In maiden speech, Ng Chee Meng stresses need for good leaders
Mr Ng Chee Meng (third from right) at the PAP rally for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC last night. Photo: Jason Quah
SINGAPORE — Making his maiden election rally speech last night (Sept 3), People’s Action Party (PAP) newcomer Ng Chee Meng stressed that good leaders are needed to ensure the country’s future in a “turbulent sea” and outlined a slew of projects and developments in Pasir Ris-Punggol and Sengkang West towns that the party has initiated in response to residents’ feedback.
Briefly introducing himself first in Malay and then in Chinese at the PAP rally held in Compassvale Bow last night before continuing in English, Mr Ng, who has been touted as a potential office holder, said he has been walking the ground since he retired from his post as former defence chief last month.
“Many of you have told me your desire for better transport infrastructure, more convenient access to healthcare, better childcare facilities and also schools. We want a good living environment for our families to enjoy and our kids to grow up in. These are very reasonable concerns and desires that I will see to,” said Mr Ng, adding that many projects are already under way.
Broadly outlining the improvements that residents in Pasir Ris, Punggol and Sengkang West can look forward to, Mr Ng said measures to ease traffic congestion include widening Loyang Avenue and the Land Transport Authority allowing the dual use of the bus lane at the Tampines Expressway (TPE) Punggol exit.
At the same time, a new temporary road will be built to allow Punggol East drivers to join the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) and the capacity of the Sengkang Punggol LRT will also be doubled, he added.
In terms of access to healthcare, Mr Ng said a new polyclinic in Punggol Town and a general hospital in Sengkang will be ready by 2017 and 2018, respectively. Childcare facilities are also being ramped up, with an additional 1,700 places to be added by the end of next year, he added. Residents can also look forward to a new hawker centre in Pasir Ris in 2017 while the Waterway Mall in Punggol Town will include a 24-hour NTUC Supermarket and over 150 shops and new food choices, said Mr Ng.
Beyond municipal issues, Mr Ng highlighted that this election is about electing good leaders to ensure Singapore’s future by having a strong economy, and remaining safe and secure.
“To have a brighter future, we must elect leaders and MPs that will be there with you, working hard for you and who are committed to our Singapore,” he said. “Vote for the PAP, vote us into Parliament. The PAP have our people at the centre of our heart when we make our policies. This will never change, the PAP will always stand up for you, with you and for Singapore.”
