SINGAPORE — As the political climate heats up ahead of the upcoming elections, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) recently unveiled its team for the Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituency (GRC). At the helm is newcomer Lawrence Pek, a former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, who brings a notable background to the electoral fray.
Meet the Candidates
The PSP’s Chua Chu Kang team comprises:
- Lawrence Pek (55) — Former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation.
- Wendy Low (48) — A technology lawyer and head of the women’s wing, who previously contested in Tanjong Pagar GRC.
- A’bas Kasmani (71) — PSP’s second vice-chairperson and a seasoned business consultant.
- S. Nallakaruppan (60) — Investment specialist and former candidate in Nee Soon GRC.
Pek, who served from 2020 to 2023 at the helm of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, is no stranger to industry concerns, having tackled issues around business costs and manpower during his tenure. Prior to his role in the federation, he worked with Sony Electronics and ran a manufacturing factory in China starting in 2008.
Facing the Incumbents
The PSP team will go head-to-head with the People’s Action Party (PAP), which is represented by a roster led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. This PAP lineup includes:
- Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (incumbent MP for Keat Hong ward)
- Jeffrey Siow (new candidate, former civil servant)
- Choo Pei Ling (neurologist and first-time candidate)
Chua Chu Kang GRC, which now includes areas around the new Tengah estate, has 93,368 voters. It underwent significant changes in the electoral boundaries this year, with the Bukit Gombak ward now a single-member constituency. Senior Minister of State Low Yen Ling will represent the PAP there.
A Look Back at 2020
In the 2020 general election, the PAP secured Chua Chu Kang GRC with 58.64% of the votes — a notable drop from previous elections. The PSP, in turn, achieved one of its best performances during that election cycle, securing approximately 48.32% of the vote share in Chua Chu Kang GRC.
Campaign Dynamics
As the election date approaches on 3 May 2024, tensions have already surfaced between the PSP and PAP. Rival volunteers recently made allegations of harassment during walkabouts, prompting public responses from party leaders, marking a dramatic start to the campaign.
It’s shaping up to be a fascinating battle in Chua Chu Kang GRC as both parties prepare to rally votes in their favour.