SINGAPORE: The People’s Action Party (PAP) on Thursday (Aug 20) officially introduced its new candidates for the Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for the coming General Election (GE).
The incumbent party’s five-person team features two new faces, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, 35, and Dr Tan Wu Meng, 40.
They replace MPs Halimah Yacob, who moves over to Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, and Mr David Ong, from the team in place since the 2011 General Election.
They join Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Mr Ang Wei Neng and Mr Desmond Lee, the remaining members of the team that secured Jurong GRC with 66.96 per cent of the votes against the National Solidarity Party four years ago.
On Thursday, Mr Thaman introduced what he called “a team comprising experienced and fresh hands”. They will likely face the Opposition Singaporeans First party, led by ex-presidential candidate Tan Jee Say.
The five PAP candidates for Jurong GRC are:
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 58, Deputy Prime Minister
Mr Tharman is also the Minister for Finance. He formerly served as the Minister for Manpower from 2011 to 2012 and the Minister for Education from 2003 to 2008. He has been an MP with Jurong GRC since he joined politics in 2001, having previously been Chief Executive at the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Mr Ang Wei Neng, 48, senior vice president of bus operations, SBS Transit
Mr Ang is SBS Transit’s senior vice president of bus operations for the East district, having started his career in the Singapore Police Force. He has been an MP with Jurong GRC since 2011.
Mr Desmond Lee, 39, Minister of State, Ministry of National Development
Mr Lee is a lawyer by training, and was formerly a deputy public prosecutor. He held positions at the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Law, as well as at Temasek Holdings, before moving into politics, winning a seat in Parliament in Jurong GRC in 2011.
Ms Rahayu Mahzam, 35, former Deputy Registrar of the Syariah Court
Prior to announcing her candidacy, Ms Rahayu – also a lawyer by training – volunteered in Tampines and Bukit Batok, where she said she worked with youth and disadvantaged families. She currently sits on the National Library Board, the Malay Language Council and the National Youth Fund Advisory Committee, and has been volunteering with the Malay Youth Literary Association since 1997 and is active with the youth debate activities.
She is currently a Partner at the law firm of Heng, Leong & Srinivasan. Before she returned to private practice, she was a Deputy Registrar of the Syariah Court from 2013 to 2015.
In the course of my professional and volunteer work, I had interacted with many families going through financial and other difficulties. I am passionate to help these disadvantaged families. I feel that it is important to have strong and holistic support for these families so that they can overcome their difficulties. I also worked with many young people and I am passionate about ensuring that the youth, especially those from low and middle income families, are given the opportunity to achieve their aspirations and potential,” she said.
“All of us have a part to play in the community. We should do our best in whatever we do and help others along the way so that we can achieve our dreams together. With a strong leadership and a community of people who are willing to work together, I believe Singapore will continue to prosper and be a comfortable home for all.”
Dr Tan Wu Meng, 40, oncologist
The consultant and medical oncologist at Parkway Cancer Centre is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Singapore Society of Oncology and the Singapore Medical Association. Dr Tan takes over the Clementi ward – moved from West Coast to Jurong GRC under the new electoral boundaries – from retiring three-term MP Arthur Fong.
From 2006 to 2009, Dr Tan served with the North West CDC as councillor and vice-chair of the Youth Works Sub-Committee. From 2007 to 2011 he was a member of the Senja-Cashew Youth Executive Committee, and sat on the Senja-Cashew Citizens’ Consultative Committee from 2010 to 2013.
“As a doctor, I learnt early on that life can be fragile and short. My work is a daily reminder that, in our time on this earth, we must strive to do meaningful work and make a difference to our fellow Singaporeans,” he said. “I believe that whatever our personal journey, life becomes more complete when we give back to our communities, uplift those in need, and build a better home for the children of tomorrow.
“In an imperfect world, I’m an optimist. I believe that so long as we pull together, Singapore can continue beating the odds.”
Source: www.channlnewsasia.com
