PAP to field incumbent MPs from wards in revived Jalan Besar GRC
SINGAPORE — The People’s Action Party’s (PAP) slate for the Jalan Besar Group Representation Constituency (GRC) will be made up of incumbent Members of Parliament drawn from the wards absorbed into the revived constituency.
They are Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and Ms Denise Phua from the current Moulmein-Kallang GRC, Mr Heng Chee How from the Whampoa single seat, and Dr Lily Neo, whose Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng ward will be moved from Tanjong Pagar GRC to Jalan Besar GRC.
Dr Yaacob, who is the anchor minister for the soon-to-be-dissolved Moulmein-Kallang GRC, announced his team as he launched a five-year master plan for the constituency.
The S$20 million plan, themed “My Kampung in the City”, is aimed at “rejuvenating an old town”, said Dr Yaacob. It will involve some 200 improvement projects, including more multi-sport facilities, gathering spaces, green links and multi-generation exercise parks. The Jalan Besar, Kampong Glam and Whampoa divisions will also undergo Neighbourhood Renewal Programmes, he added.
Two new waterways under national water agency PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters programme will also soon be unveiled at Whampoa and Upper Boon Keng. “We have taken advantage of the natural resources that we have within the town, to turn that into recreational facilities,” said Dr Yaacob.
The five-year plan was devised by a team headed by Moulmein-Kallang Town Council chairman Edwin Tong and will be on exhibition at upcoming community events. Mr Tong will be leaving the team to stand in Marine Parade GRC for the coming elections.
Responding to a question about the lack of new faces on his team, Dr Yaacob stressed his teammates’ track record in serving residents in their respective wards and in constituency-wide portfolios, such as Ms Phua as mayor of the Central Singapore Community Development Council and Dr Neo as chairman for Tanjong Pagar Town Council.
“I think the wealth of experience we bring to Jalan Besar will be a positive contribution to the things that we want to do in Jalan Besar ... We know what the challenges are, and we want to continue to serve the residents of Jalan Besar,” he said. “We have been here since 1997, we know the ground very well ... We are in a better position than any other team to guide this GRC.”
He added that the constituency has unique challenges as it comprises the city centre and sees a diverse group of constituents, including residents and visitors.
Dr Neo, who has been a PAP backbencher since 1996, also pointed out that her party is fielding a team that has more than 60 years of experience between them. Before her candidacy was confirmed today (Aug 16), hers was among the names that had surfaced as among the likely retirements from the PAP. But Dr Neo stressed her commitment to the task today.
“To me, I have been doing this for so many years, it’s part and parcel of my daily life. I enjoy it, so I should continue doing it. And I hope that I can do even more to continue to benefit the residents I serve ... especially my senior citizens,” she said.
“All of us here have been town council chairmen before. And we have discharged our duties definitely with good accountability, with no problems whatsoever. I know that we will be able to deliver just a track record in the future ... I think these are the important points that many voters will consider.”
