SINGAPORE: As the General Election approaches, former People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate Victor Lye and new face Jasmin Lau were seen engaging with residents during a walkabout at Hougang Village on Sunday morning, 13 April 2024. Accompanied by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and fellow Members of Parliament (MPs) Darryl David and Nadia Ahmad Samdin, the duo’s presence sparked speculation about their potential roles in the upcoming polls.
Senior Minister Lee’s Comments
SM Lee expressed enthusiasm about Lye and Lau joining the Ang Mo Kio team, stating, “We are happy to have them here, and if they stay on with us, I’ll be delighted to have them on my team.” However, he stopped short of confirming their deployment in the constituency, indicating that details would be announced soon.
Meet the Candidates
- Victor Lye: At 63 years old, Lye has significant experience in both the private sector and grassroots efforts. He previously served in Aljunied GRC but stepped down earlier this year.
- Jasmin Lau: Aged 42, Lau recently retired as deputy secretary (policy) at the Ministry of Health. This marks her first walkabout, and she is eager to learn from seasoned politicians.
Community Engagement
During the walkabout, Lau shared her excitement, saying, “It’s been very, very warm actually, meeting all residents in Ang Mo Kio, even as I do it quietly.” Both candidates are keen on listening to the community’s needs and are prepared to contribute to Singapore’s political landscape.
Political Landscape Ahead
Currently, Ang Mo Kio GRC boasts a significant electorate of 161,235 voters. It has historically been a stronghold for the PAP, who secured 71.91% of the vote in the 2020 election against the Reform Party. With the introduction of new competitors like the People’s Power Party and Singapore United Party, 2024’s electoral battleground could be more challenging.
Looking Forward
As Lye aptly put it, whether he is fielded in Ang Mo Kio or not isn’t the most important aspect. “The important thing is to see where our hearts are, to do our best for Singapore,” he remarked. With the landscape shifting and increased competition, both Lye and Lau seem ready to embrace the challenges ahead.