A believer in building strong relationships in the community
Mr Melvin Yong
SINGAPORE — Whether it was during his time with the police force or while volunteering with the grassroots, People’s Action Party (PAP) newcomer Melvin Yong, 43, found that building better relationships among people was essential.
The father of two believes that problems are easier solved when strong relationships are formed.
“By building relationships, by being the facilitator to build relationships, I can see that society, the community (becomes) a better place. And what is the advantage of this? I think, definitely, the consequence is less crime,” said the former Assistant Commissioner of Police.
He recalled that when he was Commander of the Clementi Police Division between 2010 and last year, the division used the slogan “chup tam po” (Hokkien for “care a little”) in its public outreach to get residents to play a part in preventing crime in the neighbourhood.
If elected, he hopes to create opportunities for people in the community to meet, in order to strengthen relationships, he said.
On the national level, Mr Yong said he hopes to champion youth development, citing his experience with the Delta League, a programme introduced in 2011 that uses football to keep youths engaged during the school holidays.
Having spent more than 20 years with the Singapore Police Force and more than a decade volunteering with the grassroots, Mr Yong has had opportunities to work alongside various Home Affairs ministers and PAP Members of Parliament.
Adding that he has witnessed their commitment and dedication, he said: “Stepping into politics allows me to have a different platform — a bigger platform — to be able to do more. If I can contribute, I think I should. I’ve really been a beneficiary of all the policies and systems that the PAP has put in place in the past 50 years.”
Mr Yong’s introduction yesterday as a PAP candidate came just two days after he left the police force.
“For me, (there is no) difference whether I go (into politics) directly or do something else first before joining the party,” he said. Siau Ming En
