Building an inclusive society is critical: Chee Hong Tat
Chee Hong Tat, People's Action Party's new candidate for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. Photo: Wee Teck Hian
SINGAPORE — He could not have asked for a better place to make his electoral debut — after all, Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency (GRC) is where former civil servant Chee Hong Tat and his family have been living since 2011. The 41-year-old, who was introduced as one of the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) candidates for the GRC yesterday, will be replacing Member of Parliament Hri Kumar Nair.
Mr Chee, who served his last day as second permanent secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Tuesday, said his current priority is to meet more residents through house and market visits. He hopes to improve the infrastructure and facilities within homes and common areas, given the sizeable elderly population in the constituency.
Speaking in Mandarin, Mr Chee said he was raised in a traditional family and was taught to be grateful by giving back to society, which influenced his decision to enter politics. Still, his decision to join politics had not been an easy one, he added.
“My wife and I, we (were) concerned about how this will affect our family and the amount of time that I have for our children,” said the father of four children aged between four and 15.
But he eventually persuaded his wife to support his decision. “We are at a very critical juncture of our nation’s development and this is the time when we need people who can contribute to step forward. “So, if I can play a role in serving my country through politics .... then, I think I should step forward and serve,” he said.
Mr Chee also hopes to build a caring and inclusive society, which he views as a critical element for Singapore to overcome the challenges that await it. Citing his previous work with the education ministry between 2006 and 2008 as an example, Mr Chee said he felt a great sense of satisfaction when he helped set up NorthLight School to provide vocational programmes for students who fail their PSLE, among other things.
When asked about online criticisms and comments, Mr Chee said his focus is on the residents, and does not “particularly pay a lot of attention” to what people say about him on social media. However, he plans to use social media as an additional engagement platform to reach out to residents.
PAP'S NEW FACES FOR BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRC
Chong Kee Hiong, 49
Chief Executive Officer of OUE Hospitality REIT Management
• Currently the Chairman of NTUC Foodfare, a social enterprise that helps working people and their families
• Married with four children aged between 9 and 17 years old
• Involved in grassroots activities in Bishan East for past two years
HE SAID: “One thing I have a conviction about - and it gets stronger everyday - is to look out for residents. Every household comprises of different (demographics), be it elderly parents, or young families, but they each come with different challenges and aspirations. We need to be on the ground to help them to the best of our ability.”
Saktiandi Bin Supaat, 42
Executive Vice President and Head of FX Research at Maybank
• Previously at Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) from 1999 to 2010
• Married with three children aged 5, 8 and 12 years
• Helped out at Meet the People Sessions at Kolam Ayer from 2008 to 2012
HE SAID: “Going on house visits helped me see that there are residents out there who have fallen through the cracks. These are vulnerable families, like single mothers with young children to fend for... It’s our job to help them out and tide them through difficult times.”
Chee Hong Tat, 41
Former second permanent secretary with the Ministry of Trade and Industry
• With the Civil Service for 17 years, and has worked in the Home Affairs, Finance, Transport and Education ministries
• Principal Private Secretary to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 2008
• Father of four children aged between 4 and 15 years old
• A resident in the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, he was involved in grassroots activities in Marine Parade GRC for the past two years
HE SAID: “Going into politics is not an easy decision… I eventually managed to persuade my wife to support my decision because I explained to her that we are at a very critical juncture of our nation’s development and this is the time when we need people who can contribute to step forward.”
