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SINGAPORE – When PAP new face Xie Yao Quan was introduced last week as a last-minute replacement for Mr Ivan Lim, who pulled out as a candidate after an online controversy, some netizens commented that Mr Xie, 35, bore a resemblance to Education Minister Ong Ye Kung.
As it turns out, there was some truth to the speculation. Speaking to reporters on Nomination Day (June 30), Mr Ong, 50, confirmed that he and Mr Xie, the head of healthcare redesign at Alexandra Hospital, are cousins.
Speaking in Mandarin, Mr Ong said that their mothers are sisters.
“We used to play as children, and he would call me ‘kor kor’. But I’ve not seen him for years, save for the occasional family gathering. Now when I see him, he would call me ‘minister’, which is a bit awkward,” he laughed.
Asked for his thoughts on Mr Xie’s candidacy, Mr Ong gave his cousin this piece of advice: “Work hard… do your best, (have your) heart in the right place, be humble, show residents that you care and want to do your best to serve them.”
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