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SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has said he welcomes the entry of young people into the ranks of the opposition. But he added that the People's Action Party (PAP) has also been going out to attract younger candidates, including more women.
Mr Goh said: "If they wish to choose to contest against us - they are decent people with good views - I think it is to be welcomed. Of course, I will be happier they would join us, but let it be.
"We have been interviewing people. But frankly speaking, don't stir up any excitement about election. I think we are still concentrating on economic recovery."
Mr Goh was speaking on the sidelines of a community event in Marine Parade on Sunday.
At a separate constituency event, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan also commented about the opposition parties' recruitment drive. He said it was good that more young and better educated people were entering politics.
Mr Khaw, who has been leading Sembawang GRC since 2006, said he welcomes competition at the next general election, which is due by end-2012.
He added: "It does not matter whether it's PAP or non-PAP. If you like Singapore, if you think you've a better idea to run a better place; if you think you can run Sembawang better than I do, please come forward.
"If the people think they can do a better job than Khaw Boon Wan, then so be it. I think that is the beauty of democracy - one man one vote."
Mr Khaw also commented on a suggestion to allow Medisave fund to be used for mammograms. Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Hwee Hua suggested this at a breast screening event on Saturday.
But Mr Khaw disagreed with the suggestion. He said: "My general rule of thumb is this - anything less than S$100 - S$20, S$30 - please pay out of your own pocket.
"I think Medisave should be reserved for big bills. So let's don't abuse Medisave. This is not to say I'm against (using) Medisave for screening, because some screenings can be very expensive."
Mammograms, if subsidised, cost between S$25 and S$50.
- CNA/ir
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