Fresh from giving birth earlier this month, Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency Tin Pei Ling confirmed today (Aug 21) that she is the People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate for the newly created MacPherson SMC.
Holding a press conference today at PAP MacPherson Branch just two weeks after she had a baby boy, the first-term MP chose to surround herself with grassroots volunteers as a show of appreciation and said she and her team have been here “from day one, dedicating our time and energy” to serve residents.
She said that they have rolled out various programmes to help vulnerable families and the elderly, upgrading projects and social initiatives over the past four years. “My team and I have delivered more than what we have promised,” she said, adding that they hope to do more.
She also thanked residents for their support, adding that she has developed emotional attachments to them and hopes to continue helping them and being their voice in Parliament.
Ms Tin’s MacPherson ward was carved out of Marine Parade GRC during recent electoral boundary changes.
In the 2011 election, Ms Tin, who was the PAP’s youngest candidate at age 27, was the subject of harsh criticism, with many questioning her maturity and capabilities.
After the GRC won 56.6 per cent of votes, the party’s second-lowest winning percentage in a group representation constituency, Ms Tin quit her job at Ernst & Young to become a full-time MP. She currently sits on the Government Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Law.
Asked about MacPherson SMC heading for a three-cornered fight after the National Solidarity Party made a U-turn over its decision not to contest the single seat to make way for the Workers’ Party, Ms Tin said her main motivation is to serve the residents. Her team is observing the happenings and will “prepare accordingly”, no matter which opposition party comes forward to contest the constituency, she said.
As for the negative publicity she had attracted previously, Ms Tin acknowledged her “rocky and painful start” but said she pressed on because of the desire to help others and make a difference. When she hears her residents’ issues, what she has endured back then “pales in comparison”.
If she is able to help someone and make an impact, it would have been worth it, she added.
Source: www.todayonline.com
