SINGAPORE: In their constituency political broadcasts for Pasir Ris-Punggol – the only GRC to see a three-cornered fight this election – the People’s Action Party (PAP) outlined their plans for a “stable and secure” future, the Peoples Voice (PV) promised to put the interests of the people first and the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) said “enough is enough”.

As the incumbents, candidates from the five-member PAP team spoke first, followed by PV and SDA.

PAP: FOR A “STABLE AND SECURE FUTURE”

Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean said the PAP has been with residents “through good times and difficult times”.

READ: GE2020: Pasir Ris-Punggol only GRC with three-cornered fight, involving PAP, SDA and Peoples Voice

He pointed to the “many new developments” in Pasir Ris and Punggol over the past 20 years and spoke of “exciting plans in the years ahead”. Pasir Ris is due for a makeover, including a new Cross Island MRT line connecting Pasir Ris and Punggol towns and the rest of the country.

He also flagged the new Punggol Digital District, which is set to bring education and jobs closer to home for residents.

Mr Teo gave his speech in English. The three new PAP candidates, social entrepreneur care engineer Yeo Wan Ling, aerospace engineer Sharael Taha and former People’s Association head Desmond Tan Kok Ming spoke next.

Mr Tan gave his speech in English, Ms Yeo in both English and Mandarin and Mr Sharael in English and Malay. Party whip Janil Puthucheary rounded off the PAP team’s speeches in English.

Ms Yeo said that although this is her first election, she is not new to serving the community, pointing to her experience working with thousands of families for their caregiving needs.

Mr Sharael shared his experience “working with cutting-edge technologies” in cars, oil rigs, aircraft engines and factories across the world. Speaking about the rise of the digital economy and the expected changes to the industries as they evolve, he said he wants to work with residents to help them develop the right skillsets and create good jobs.

READ: GE2020: Singapore’s education system prepares young people to have flexibility, skills to prepare for any job, says SM Teo

Mr Tan, who has spent 30 years in public service, said he belongs to the sandwiched generation with ageing parents to look after and young children to support, and wants to help his generation as they face major changes in the workplace.

Mr Puthucheary rounded off the speeches by reiterating Pasir Ris’ “extensive rejuvenation exercise” and Punggol’s ongoing growth.

He said COVID-19 “now threatens every aspect of our society” and that “we need to work hard and to get this right to secure our future and create opportunities for our children”.

PV: THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG, WE WILL DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY

Personal driver Jireh Lim, also known as Simon, spoke first for PV.

He said that while PV may be a new party, they are not “a stupid, irresponsible or a troublemaker party”.

He said that “many things have gone wrong under the present PAP Government”, pointing to the number of COVID-19 cases that he called “horrific and an international disgrace”, and the corruption case in Ang Mo Kio Town Council.

He also made criticisms about the Central Provident Fund (CPF), and said that PV will abide by the guiding principle of putting people first if they are elected.

READ: GE2020: Peoples Voice introduces 9 candidates, including blogger Leong Sze Hian and activist Gilbert Goh

Mr Lim’s other party members each flagged a specific issue. Business financial manager Prabu Ramachandran spoke about Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, saying that residents bought their flats with past governments telling them “that the price of your HDB will not go down, HDB is a good sound investment” and a retirement nest egg.

“And just as a short while as last year, the Minister for National Development mentioned that at the end of your 99 years, HDB would take back your flats and it will be no value to you. How could you let this be?” he said.

Pre-school educator Vigneswari Ramachandran spoke about “rising pre-school fees”, saying that salaries have to increase alongside the cost of living.

“The PAP behave elitist. They do not understand the struggles and difficulties ordinary Singaporeans like yourself and me go through,” she said, adding that she will speak up on social issues if elected. 

Freelance economics lecturer Mohamed Nassir Ismail said Singaporeans are “struggling for a living in a most expensive city”, while activist Gilbert Goh spoke about the elderly poor who “have to work as cleaners” instead of retiring.

The PV team gave their speeches in English.

SDA: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

SDA chairman Desmond Lim spoke in Mandarin, while secretary-general Abu Mohamed spoke in Malay.

READ: GE2020: SDA’s Desmond Lim ‘very confident’, says redrawing of boundaries won’t affect him

In the English speeches, new candidate Kelvin Ong, a facilities management officer, asked if people can keep up with the CPF minimum sum with “the current state of wages and cost of living”.

Another new face, electrical engineer Kuswadi Atnawi, said the SDA is contesting in these “trying times” to deny the incumbent the majority in Parliament, so that “they would not pass any Bill or any policies that will cause more strain to our lives and livelihoods”.

He listed issues such as employment, CPF, housing and cost of living, and said the party hopes to seek “the right answers from our ministers and MPs”.

Chief media officer Harminder Pal Singh said the SDA had “expected the PAP-led Government to do such a irresponsible thing” and call the election “during a time when Singaporeans like you and me are suffering from COVID-19, a rise in dengue cases”.

“Touch your heart, ask yourself – ‘Why, why did they do this to call for an election at such an irresponsible time?'” he said. “Shouldn’t the Government be focusing on helping people succeed? Instead, it wants to put your lives at risk. But what is done is done.”

He also spoke of how “there are people who laugh at us”. SDA contested in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC in the last three elections but has never won, and chairman Mr Lim was criticised for his command of English in 2015.

“They say – ‘Why not give up, since you lost before.’ And we say the SDA will never give up,” said Mr Singh. “And the simple reason is: We have walked the ground in Pasir Ris-Punggol for 13 years. We feel the pain of the bad policies.”

If elected, the party will challenge the Government to return CPF in full at retirement age, use an extra 1 per cent of GDP to help poor families, tighten immigration controls and enact fair labour policies as well as stop “irresponsible spending on extravagant government projects”.

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SINGAPORE: The People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) delivered their constituency political broadcasts for Nee Soon GRC on Monday (Jul 6).

For the PAP, Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam spoke in English and Tamil, while Senior Parliamentary Secretary Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim spoke in English and Malay. Ms Carrie Tan and Mr Derrick Goh spoke in English and Chinese. Mr Louis Ng spoke in English.

As for the PSP candidates, Mr S Nallakaruppan and Mr Brad Bowyer spoke in English, while Ms Kala Manickam spoke in Tamil and Mr Taufik Supan spoke in Malay. Mr Damien Tay spoke in Mandarin. 

PAP: FOCUS ON JOBS, TOWN REVITALISATION

Mr Shanmugam noted that Nee Soon has become a healthcare hub for the northern part of Singapore, with two major hospitals and a large polyclinic. Another polyclinic in the works, he said.

“We will continue on making healthcare easily available to everyone,” he said.

Mr Shanmugam, who has been the MP for the Chong Pang ward since 1988, also noted the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are in the midst of the greatest crisis since the Second World War. The situation has been tough, and it is going to be tough, but we can get out of this together. We will work with you (to) try and save jobs, create new jobs,” he said, adding that “clear plans” had earlier been announced on job creation.

He said that Nee Soon has become a “modern, vibrant town” in the last five years. Looking ahead, at least 15 major projects would be completed or significantly upgraded in the next five years, he also said.

READ: GE2020: Political parties must produce ‘concrete plans’, not just ‘broad statements’, says Shanmugam

In her segment, Ms Tan spoke of how outgoing MP Lee Bee Wah had done a “tremendous job” in helping the residents of Nee Soon South over the last decade.

“If elected, I will continue to do the same,” she said.

Ms Tan also pledged to contribute in three areas, including helping those who lost their jobs get new sources of income, as well as looking after the elderly and communicating with them in dialect. She also said that she wants to “reduce the stresses and burdens faced by the sandwiched generation”.

On his part, Mr Goh said in addition to helping residents access government programmes and acquire new skills to get jobs, he would focus on several areas in the Yishun Link division.

He said that he would roll out the Home Improvement Programme for 41 blocks in the area and improve bus services. He also said that he wants to increase the number of inclusive initiatives for young families and the vulnerable, as well as revitalising Yishun mall and developing a new community club with better facilities.

Mr Ng, who is the current chairman of the Nee Soon Town Council, noted the town council received top ratings in the town council management report every year, performing well in areas such as corporate governance, estate maintenance and cleanliness.

He added that more projects are in the pipeline, including a heritage garden and plans to build “one of the largest community farms in the heartlands”.

“I heard your concerns about jobs, about the social fabric of this nation, about sustainability,” said Mr Ng.

If elected, Mr Ng said he would continue to “speak up passionately for you in Parliament fighting for a better Singapore for all”.

READ: GE2020: PAP team led by Shanmugam faces contest with PSP newcomers in Nee Soon GRC

PSP: PROSPERITY SHOULD BE “SHARED BY ALL RATHER THAN A SELECT FEW”

Mr Nallakaruppan called for a nation “that prospers and the fruits of that prosperity to be shared by all rather than a select few”.

He also noted that the PSP’s primary goal was to “uplift the lives of fellow Singaporeans with compassion and sincerity”.

He highlighted several key initiatives advocated by his party, such as freezing of the Goods and Services Tax as well as GST exemption for basic necessities. PSP has also called for increasing the quantum of Central Provident Fund (CPF) withdrawal at age 55 to up to S$50,000, he said.

READ: GE2020: Progress Singapore Party launches manifesto, says ‘economy must serve Singaporeans, rather than the other way around’

He said that there should be a greater social safety net. “Many Singaporeans have fallen through the cracks and are having great difficulties putting food on the table,” he said.

The PSP would double ComCare benefits from S$500 to S$1,000, and also provide more financial assistance for those who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis, he said.

In his speech, Mr Tay noted that the PSP team truly embodied Singapore’s multiculturalism.

Meanwhile, Mr Taufik said if elected he would address issues facing the Malay community such as poverty and discrimination, while Ms Kala spoke of the need to reinforce Singapore’s values such as multiculturalism and meritocracy.

Noting his colleagues had spoken about topics such as uncertainty surrounding jobs, the rising cost of living and the unaffordability of housing, Mr Bowyer said Singapore could be a place where people have a “decent lifestyle at a fair price”.

“And after a lifetime of properly valued contribution, we can retire in comfort, and enjoy that time and watch our children and grandchildren grow and thrive. And if along the way, we find ourselves challenged in life, we know that we will have effective help to get us back on our feet,” he said.

This vision of Singapore is not a dream, but something achievable, he stated.

“And it starts with having a strong alternative voice in Parliament, a voice that will represent Nee Soon and all of us,” said Mr Bowyer.

“And whether it is running your town council, or arguing policy in Parliament, it will be a voice that will have your best interests at the centre of all that it does.”

Nee Soon GRC is home to more than 147,000 voters.

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SINGAPORE: The People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) delivered their constituency political broadcasts for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC on Monday (Jul 6).

The incumbent four-member PAP team spoke first, with Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong and new face, lawyer Hany Soh, delivering their speeches in English. Minister of State for National Development Zaqy Mohamad spoke in English and Malay, while Mr Alex Yam spoke in English and Mandarin.

For the SDP candidates, Mr Benjamin Pwee and Mr Khung Wai Yeen spoke in English, Mr Damanhuri Abas spoke in Malay and Mr Bryan Lim spoke in Mandarin.

PAP: TEAM HAS DELIVERED ON PROMISES, WILL HELP JOB SEEKERS

Opening for the PAP, Mr Wong said that his team has listened to residents’ feedback and suggestions, and “delivered on our promises”.

“We’ve upgraded our neighbourhoods with new amenities and facilities, we’ve rolled out new programmes to look after our seniors and vulnerable groups, and to nurture our children and help them realise their aspirations and dreams,” he said.

READ: GE2020: SDP faces PAP for the second time in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC

He also spoke about upcoming developments, such as the northern gateway and Woodlands regional centre. Yew Tee and Limbang will have upgraded parks, and the town’s first polyclinic and hawker centre, he added.

He also noted that the Sungei Kadut industrial estate will be redeveloped into a sustainable eco-district “offering more jobs and opportunities for our residents”, and it will also be the site of a new MRT station.

“These are major projects, they will take time to complete, especially given the current challenges and uncertainties,” Mr Wong said.

“But in five years, I assure you that we will be able to see significant changes on the ground.  Step by step, we will work to improve your living environment and build a better home for all.”

As co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force, Mr Wong said he has been “fully engaged” in the national fight against the coronavirus for the past six months.

While “there’s still a long road ahead of us … working together, we will defeat the virus and keep everyone safe”, he said.

Mr Wong highlighted that the team has stepped up local assistance programmes to supplement government schemes for those who are concerned about jobs and livelihoods.

“To all who have lost their jobs, or whose incomes are impacted, this is our promise: We will help you find new jobs and training places. We will support you and your family through this difficult period with additional help, we will be there with you to ride through this stormy weather,” he said.

Mr Yam, who spoke next, and is the chairman of the town council, said he has seen up close the changes made in the Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

“We have kept our promise to you, and delivered on various improvement projects,” he said, adding that town centres in Fuchun, Limbang, Marsiling and Yew Tee will be transformed, and they will “remake” Limbang Shopping Centre.

“We will also advance the replacement of our lifts in the GRC, so as to improve safety standards,” he said.

READ: URA draft master plan: More housing planned for CBD, Marina Bay area

Transport links will improve with the opening of the Sungei Kadut MRT station and the Thomson-East Coast Line. He added that the team will launch the “green spine” project under the MRT viaduct between Yew Tee and Limbang.

While her teammates spoke on infrastructure, Ms Soh talked about plans to help parents in the constituency. Ms Soh, who had her first child 16 months ago, said she would provide residents with more pre-schools and childcare facilities to promote intergenerational bonding and support families who want to grow bigger.

“Since having a family of my own, I can relate to many challenges faced by parents in raising their children. As a family lawyer, I also understand the challenges and problems faced by divorced parents,” she said.

Another group she specifically mentioned was single parents, who Ms Soh says also deserve aid and support.

She also touched on climate change and her plans to “actively promote the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle”.

Ms Soh said that she would continue to raise legal awareness in the constituency, which she has been doing in the community for many years.

“My life ethos is to always remember to serve the lost, the least and the last,” she said.

Mr Zaqy, in his speech, spoke about the help that was provided to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that his team will step up efforts to bring jobs and training opportunities to residents, citing the example of a new career centre starting this week to help job seekers.

Concluding his team’s speeches, Mr Wong said there are tremendous challenges ahead.

“We are in uncharted waters and the journey will be tough. And that’s why the stakes are so high in this election,” he said.

In asking voters to carefully consider their votes, Mr Wong said that “our survival and our future is on the line”.

“I ask for your support in this election. With your strong mandate, we will overcome this crisis, and we will secure a better future for you and your children.”

SDP: COMPLAINTS FROM RESIDENTS, ENSURING SINGAPOREANS HAVE PRIORITY OVER PMET JOBS

Mr Pwee opened the SDP’s speeches focusing on the “many complaints and dissatisfaction” from residents.

The complaints comprise public housing facilities maintenance, cleanliness issues, rats and cockroach infestations, lift upgrading delays, and unresponsiveness from the PAP Members of Parliament (MPs) and the town council, he said.

Noting that three of PAP’s team members – Mr Wong, Mr Zaqy and Mr Yam – have roles related to national development, he said residents expect Marsiling-Yew Tee to be a model and exemplar of local public housing, public facilities and infrastructure management and maintenance.

“Yet, there are many, many complaints from the ground exactly in these areas,” he said.

He also said that Mr Wong “clearly told everyone that our HDB (Housing and Development Board) flat’s value will reduce to zero over time”.

Many in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC have been trying to sell their HDB flats but have not been able to do so because the market value of their flats is dropping, Mr Pwee said.

“All three PAP MPs … have failed their very own constituency who voted them into Parliament,” he said.

He noted that Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC is an old estate, with many retirees and elderly people.

The PAP team announced a “big and expensive neighbourhood renewal programme for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC”, Mr Pwee said, adding that the incumbent party had asked residents for 75 per cent of votes to start this upgrading.

“Precinct upgrading is a government responsibility to the people. It uses public funds. It should never be a political campaign strategy, used to win votes,” he said.

He also questioned how will public facilities lift the economic livelihood of voters, at a time when “costs of living continue to rise, with increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST), utilities bills and public transport costs”.

“We at the SDP have a clear town council management plan that you can read in detail on our website. We offer greater financial accountability and greater focus on everyday livelihood,” he said, asking for a chance to represent residents in Parliament and run the town council.

Fellow candidate Mr Khung wrapped up his team’s speeches. He spoke of ensuring that Singaporean professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) are given priority when it comes to jobs.

“We at the SDP are open to accept foreigners into our fold, but it should not be done at the expense of Singaporeans. We propose to establish a national job bank where companies must hire from. Only if they are not able to find someone with the skillsets in the national job bank, are they able to hire foreigners,” he said.

He acknowledged that there are schemes available to support companies and individuals during the pandemic.

“But the Government has not done enough to ensure that Singaporeans have the priority when it comes to jobs, especially PMET jobs,” he said.

READ: GE2020: PAP, PSP, WP and SDP candidates take part in ‘live’ General Election debate

He added that SDP’s research showed that “actual figures of S-Pass and Employment Pass (holders) add up to about 400,000 versus a local PMET population of 1.3 million”. This means that every one in four PMET jobs is held by a foreigner, contrary to what was said previously, Mr Khung said.

In a political debate last week, he noted that Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said that every one in seven PMET jobs is held by a foreigner.

“In the current COVID situation, with analysts predicting up to 200,000 retrenchments, we simply cannot continue to allow foreigners who have the same qualification as locals to take up PMET positions just because they are cheaper to hire,” he said.

He pointed to his party’s “Four Yes, One No” campaign in providing a solution “in the unfortunate event that retrenchments are inevitable”.

The proposal involves training and skills upgrading, and providing 50 per cent of the retrenched employee’s last-drawn salary for up to 18 months “to keep food on the table for their family”, he said.

He also spoke about suspending GST until 2021 to “directly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for the people”.

Another proposal is a retirement income scheme where the bottom 80 per cent of elderly are paid S$500 each month.

“This will allow us to show our gratitude to the (seniors) who (have) worked hard all their lives for Singapore. It will also relieve their working children from having to support children of their own and their elderly parents at the same time,” he said.

“We are a rich country, we cannot allow our people to live in poverty. We can do much more, and we should do much more, for our family, our seniors and Singapore.”

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