GE2025: Vision for Tampines includes model town, more support for seniors and low-income families
Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli speaking at the rally in Temasek Junior College on May 1. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
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SINGAPORE - A model town featuring a regional town centre, more active ageing centres for seniors and greater support for low-income families are among the plans the PAP has in store for Tampines residents.
The estate will be an example of a caring community prepared for the future, said Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli.
Speaking at a rally in Temasek Junior College on May 1, Mr Masagos said there are nine active ageing centres now, with more to come, and a new nursing home is also being built in the north of the town.
Mr Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, also highlighted several projects in Tampines that have been completed.
For instance, Tampines can take pride in being Singapore's first cycling town, the test site of Wolbachia mosquitoes to reduce dengue cases, as well as the town that has the country's first district cooling network.
'Anyone can build a town. But a model town? That takes more than bricks. It takes heart and people,' said Mr Masagos.
In his rally speech, he also asked what the opposition will do for residents if any of the three other parties contesting Tampines GRC is voted into Parliament. At least one party, he added, has said it will move forward with plans he has drawn up for the town.
Mr Masagos said: 'I said to them, excuse me, that's my plan. Just because you've read the in-flight magazine, doesn't mean you know how to fly the plane.'
The PAP Tampines team on the other hand, has 'always moved forward... side-by-side' with residents, he added.
In his Malay speech, Mr Masagos said things are not perfect, but the ruling party will continue to listen and engage residents and work on solving outstanding issues.
He said: 'We realise that there are still many things that are not perfect. Not all requests can be granted immediately, I apologise if there are things that have not been fulfilled.
'However, the Government will continue to strive, continue to listen and engage in dialogue, so that the problems faced by the community can be resolved as best as they could.'
Earlier, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking at the rally, called on Singaporeans to vote for the PAP so that it can secure Singapore's interests and keep the country exceptional.
Dr Koh Poh Koon, who is Senior Minister of State for Manpower, as well as Sustainability and the Environment, said he has had many discussions with residents, listening to them and trying to understand the challenges they face and also to explain the thinking behind some of the policies that are in place.
'We don't do it like the opposition, telling you all the good things, trying to shove all the medications down your throat without telling you the consequences,' he added.
He also said that unlike the opposition, 'the PAP doesn't just talk about policy, we implement it'.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong concluding his speech at the PAP rally for Tampines GRC and Tampines Changkat SMC in Temasek Junior College on May 1.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
PAP fresh face and former army chief David Neo, said some senior citizens he spoke to were concerned that younger voters 'might be swayed by promises that sound sweet'.
Addressing younger voters, Mr Neo said: 'You are not just the leaders of tomorrow. You are the decision-makers of today. We believe in you, and we know that you will see clearly and choose wisely.'
In his speech, Tampines Changkat SMC candidate Desmond Choo said the election is not about 'tearing others down without a plan of your own'.
He said when Singaporeans go to the polls on May 3, it is about choosing hope over hostility.
'It is about building up, not breaking down. It is about who you trust to stand by you, today, tomorrow and for the next five years,' he added.
The second newbie in the PAP Tampines team, university don Charlene Chen, said the PAP is not focused on making grand speeches and empty promises. Its focus is real work, she added.
Dr Chen said Tampines residents can easily speak to PAP leaders, and recounted how one resident told her: 'Where else in the world can you see your MP, your minister, and even your prime minister walking the ground?'
On April 30, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong joined the PAP team contesting Tampines GRC and Tampines Changkat for a walkabout in the area, and urged voters to think about Singapore's future and choose the right candidates.
In his rally speech, Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, and Sustainability and the Environment urged residents to let the PAP team in Tampines continue its work.
He said he will take over as chairman of Tampines Town Council if elected to Parliament, and with his team, work on improving cleanliness in the estate, introducing more solar panels, and add more rest points and ramps for seniors.
Said Mr Baey: 'It has been a joy and honour to serve you and to build Tampines together with you. We humbly ask you to let us serve you again, not just as your voices in Parliament, but as your kakis on the ground.
'On Saturday, please let us return home with you.'
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