candidate, from whichever party, has to step forward and present their plans.”
Over the past two months, Mr Lim said he has been speaking to Hougang residents and understanding their concerns. He cited municipal matters, such as rubbish collection and estate cleanliness, as issues he hopes to deal with “comprehensively and permanently” in his upcoming manifesto for the ward.
“I do appreciate the residents taking the time to interact with me and share their concerns and their aspirations about what they would like to see improve.”
Mr Lim, who is a Hokkien, said that he had been learning Teochew since he began his stint as the PAP Hougang Branch Chair. He wants to “make that connection with the elderly in Hougang, because many of them speak in the dialect”.
Mr Lim also said he has been a long admirer of the Hougang spirit, and he wants to embody the same ethos and strength in fighting for Hougang residents and their causes.
“I’ve always admired the Hougang spirit, the values that make up this spirit, values such as perseverance, community and solidarity are the same values I share, and residents whom I’ve interacted with exemplify these values,” said Mr Lim on Sunday.
“Hougang residents are fighters. And at its core, the Hougang spirit is a fighting spirit. At my core, I am a fighter. I have been one my whole professional life,” he added, sharing that he has wanted to be a lawyer since he was 15 years old, because he believes in “the power of advocacy”.
“It has been a privilege to serve Singapore and Singaporeans as a lawyer in private practice and as a public servant. I now ask Singaporeans and especially Hougang residents to give me an opportunity to fight for you, your family and our community.”
