Latest news with #AlexYeo
Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: PAP's Alex Yeo wins three-way fight for Potong Pasir
The PAP's Potong Pasir candidate Alex Yeo (centre) celebrating with supporters at Yio Chu Kang Stadium on May 3. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – Mr Alex Yeo of the PAP has won a three-cornered fight for Potong Pasir SMC, fending off Singapore People's Party (SPP) treasurer Williiamson Lee and People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) secretary-general Lim Tean. Mr Yeo received 19,185 votes or 69.18 per cent – an improvement of about 9 percentage points for the ruling party compared with the 2020 General Election, where it garnered 60.67 per cent of the vote. Of the remaining votes, 6,230 , or 22.47 per cent went to Mr Lee, while Mr Lim had 2,316 votes, or 8.35 per cent. Mr Yeo, 46, replaces PAP stalwart Sitoh Yih Pin, who has stepped down after serving three terms in the single-seat constituency since 2011. This is Mr Yeo's second election - he was part of the PAP slate for Aljunied GRC at the 2020 polls. The lawyer, who is married with two children, served as branch chair of the Paya Lebar ward in Aljunied GRC, which has been held by the WP since 2011. In his sole rally this election, Mr Yeo noted that no one can fill the shoes of leaders like Mr Sitoh and former opposition MP Chiam See Tong. He added that he knew he had a lot of work to do to earn the trust of the residents. Mr Chiam held Potong Pasir for 27 years before leaving to contest a GRC in 2011. Mr Sitoh won the seat that year by a razor-thin margin of 114 votes. He went on to defend his seat successfully against the SPP at the 2015 polls, winning 66.39 per cent of the vote, and again at the 2020 polls, garnering 60.67 per cent. In the 2020 General Election, the constituency had just 18,551 voters. Today, the number has surged to 30,971 – a 67 per cent jump– according to data released by the Elections Department. About 61.5 per cent of its residents are aged 45 and below, compared with about 54.3 per cent in 2020 – according to The Straits Times' analysis using Department of Statistics data dated June 2024 – marking a demographic shift in a constituency once known for its greying population. The transformation is largely driven by new Housing Board developments in the Bidadari estate, which has brought in young families. Owing to the population spike, a portion of Potong Pasir was carved out and absorbed into the new five-member Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC for this election. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Trust in Potong Pasir has to be earned, says PAP's Alex Yeo
PAP candidate for Potong Pasir Alex Yeo (centre) taking a photo with supporters after the party's rally at St Andrew's Junior College on May 1. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO GE2025: Trust in Potong Pasir has to be earned, says PAP's Alex Yeo Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Trust cannot be inherited or demanded in Potong Pasir, it has to be earned, said PAP's Alex Yeo in a rally at St. Andrew's Junior College on May 1. Mr Yeo is one of three candidates battling for the single seat in the constituency on May 3. The others are Singapore People's Party's (SPP) Mr Williiamson Lee and People's Alliance for Reform's (PAR) Mr Lim Tean. In his sole rally this election, Mr Yeo noted that no one can fill the shoes of leaders like PAP's former MP Sitoh Yih Pin and ex-opposition MP Chiam See Tong. Mr Chiam held the seat for 27 years before losing in 2011 to Mr Sitoh, who went on to serve two more terms. 'His (Mr Sitoh) shoes, like that of Mr Chiam See Tong and others before them carry the journeys that they have walked, the relationships built and trust earned with Potong Pasir residents are theirs and theirs alone,' Mr Yeo, 46, said. 'Political party aside, Potong Pasir residents want (their) representative to build that relationship and trust with (them). I know that I have a lot of work to do to earn your trust and to get to know you and you, me.' Over the past nine days of campaigning, Mr Yeo said that he and his team have managed to visit about 82 per cent of the households in Potong Pasir. Following this, at the rally he laid out 'a top 10 list of improvements for Bidadari and Woodleigh'. These include more directional signs in the estate, more sports recreation options, and better pest control. His top priority, he added, is to 'do something about the boring playgrounds' for children. He added that he intends to hold dialogue sessions with different areas to understand the 'unique needs and aspirations' of the residents. Seniors are also on the agenda, as Mr Yeo said he will take care of older residents by offering them affordable preventive healthcare services at their doorsteps, which was a programme he implemented in Paya Lebar, where he was formerly its branch chairman. If elected into Parliament, Mr Yeo said he will listen and engage with residents who want to share their concerns and views. 'I will not shy away from dealing with difficult and sometimes hard discussions, in a constructive, safe space. I will always try to find workable solutions to your concerns,' he added. In a rally on April 26, PAR secretary-general Mr Lim had pledged to push for free education, school meals and healthcare for Singaporean children if elected. He said this could improve the country's total fertility rate by encouraging Singaporeans to have more children, which would make Singapore less reliant on foreigners. Mr Yeo said on May 1: 'If the response to your residents' concerns about the rising cost of living is to simply highlight the problem and then demand free education, free school meals and free healthcare, then I think, it not only oversimplifies the problem and is also not going to result in any real solutions.' Long-time volunteer Mr Chua Kian Meng, 67, also took to the stage at the rally. He had supported Mr Sitoh in every campaign since 2006 and he is now lending his support to Mr Yeo. Vouching for Mr Yeo's character, Mr Chua told the crowd at St. Andrew's Junior College that he has known the former since 2014, when Mr Yeo started volunteering in Potong Pasir. '(Mr Yeo) is not someone parachuted in, he is no rookie,' said Mr Chua. 'He is a good man with a heart in the right place… He has good intentions and a genuine desire to want to do work for others.' While sharing that politics was never in his plans, Mr Yeo said decided to step up after his experience volunteering in the single member constituency. He added: 'I cannot promise that I can solve all your problems. I am certainly not so arrogant to think that I have all the answers. 'But if you give me and my team the chance, the opportunity to serve you, we will spare no effort to listen to you, engage you, work with you to find solutions and speak up for you.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Demographic shifts, three-way race put Potong Pasir in the spotlight
Potong Pasir SMC, which includes the Bidadari estate, is now younger, more populated and contested than before. PHOTO: ST FILE Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - Once the smallest single-member constituency in Singapore, former opposition stronghold Potong Pasir has evolved in recent years – it is younger, more populated and at this general election, more contested. Three candidates will battle for the single seat on May 3 – PAP's Alex Yeo, Singapore People's Party's (SPP) Williiamson Lee, and People's Alliance for Reform's (PAR) Lim Tean. In the 2020 General Election, the ward had just 18,551 voters. Today, that number has surged to 30,971 – a 67 per cent jump – according to data released by the Elections Department. Of the 15 SMCs in this election, only one, Bukit Panjang (33,596), has more voters than Potong Pasir. About 61.5 per cent of its residents are aged 45 and below, compared with about 54.3 per cent in 2020 – according to The Straits Times' analysis using Department of Statistics data dated June 2024 – marking a demographic shift in a constituency once known for its greying population. The transformation is largely driven by new Housing Board developments in the Bidadari estate, which has brought in young families. Owing to the population spike, a portion of Potong Pasir was carved out and absorbed into the new five-member Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC for this election. But even as the electoral map changes, Potong Pasir remains a politically symbolic battleground. Once the stronghold of veteran opposition leader Chiam See Tong – who held the seat for 27 years – it was wrested by the PAP's Sitoh Yih Pin in 2011 by a razor-thin margin of just 114 votes. Since then, the PAP has held the seat for two straight elections, each time facing off against the SPP. In the last election, Mr Sitoh secured 60.67 per cent of the vote. Now, with thousands of new voters and changing demographics, candidates have much ground to cover. Campaigning in Potong Pasir has centred around bread-and-butter issues, as candidates report hearing from residents about the rising cost of living, particularly in housing and healthcare, while walking the ground and knocking on doors. From three-generation households to young couples with no children, PAP's Mr Yeo said the ward's demographics have shifted significantly. The PAP's Potong Pasir candidate Alex Yeo said the ward's demographics have shifted significantly. PHOTO: ALEX YEO/FACEBOOK The 46-year-old, who previously ran in Aljunied GRC in 2020, said: 'The Potong Pasir in 2020 is very, very different from the Potong Pasir in 2025. 'If I were (in Bidadari), I would want to know who my representative is. So to do that, I have to be there. I have to walk the ground, I have to knock on every door. I have to introduce myself to every single person.' This has been the core of Mr Yeo's strategy. He prides himself on being contactable, even handing out his phone number to residents. He added: 'Nothing beats coming face to face and asking (residents) for their vote… and looking them in the eye and telling them, 'Please, trust me. I have the plans for you. I promise you I will deliver.'' The first step, he said, is earning trust and then, delivering on his promises. His challenger Mr Lee is banking on the SPP's legacy in the ward, as well as on fresh ideas. The SPP's Potong Pasir candidate Williiamson Lee is banking on the party's legacy in the ward, as well as on fresh ideas. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG While the 45-year-old, who was part of the party's Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC team in the last election, wants to bring Mr Chiam's kampung spirit back to Potong Pasir, he is also keen to be seen as a candidate in his own right. Mr Lee has been walking the ground in Bidadari, speaking to residents and proposing community-driven changes – from family-friendly events to gatherings for dog owners. Older residents have also asked for estate upgrades like sheltered walkways, he added. It will be an uphill task this election, he acknowledged, noting that his, and the party's name, are not known among the newer and younger residents who are unaware of Mr Chiam's work in the area. He added: 'I have to work hard, even harder, to prove to residents that I have the passion.' For PAR's Mr Lim, Potong Pasir is not unfamiliar territory. The 60-year-old lawyer said he has been doing 'intensive work' on the ground over the past three years. His campaign has included daily walkabouts and a steady stream of videos on social media. 'I am very happy with the way the campaign has gone,' he said. ' People know me, and it is evident.' The PAR's Potong Pasir candidate Lim Tean said he has been doing 'intensive work' on the ground over the past three years. PHOTO: LIM TEAN/FACEBOOK Mr Lim said a 'vacuum' was left after the 2020 general election, when then-SPP chairman Jose Raymond retired from politics. The absence of an active opposition figure, he added, along with the area's rapid growth, compelled him to contest the SMC. Running as an opposition candidate brings its own set of challenges, Mr Lim said, particularly when it comes to resources. He added: 'In politics, resources are of utmost importance. But that is why I think it's important to win an SMC like Potong Pasir, because it helps you expand your base and your party.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
23-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: Potong Pasir SMC set for three-cornered fight between PAP, SPP and PAR
SINGAPORE: Potong Pasir SMC will see a three-cornered fight in the upcoming General Election between the People's Action Party (PAP), the People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) and Singapore People's Party (SPP). After nomination papers were filed at Kong Hwa School on Wednesday (Apr 23), it was confirmed that PAP's Alex Yeo will go up against PAR secretary-general Lim Tean and SPP party treasurer Williamson Lee. The previous MP Sitoh Yih Pin, 61, announced his retirement from politics in an Instagram post shortly after the end of nomination proceedings at noon. He has served three terms in Potong Pasir since 2011, where his win that year ended the opposition's 27-year hold on Potong Pasir. Two precincts from Potong Pasir SMC were moved to Marine Parade GRC in the latest Electoral Boundaries Review Committee report. This adjustment came in response to rapid population growth from new developments in Bidadari.
Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Three-way fight for Potong Pasir; PAP newcomer to defend Mountbatten SMC
(From left) PAP's Alex Yeo, SPP's Williiamson Lee and PAR's secretary-general Lim Tean will contest the single seat of Potong Pasir SMC. ST PHOTOS: DESMOND WEE Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – Lawyer Alex Yeo, contesting his second election, will face a three-way fight to defend the PAP's single seat in Potong Pasir. On April 23, Mr Yeo, as well as his challengers – Singapore People's Party's (SPP) Williiamson Lee and People's Alliance for Reform (PAR) secretary-general Lim Tean – showed up at Kong Hwa School to formally register for the polls. The school was one of nine nomination centres for the general election, and also had candidates entering their names to contest Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, Jalan Besar GRC and the Mountbatten single seat. In what was the first walkover at a General Election since 2011, the PAP team contesting Marine Parade-Braddell Heights won five seats in Singapore's 15th Parliament, after WP did not show up despite contesting Marine Parade GRC in 2015 and 2020. Jalan Besar GRC will see a straight fight between the PAP and the PAR for the constituency's four seats, while maritime lawyer Gho Sze Kee will defend the PAP's seat in Mountbatten against independent candidate Jeremy Tan. Mr Yeo, 46, replaces three-term MP Sitoh Yih Pin, who had held the Potong Pasir seat since 2011. He entered politics in 2020, when he was fielded in Aljunied GRC as part of a PAP slate that lost with 40.05 per cent of the vote against the WP's 59.95 per cent. Mr Yeo said he is not focused on his odds of winning, but on the PAP's plans for Potong Pasir. 'I think it is important for any representative coming to Potong Pasir that we have to blend our rich heritage of the past together with the dreams and aspirations of our residents in the future,' he said. SPP's Mr Lee, 46, who is the party's treasurer, said he will 'try his best' for the rest of the campaign, and noted that Potong Pasir is a place closely affiliated with his party. Former SPP leader Chiam See Tong held the Potong Pasir seat for 27 years before it was won by Mr Sitoh in 2011. 'I will try to reach out to every resident,' he said, when asked about his campaign plans over the next nine days. PAR's Mr Lim told reporters before entering Kong Kwa School: 'The whole of Singapore is like an orchard with fruit trees, bearing very sweet fruit for the opposition this year, so we are very confident. And on the other hand, I think the ground is not so sweet for the PAP.' When asked about entering a multi-cornered fight, Mr Lim said: 'I ask people not to worry about so called 'splitting of opposition votes' and all of that. It will not happen. 'We have seen from past history that even when there have been three-cornered, four-cornered fights, alright, opposition supporters and those supporters who do not want the PAP gravitate towards the strongest candidate, because people all want to back a winner, don't they?' Maritime lawyer Gho Sze Kee will contest her first election for the PAP against independent candidate Jeremy Tan, 34. Ms Gho, a party activist since 2012, takes over from four-term MP Lim Biow Chuan, who has overseen the Mountbatten area since 2006. The 46-year-old, who has understudied Mr Lim for about 10 months, told reporters: 'I am not a seasonal politician. I have been on the ground for 13 years, pounding the ground, walking the ground, understanding residents' needs and advocating for them. 'That's why I hope I will be given a chance.' Mr Tan, a retired entrepreneur, said that Singapore 'should not have a system of Parliament where we lack diverse voices'. He said that he has spent time getting to know the concerns of Mountbatten residents, and that even if he loses to Ms Gho in the election, he will 'work with her to see how we can make the lives of Mountbatten residents better'. 'I plan to personally walk to every household in Mountbatten to give my fliers and also to speak to the residents,' he said. Additional reporting by Akshita Nanda, Benson Ang, Esther Loi, Gabrielle Chan, Judith Tan and Shermaine Ang Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
