SINGAPORE: In a significant move ahead of the upcoming General Election, the People’s Action Party (PAP) has unveiled its slate of candidates for two constituencies: Chua Chu Kang GRC and Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC. With fresh faces and seasoned politicians, the party is gearing up for a competitive election.
Chua Chu Kang GRC Candidates
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong leads the Chua Chu Kang GRC team, which includes:
- Incumbent MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim
- Newcomer Jeffrey Siow, former senior civil servant
- Assistant Professor Choo Pei Ling from Singapore Institute of Technology
Don Wee, the current MP, will not stand for re-election, marking the end of his term that began in 2020. Gan expressed gratitude for Don’s contributions and shared that Senior Minister of State Amy Khor would also step down due to personal reasons.
Boundary Changes and Voter Demographics
Chua Chu Kang GRC now encompasses 93,368 voters and has undergone boundary changes, absorbing parts of Hong Kah North and new areas from Holland-Bukit Timah.
Jeffrey Siow, a 47-year-old former civil servant, highlighted his diverse background, noting the challenges he faced growing up. Choo Pei Ling, a neuroscientist and community volunteer for over twenty years, emphasized her commitment to serving those in need.
Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC Candidates
Over in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, the PAP team is led by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, who previously served in Jurong GRC. Joining her are:
- Charity director David Hoe
- Former Hougang representative Lee Hong Chuang
- Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam
- Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai
Fu noted that every team member may be new to the reconfigured GRC but is not new to community service. David Hoe has been involved with various youth programmes and aims to create opportunities for others, while Lee Hong Chuang plans to leverage his local roots for the constituency’s benefit.
Electoral Context
The new GRC was formed from a merger of three constituencies following the electoral boundaries review. Jurong GRC has historically been a stronghold for the PAP, recording notable percentages in past elections.
With 142,510 voters in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, competition is expected as the opposition party Red Dot United intends to contest the seat.