New Blood in the Political Arena

SINGAPORE: The People's Action Party (PAP) is shaking things up for the upcoming General Election with a fresh slate for the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC) – featuring four exciting newcomers gearing up for their first electoral battle.

This announcement came as the ruling party revealed its team on April 13, spotlighting a stark departure from its 2020 line-up. Only Serangoon branch chair Chan Hui Yuh, 48, remains from the previous contest, while the team introduces an invigorating mix of talent.

Meet the New Team!

Joining Chan are unionist Jagathishwaran Rajo, 37; urban planning expert Daniel Liu, 40; corporate leader Adrian Ang, 41; and dental surgeon Faisal Abdul Aziz, 37. Chan emphasized their commitment to tackling seniors' issues, aiming for a ripple effect that will enhance the lives of families and the wider community.

"It’s been 14 long years since Aljunied GRC heard a PAP voice in Parliament, and it’s high time for a change," she declared, rallying support for their cause.

Political Heavyweights Rally Support

The launch event featured prominent figures like Education Minister Chan Chun Sing and former Cabinet Minister Lim Boon Heng, who has been providing strategic guidance to the Aljunied team. Chan Chun Sing articulated the party's aim: they plan to transform opposition-held wards into hubs of positive policy propositions rather than simply counteracting the opposition.

Aljunied: A Historic Battleground

The electoral landscape has shifted a bit this time around, with the boundaries of Aljunied GRC reconfigured for the first time since 2011. This adjustment will see three polling districts, representing nearly 4,000 voters, transitioning to Tampines GRC as part of the upcoming elections.

A Competitive Race Ahead

In the last election, the Workers' Party (WP) claimed 59.95% of the votes in Aljunied GRC, marking their biggest victory margin yet. With the PAP now fielding a team of newcomers against the established WP, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Insider Profiles: The New Candidates

Jagathishwaran, who stepped up as the Eunos branch chairman last August, brings 16 years of grassroots leadership and union experience. Daniel Liu, managing director of a respected urban planning consultancy, joins the Paya Lebar branch, while Adrian Ang and Faisal Abdul Aziz round out the team with strong ties to community service and healthcare.

A Legacy of Change in Aljunied GRC

It's worth remembering that Aljunied GRC was a historic win for the WP in 2011, when they ousted a PAP team led by the likes of then-Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo. The opposition has been a formidable force here, making the upcoming contest one of the most anticipated races in Singapore’s political landscape.

As the countdown to GE2025 continues, all eyes will be on Aljunied GRC, where emerging leaders and established rivals collide!