Passion to serve Potong Pasir not a momentary one, says Sitoh
Mr Sitoh Yih Pin interacting with residents after a press conference on Aug 17. He says passion is a test of time, as it took him 11 years to gain the opportunity to serve Potong Pasir residents as MP. Photo: Jason Quah
SINGAPORE — Faced with the prospect of a multiway fight in his bid to defend his constituency, Potong Pasir Member of Parliament (MP) Sitoh Yih Pin said he hoped the independent candidate seeking to mount a challenge was serious about carrying through on his passion to serve the public.
He was commenting on former National Solidarity Party secretary-general and lawyer Tan Lam Siong’s interest in coming in between a long-running match-up in the constituency between his People’s Action Party and the Singapore People’s Party (SPP).
Speaking to reporters yesterday at his branch office, Mr Sitoh said he had met Mr Tan briefly and that the meeting had been cordial.
But he added: “It took me 11 years of passion and hard work before Potong Pasir residents finally gave me the opportunity and chance to serve them as MP. So I hope that when Mr Tan said he’s got passion, it’s not momentary, because to me, passion is a test of time.”
Mr Sitoh first challenged long-time Potong Pasir MP Chiam See Tong in 2001 but won the seat only on his third try in 2011, when Mr Chiam moved out to lead an SPP team in contesting in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
Mr Sitoh also shared his plans to improve the estate over the next five years, including fixing what is a long-standing problem: Birds getting stuck and dying under the iconic slanted roofs of some blocks in the town. In 2012, a couple who bought a maisonette in Block 121, Potong Pasir Avenue 1, discovered about 200 dead pigeons in different stages of decomposition when contractors pulled down a false ceiling during renovations.
Noting that he intends to install barriers to keep out the birds, Mr Sitoh said: “For 31 years, we have not been able to solve this problem because of the design. It’s going to cost a lot of money, but we’ve spoken to the Ministry of National Development (and) they’re prepared to help us.”
Other plans include health programmes for different generations, more day care centres for the elderly and conducive study areas for students. He also intends to repaint some blocks, resurface car parks and replace water pipes in some blocks.
The launch of an additional bus service during peak hours is also on the cards. The town is currently served by just two services.
Reiterating that he had surpassed his promises made to residents during the previous polls in 2011, Mr Sitoh said that if elected, he expects to over-deliver on the 22 new plans he has listed in this election.
“I hope Potong Pasir voters can judge me on what I have done, what I can do and, most importantly, what I’m going to do for the next five years,” he added.
