**SINGAPORE**: The People's Action Party (PAP) is strategically assembling its team for the upcoming General Election in the East Coast Group Representation Constituency (GRC). The buzz is growing as two fresh faces, Mr. Dinesh Vasu Dash, former CEO of the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), and Madam Hazlina Abdul Halim, a well-known ex-TV host, participated in a community walkabout in the Joo Chiat area on Saturday (April 5).

Their presence alongside Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth, Edwin Tong, marks a significant step towards solidifying the PAP's foothold in this competitive constituency. This walkabout is particularly noteworthy as it is the second for Mr. Tong with the East Coast GRC team after the recent electoral boundary changes redrew parts of Marine Parade GRC into East Coast GRC.

Adding to the strong showing were existing East Coast MPs, including Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jessica Tan and Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How. However, other notable members, Dr. Maliki Osman and Ms. Cheryl Chan, were absent due to prior commitments elsewhere.

The East Coast GRC has seen its fair share of electoral drama, with the previous general election in 2020 witnessing the PAP securing 53.39% of the vote against the Workers' Party (WP). This represented a decline from their 60.73% victory in 2015, highlighting the increasing competitive nature of Singapore's political landscape.

Mr. Heng has expressed enthusiasm for potential challengers from the WP, emphasizing the importance of voter choice. He remarked, “We welcome them, we welcome any party (to contest), because in the end, it is our residents' choice.” This philosophy reflects the PAP's confidence in its vision for the future of Singapore, especially in areas crucial to the lives of East Coast residents.

Mr. Dinesh, who has recently transitioned from his role at AIC, has already been engaging with the local community. He stated his familiarity with East Coast, emphasizing prior visits and concerns related to the area's senior population. "I hope to bring in new capabilities and ideas to support our seniors and their caregivers," he shared, showcasing his dedication to community service.

Madam Hazlina's background as a news presenter positions her uniquely to connect with residents. With increasing challenges from global events, her communication skills could play a pivotal role in addressing community needs and collaborative efforts. DPM Heng highlighted this potential: "Their experiences will be beneficial not only to East Coast but to Singapore as a whole," he asserted.

As the PAP moves closer to GE2025, the introduction of Mr. Dinesh and Madam Hazlina adds a new dynamic to the East Coast constituency. With their backgrounds and genuine engagement with the community, it seems the PAP is set to navigate the upcoming electoral contest with renewed vigor and a focus on key local issues, particularly those affecting the senior community and caregivers. Will these fresh faces resonate with voters in East Coast? Only time will tell!