Introduction

In an exciting move ahead of the upcoming General Election 2025, three key figures from the opposition party, Progress Singapore Party (PSP), made waves in the Keat Hong area on March 30. Businessman Phang Yew Huat, stockbroker S. Nallakaruppan, and intellectual property and tech lawyer Wendy Low led a team of approximately 20 party members in engaging with residents. Their door-to-door outreach aimed to cement their presence and support for contesting the Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

Engagement with Residents

Mr. Nallakaruppan shared via Facebook that the team successfully visited over 20 blocks, a clear demonstration of their commitment to connect with the community. “My principal role here in Chua Chu Kang is to engage the residents consistently over the last five years,” Mr. Phang stated. He expressed his passion for the area since 2020 and looked forward to potentially representing the residents.

Previous Electoral Involvement

In the 2020 General Election, Mr. Phang served as the principal election agent for former PSP chief Francis Yuen, who contested in the Chua Chu Kang GRC. Meanwhile, Ms. Low previously took part in the PSP’s campaign for Tanjong Pagar GRC. The recent months have seen a surge of fresh faces within the PSP, with candidates like Lawrence Pek, former journalist Stella Stan Lee, and in-house counsel Sani Ismail actively reaching out to voters, signaling a rejuvenation of the party's approach.

Addressing Key Issues

Ms. Low highlighted that many discussions with residents have revolved around the pressing issue of the rising cost of living, a theme echoed by many Singaporeans across the island. Her outreach focusing on four- and five-room flats and younger families illustrates the party's strategy to resonate with a diverse demographic.

Focus on New Neighborhoods

Moreover, Mr. Pek has concentrated efforts in the new Tengah neighbourhood, which has been recently integrated into Chua Chu Kang GRC due to boundary changes. He began volunteering with the PSP in 2023 and indicated that working in Tengah is particularly crucial because of the unique challenges faced by its new residents, such as limited public transport options and problems related to the centralized cooling system.

Community Engagement in Tengah

As part of the outreach efforts, Mr. Pek has made multiple visits to Tengah, including engaging with residents and directing them to appropriate feedback channels to ensure that their concerns are voiced to the government. Notably, around 8,000 households in Tengah have collected their keys as of November 2024, pointing to a vibrant and growing community.

Historical Context

Historical context shows that during the last general election in 2020, the PAP team, led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, secured Chua Chu Kang GRC with a vote share of 58.64%, reflecting an 18 percentage point decline from the previous election in 2015. This set the stage for the PSP’s best performance, surpassing their results in other constituencies.

Conclusion

With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming elections promise a hotly contested battle for the hearts and votes of the residents in Chua Chu Kang and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates as parties gear up for what could be a pivotal moment in Singapore's political landscape!