In a career in public service that spans more than 27 years, some cases stand out strongly for recently retired MP Heng Chee How.
One such case was helping a mobile ice-cream vendor who had recently suffered personal loss.
“The man and his wife had been selling ice cream for years to bring up the family. It was their livelihood,” the 63-year-old recounted. “Unfortunately, his wife passed away, but life had to go on. As the original licence was in his wife’s name, he wanted to change it to his own or apply for a new licence, However, he was told that the policy did not permit this.”
Mr Heng was “resolved to go the distance” for the man. In doing so, the case left a lasting impression on him on how Members of Parliament (MP) could have the opportunity (and responsibility) to significantly impact lives.
Given that the man was simply “earning an honest living”, Mr Heng persisted with multiple appeals on behalf of the vendor, to agencies. The Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources eventually made an exception and granted the man a street hawking licence.
“It’s important for policies to be consistent,” Mr Heng told Petir in an interview at the NTUC Centre, where he serves as deputy secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress. “But at the same time, we must not implement policies without due regard for whom we are making policy for. What is the objective we’re trying to achieve? To make life possible, if not better [for people].”
He acknowledged that while not every appeal would succeed, he was determined to “try every case to the best of his ability”, grounded in his commitment to do his utmost to serve the people.
Mr Heng stepped down at the 2025 General Elections, after serving the Whampoa ward in Jalan Besar GRC for 27 years as its Grassroots Adviser and 24 as its MP.
Approach is not static, evolves according to needs: Heng Chee How
Mr Heng, who previously served as Senior Minister of State for Defence, started out as a grassroots adviser in Whampoa before becoming the MP after the 2001 General Election.
He emphasised how being deeply involved in the Whampoa constituency allowed him to understand and address the evolving needs of its residents.
In earlier years, low-lying areas in Whampoa would flood during heavy rains. His team engaged the community through town halls. They also worked with the Housing and Development Board and Public Utilities Board to improve drainage in the town.
He also fought for Whampoa to be considered for estate upgrading programmes, including putting in Silver Zones to cater to the safety of Whampoa’s many senior residents. Silver Zones have reduced speed limits of 40kmh for traffic.
That elderly profile is fast changing. In the last five years, BTO estates have sprung up around the neighbourhood, and new families have been moving in. Mr Heng said that with these changing demographics, needs are also changing. Residents now require more childcare, infant care services, grocery shopping and food, beverage provisions, and schools in the future.
In addition to the infrastructure aspect, the team concentrated on the heartware – providing financial assistance to households in need and implementing programmes that fostered a strong sense of community spirit.
“[The programmes or initiatives] are not static… We did that together with our residents as the needs express themselves in tandem with the nature of the estate and population,” he said. “Whether it’s hardware like brick and mortar, or heartware uplifting people’s prospects, in terms of finance, education and caring for seniors, we do our part.”
How being a former Police Superintendent helped him be a better MP
Before entering politics, Mr Heng served in the Singapore Police Force, attaining the rank of superintendent. He later joined the National Trades Union Congress in 1995 and was appointed as its deputy secretary-general in 1999, a position he held for over two decades.
Mr Heng said his policing experience has helped in his work as an MP because police work involves understanding the “daily realities of the community”.
“You learn to understand where people are coming from, their anxieties, they want to be fairly treated. And how you can help within your means.”
“Our policing approach doesn’t pit the police against the community but rather involves working hand-in-hand. Similarly, as an MP, you work closely with the grassroots, unions, and constituents,” he added.
Prior to becoming an MP in 2001, Mr Heng contested in the 1997 General Election for Hougang Single Member Constituency against the incumbent, Low Thia Khiang of the Workers’ Party. He lost to Mr Low, having secured 41.98 percent of the vote.
The experience taught him to be grateful for the support of residents, and to have an appreciation for the backing from his Whampoa residents’ over the years.
“In your mind, you know you should never take support for granted. But if you have not lost before, it may be more difficult to appreciate [victory] in a heartfelt way,” he said. “When you have tasted defeat and then be given the opportunity to be victorious in this contest, you are reminded that it is so only because of the opportunity granted, not because you are entitled to it.”
Mr Heng’s greatest joy has been his ability to connect with his residents
On the achievements that he is most proud of in Whampoa, Mr Heng said he is gratified and grateful for the strong connections he has forged over the years as their MP.
“If I can walk around and people treat me like the uncle next door, a family member, somebody you feel confident sharing, if you have an issue, not a government official or contractor who’s supposed to do work per se, but somebody you can share your hopes, aspirations, fears, and anxieties with. Your friend. Your family member. That gives me immense satisfaction.”
Mr Heng fondly remembers the relationships he has built with residents. He recounted heartwarming moments when residents approached him, sharing how Mr Heng had witnessed their growth. For instance, two young kindergarten teachers, who had received bursary awards from him yearly during their childhood, requested a photo with him.
“One of them said she is 22. I have been an MP there longer than they have been around,” he shared, reflecting on his attachment to Whampoa. “It is like a baby you brought up. It’s like a family that you have had.”
Read more: Heng Chee How explains why he defended NTUC unionists from unfair attacks in Parliament
