Still some way to go towards more inclusive society, says Tharman
(From left to right) PAP candidate for Bukit Batok SMC David Ong, PAP candidates for Jurong GRC Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Dr Tan Wu Meng react during a press conference on Aug 20, 2015. Photo: Jason Quah
SINGAPORE — The journey to steering Singapore towards becoming a more inclusive society with more opportunities for the less privileged has some way to go yet, said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam today (Aug 20), as he urged voters to continue to back the People’s Action Party to see the movement through.
Speaking at a press conference where he introduced the two new faces joining his team in Jurong Group Representation Constituency today, Mr Tharman, who is also Finance Minister, also made clear that the social policies and programmes the ruling party has rolled out in recent years are not “for some short-term political gain”.
“We’ve continued at a very earnest pace in the last five years but there are many years ahead in what we’re trying to do — strengthen chances early in life for people who start off with less, provide second and third chances throughout life and provide greater assurance to older Singaporeans,” he said.
“Our efforts are working but there are many years left to this. And we hope that we get the support of the people for us to continue on this path, recognising the work and progress that’s been made, but also the work undone, which we want to see done in the years to come.”
Mr Tharman added that the Government “believe in our hearts that is how Singapore should progress, as a more inclusive society and one that remains vibrant”.
Newcomers Rahayu Mahzam, a lawyer, and Tan Wu Meng, an oncologist, were unveiled as the additions to the People’s Action Party slate in Jurong GRC, which includes Minister of State (National Development) Desmond Lee and backbencher Ang Wei Neng.
Incumbent Member of Parliament David Ong also confirmed he will be defending his Bukit Batok ward, which will be a Single Member Constituency in the coming General Election.
Mdm Rahayu, 35, a former deputy registrar of the Syariah Court, will be taking over the Bukit Batok East ward from Mdm Halimah Yacob, who will be contesting in the newly created Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC. A lawyer specializing in civil litigation and family law, Mdm Mahzam has been involved in community work since she was 17.
Dr Tan, 40, is a consultant and medical oncologist at Parkway Cancer Centre who has been understudying Mr Arthur Fong for the last six months. Mr Fong’s Clementi ward will be shifted from West Coast GRC to Jurong GRC in the redrawn electoral boundaries.
At the press conference held at the PAP’s Clementi Branch today, Mr Tharman said Clementi is a good fit for his constituency because of its similar vibe and characteristics. He added that he will be spending time in the new ward with Dr Tan to make sure residents feel well-accommodated with the Jurong constituency.
If the PAP clinches the constituency, it would also set up a Jurong-Clementi Town Council, with a separate office to be set up in Clementi town, said Mr Tharman.
