PAP replaces branch chair in Sengkang East; second reshuffle in recent years

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s ruling People's Action Party (PAP) on Thursday (Jan 23) appointed a new branch chair in the opposition-held Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC), the second reshuffle in recent years.

Mrs Bernadette Giam will replace Mr Marcus Loh as branch chairperson of the PAP’s Sengkang East division.

In a press statement, the PAP said Mr Loh will "assist in seeing through the transition" and thanked him for his service to Sengkang East as "he continues to serve elsewhere in the party".

In a Facebook post released at the same time as the press statement, Mr Loh said he had requested to step down.

"The role carries immense responsibilities, and I’ve made the difficult decision to step back to focus on keeping well for my family," said Mr Loh.

"I am thankful to Bernadette for stepping up and have every confidence in her leadership."

Mrs Giam said she was "honoured" to step into her new role, adding that she was grateful for the solid groundwork laid by Mr Loh and the support she had received from activists and volunteers.

"I’m looking forward to serving our community and working together to make a positive impact. Together, let’s build a stronger, more connected Sengkang!" she said in a Facebook post.

Sengkang GRC was a new constituency formed ahead of the 2020 General Election and is currently held by the opposition Workers' Party.

Mrs Giam is the third person the PAP has chosen to lead its Sengkang East branch in less than three years. 

In March 2022, lawyer Ling Weihong was introduced as the branch chair. He was succeeded by Mr Loh in November 2023, who held the position for just 14 months before being replaced by Mrs Giam.

The reshuffle comes a day after the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) was formed, a significant step in the lead-up to the next General Election, which must be held by November.

PAP Sengkang West branch chairperson Lam Pin Min commended Mr Loh for being an "invaluable member" of his team.

"We acknowledge the time and commitment as branch chairs can be demanding and often place a significant toll on our lives and we understand and respect Marcus’ request to step down as branch chairman,"said Dr Lam in a Facebook post.

"We are deeply grateful for Marcus' dedication and hard work."

The PAP noted Mrs Giam's "many years of community service", and how she has "championed women empowerment through community initiatives targeted at supporting young working women".

Mrs Giam is currently a director at Creative Eateries, a local food and beverage enterprise that includes a diverse list of brands, including Bangkok Jam and Suki-Ya, under its umbrella.

She served on the Women’s Register of the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO) from 2016 to 2022.

She has also been on the Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) Business Management Advisory Committee since 2016, as well as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) Alumni Association.

"I am confident that Bernadette will be a fantastic addition to my team and I certainly look forward to her contributions to our mission of serving Sengkang GRC residents wholeheartedly," said Dr Lam.

When asked about the party's plans for Mr Loh, the PAP directed CNA to Mr Loh's and Dr Lam's Facebook posts.

With the General Election imminent, Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management University (SMU) said the personnel change does not bode well for the PAP Sengkang team.

"The seeming revolving door of PAP branch chairs in Sengkang East may not sit well with residents there. It will not leave a good impression," he said. 

However, given that Sengkang was a newly formed GRC in GE2020, he said the PAP would not regard it as a WP stronghold in the same way that Hougang and Aljunied are.

"I would say (there’s) a fair chance to wrestle Sengkang from WP but the PAP is clearly the underdog," he said.

"The GE2020 loss was narrow and it's been in WP’s hands for 4.5 years, so (it's) not a stronghold yet. When compared with Aljunied and Hougang, PAP's prospects in Sengkang are relatively the best."

Echoing his sentiment, Assistant Professor Elvin Ong from the National University of Singapore's political science department said he did not think it was likely that the latest shift in potential candidates would affect voters' opinions and choices too much.

"For a small portion of voters, maybe they may have a negative impression (about the change in PAP’s team)," he said. 

"For the large majority I think they will keep an open mind and look at the competing manifestoes and candidates before making a decision."