Character is something that has to be demonstrated and earned, not just talked about, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan said yesterday.

This follows a weekend where the issue of character has dominated exchanges between the SDP and the People’s Action Party (PAP).

Speaking to reporters after a cycling outreach event in Bukit Batok, where he is facing PAP’s Murali Pillai in the May 7 by-election, Dr Chee said he agreed that the character of a candidate is something voters are concerned with.

But voters can discern this for themselves, he added.

“If you want to talk about character, then show yourself to have character,” he said.

“When there is character, you don’t have to go and tell other people ‘that guy has poor character’. Ironically, it reflects on that person.”

Dr Chee’s remarks came after Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, a member of the PAP’s central executive committee, hit out at the SDP’s argument that the character of election candidates should be off-limits.

The PAP did not hold a rally on Sunday but SDP did, and Dr Chee called on PAP to “stop the gutter politics” and focus on policy issues.

Dr Chee added that there is no need to “run down” a person or talk bad about him behind his back.

“Character is when you show other people what you can do for them, not how badly you talk about them,” he said.

“I keep saying, let’s not get into this thing where you show everybody how holy you are, how unblemished you are. People see this in you, (so) be humble.”

The SDP will also hold a rally tonight.

yanliang@sph.com.sg

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To help meet the healthcare needs of Bukit Batok’s elderly residents, People’s Action Party candidate Murali Pillai will start a healthcare cooperative in the constituency, he said yesterday.

He will partner non-profit organisation The Good Life Cooperative in the initiative so residents can get health screenings and check-ups at their doorstep – through mobile clinics that will make visits to the constituency.

With just a few days left to win the hearts of Bukit Batok residents, Mr Murali yesterday gave more details of how he plans to reduce healthcare costs for the elderly if he is elected on May 7. 

Bukit Batok by-election: Nomination day

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AsiaOne, The Straits Times

Although the cooperative is open to all Singaporeans, having more members in a certain area will mean that mobile clinics can ply the neighbourhood more frequently, said cooperative chairman Carol Tan.

But that would require someone who is not only able to raise funds, but also reach out to residents and encourage them to sign up – like Mr Murali – Dr Tan said, after accompanying him on his walkabout in the morning.

“It isn’t just about having money to buy the (mobile clinic). Because, if the bus is there but nobody comes, it doesn’t serve the people,” added Dr Tan, a PAP member.

The cooperative will also allow its members to purchase items like adult diapers and catheters at a lower price.

It would also give health talks in English, Malay, Tamil, Chinese and various dialects, he told reporters.

Asked whether the health cooperative would be set up regardless of who is elected MP, Dr Tan said her organisation “will work with the leader we believe will be able to drive the programme”.

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AsiaOne, screengrabs

rachelay@sph.com.sg

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