SINGAPORE: Manpower Minister Tan See Leng responded to criticisms of abandoning his previous constituency, asserting that he did not abandon Marine Parade, which had a walkover election. During a walkabout in Chua Chu Kang, where he replaced Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Dr. Tan emphasized the emotional bonds with residents and expressed his commitment to serve them, acknowledging the challenges of filling Mr. Gan’s role. He aims to implement successful initiatives from Marine Parade to benefit Chua Chu Kang’s young families and elderly residents.
At Chua Chu Kang GRC, Dr Tan replaces Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who moved to the new Punggol GRC in another surprise move. Dr Tan was with his new election team-mates at the walkabout on Saturday: Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Mr Jeffrey Siow and Dr Choo Pei Ling. “Look at the walkabouts, you have seen the warmth, the emotional attachment, the deep connections that the residents have for DPM Gan,” said Dr Tan. “I don’t think that he abandoned because we both worked together very closely in the MTI (Ministry of Trade and Industry).” Mr Gan is currently Minister for Trade and Industry, with Dr Tan as the second minister. PAP’s Chua Chu Kang candidate, Mr Siow, also served as second permanent secretary at the ministry. “We are a big family and he (Mr Gan) specifically asked me, please take care of my Chua Chu Kang residents. There’s no abandonment whatsoever.” Under the latest review of the nation’s electoral map, the Bukit Batok seat was absorbed into Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC. Punggol GRC was formed with areas carved out from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC as well as the former Punggol West SMC.
WINNING OVER CHUA CHU KANG RESIDENTS
When Dr Tan first spoke with residents of Chua Chu Kang, he said that even though they were “worried” and “apprehensive” about the departure of Mr Gan, they understood that the shuffling around was part of the “national strategy” and was needed for the country. Over the last few days of campaigning, Dr Tan said the residents have warmed up to him and this is “just the start of it”. “I felt that there was a lot of warmth, and I hope that residents will give me a chance to try,” he said. Dr Tan said he told the residents he has “very, very big” shoes to fill, but he will do his “level best”. Observing that Chua Chu Kang is home to many young families and elderly residents, Dr Tan said several initiatives he introduced in Marine Parade GRC could also be implemented to benefit the community here. “Over the next couple of months, in my dialogue sessions with the residents, we’ll see whether we can actually expand or extend it here. I think it would be a good way to bond the community together,” he said.
