Latest news with #Masagos
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: PAP's Tampines team plans to ‘go back to the ground', gather feedback after narrow win
SINGAPORE – The PAP team who retained Tampines GRC intends to go back to the ground to better understand issues facing residents, including those that run 'really deep', said Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli. 'We just finished the general election, so give us time. We want to go back to the ground, understand what these are, where there are really deep (issues), and where we need to bring people together,' he said on May 4, the day after the polls. 'Let's heal, let's work together as one united Tampines, and also as one united Singapore.' He was speaking to reporters during a walkabout in Tampines to thank residents after his team won 52.02 per cent of the vote in one of the most hotly contested group representation constituencies in this election. This was the PAP's narrowest winning margin in a group representation constituency for the 2025 General Election. In the four-cornered contest for Tampines GRC, WP came in second with 47.37 per cent of the vote. The other two opposition parties polled less than 1 per cent each – the People's Power Party received 0.43 per cent of the vote, and the National Solidarity Party, 0.18 per cent. Asked for his thoughts on the close winning margin, he said his team was humbled to have been voted in. 'Over the horizon, we are all worried about what may affect every one of us in every aspect of our lives, and we will bring everyone together to make sure that we come out of this always better than before.' Mr Masagos, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, did not respond to questions about whether the team had expected such a close margin, or what could have led to it. The winning PAP team included incumbents Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng, and new political entrants, former army chief David Neo and academic Charlene Chen. On May 4, the team did walkabouts in Tampines Avenues 2, 3 and 9, and Tampines North Drive 2. The Sunday morning crowd in the neighbourhoods surrounded the team, with many queueing for photos with them under the blazing sun. Dr Chen said the team was ready to serve all Tampines residents, including those who did not vote for them. 'Our team is ready to hear whatever feedback, and we are ready to do the real work,' she said. 'We will need to hit the ground and start listening. That is what we need to do, but also to start acting on some of these things.' Mr Neo added that he wants to champion greater support for young families. 'We work for all the residents, so that we can make every day great,' he said. Tampines Changkat SMC In the neighbouring Tampines Changkat single seat, the PAP's Desmond Choo made his way around Tampines Mart, coffee shops and a market to thank residents for electing him, despite getting only three hours of sleep after the result was announced. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of his walkabout, Mr Choo said it was not an easy campaign, adding that his WP opponent Kenneth Foo had campaigned with conviction. 'I am happy because it is the whole team's win, not just mine, but also for Tampines GRC,' he said. Mr Choo said he has plans to address the issues brought up by residents months before the campaign. He received an e-mail just 10 minutes after he was elected asking for help on these issues, he noted. For instance, he said, he plans to raise funds to help chronically ill elderly residents with their medical expenses, and deal with the needs of younger residents of new Housing Board Build-To-Order flats in the area. On the nationwide swing towards the PAP in the general election, Mr Choo said: 'That is a testimony of not only the efforts over the last term of office, but also faith that there is a good team of people that can navigate Singapore through potentially very choppy waters.' East Coast GRC The elected MPs for East Coast GRC spent the morning on an open-top bus tour to thank residents for supporting them. Waving PAP East Coast flags, Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong, Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, Ms Jessica Tan, Madam Hazlina Abdul Halim and Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash made stops across the five divisions of the constituency, where they greeted residents and gave out magnets bearing the team's slogan, 'east side, best side'. Mr Tong, the anchor minister for the team, said the five MPs' priority is to divide the constituency among themselves. They won 58.76 per cent of the vote, beating WP. 'There will have to be some alignment and some adjustments to make, given that we need to amalgamate different divisions among the five of us,' said Mr Tong, who was an MP for Marine Parade GRC in his previous term in Parliament. The Joo Chiat ward he oversaw was carved out of that constituency to become part of East Coast. Mr Tong said he will look into integrating 'the new kid on the block', Joo Chiat, with the rest of the constituency in terms of infrastructure and social programmes. He had previously said that when planning for Joo Chiat's integration, the emphasis will be on minimising disruption to residents, while ensuring that programmes that have been promised or have started will continue. Meanwhile, Mr Tan is the incumbent MP for the Kampong Chai Chee ward, while Ms Tan is the incumbent for the Changi Simei ward. Madam Hazlina is expected to oversee the Siglap area, while Mr Dinesh takes over Bedok from outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. The MPs have yet to announce who will oversee retiring East Coast MP Cheryl Chan's Fengshan ward. Since their team's win was confirmed in the early hours of May 4, Mr Tong has repeatedly mentioned the need to reach out to those who did not vote for the PAP. At one of the stops on the bus tour, he told residents at a Siglap community event: 'We are looking forward to serving our East Coast residents even more, even better, and especially for those who did not support us. 'We will do our best to turn them around. We will do our best to improve their lives, and we will do our best to make sure that next time they will be on our side.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
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 Follow our live coverage here. 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.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Upward social mobility more challenging, new ways to help S'poreans progress may be needed: Masagos
The Republic's meritocratic system has allowed Singaporeans with the ability and who work hard to have a fair shot at success, said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli on April 30. PHOTO: ST FILE Upward social mobility more challenging, new ways to help S'poreans progress may be needed: Masagos SINGAPORE - Upward social mobility is becoming more challenging and new approaches may be needed to keep Singaporeans progressing in a world beset by global trade tensions and other disruptions, said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli on April 30. Mr Masagos said in his closing speech at the 2025 International Conference on Societies of Opportunity: 'Indeed, what served us well in the past, and which may even serve us well today, may not be what we need for the future. 'We need to boldly make changes, even revisiting fundamental principles if need be. This ensures that our approach towards social mobility will be up-to-date, suitable for present and future challenges.' The inaugural two-day conference saw academics and policymakers share their research, reflections and programmes relating to social mobility. The conference, which ends on April 30, was organised by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Institute of Policy Studies. It was held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Mr Masagos, who delivered his speech via a video recording, said Singapore's enduring beliefs have allowed the country to prosper over the last 60 years. The Republic's meritocratic system has allowed Singaporeans with the ability and who work hard to have a fair shot at success, he noted. 'We also believe in promoting self-reliance,' he said, adding: 'This sense of personal responsibility spurs us to take control of what we can and strive for success.' He pointed out that as Singapore progressed, it has 'evolved towards a more balanced approach on meritocracy and self-reliance'. While meritocracy can inspire healthy competition, excessive competition can be problematic, intensifying stress levels and straining social ties, said Mr Masagos. 'Instead of working hard to uplift ourselves and the people around us, we may end up focusing narrowly on our own pursuits and goals.' He added: 'Excessive self-reliance can also lead to the mistaken notion that 'I am who I am solely because of my own efforts'. 'We know that this cannot be true. Our success is also dependent on the people and circumstances around us.' Enduring principles The conference, attended by about 700 participants across both days, is being held at a time marked by sharp changes to the global order and economy, along with technological developments leading to displaced jobs. An ageing population and smaller families are also placing increasing strain on the home front, especially for lower-income families, said Mr Masagos. 'As our world continues to change, so too must we. We must fundamentally rethink how we can continue to achieve social mobility despite these trends,' he said. 'With this mindset, trends need not become threats, but instead, opportunities to grow.' Singapore has operated from several principles that have – and will – endure through the test of time, he added. The first is that strong families make strong societies, he said, adding that policies here emphasise building strong and resilient families. 'Second, we recognise, harness and maximise the diverse strengths of each individual and family,' he said. There is also targeted support for those who need it most. Mr Masagos cited the MSF's ComLink+ scheme, a key plank of the national push to boost social mobility where low-income families get financial incentives and other support if they take steps to improve their lives. These steps include sending their children to pre-school by the age of three, getting a stable job that pays Central Provident Fund (CPF), and saving up to buy their own homes. One unique feature of the ComLink+ scheme is that a family coach will work closely with each family to leverage their collective strengths to build their confidence and resilience to achieve their goals, Mr Masagos said. 'While social assistance provides a strong safety net to ensure that basic needs are met, we need to further enhance individual and family resilience,' he added. 'Third, we believe the earlier we start, the better,' said Mr Masagos. Taking a proactive approach to address issues early prevents them from escalating and becoming more complex to resolve later on, he said. One example is the KidStart programme where lower-income parents with children up to the age of six are supported in the areas of early childhood development to give their children a stronger start in life. Singapore also provides affordable and quality pre-school education to prevent the widening of the gaps between children from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those from more affluent families, he added. While the Government can create the conditions to enable social mobility, self-reliance is a muscle that must be exercised, he said. 'It cannot be allowed to atrophy even as we support those in greater need.' Community groups and companies can also do their part to boost social mobility and help those in need, he said, stressing the need for a collective effort in this endeavour. Theresa Tan is senior social affairs correspondent at The Straits Times. She covers issues that affect families, youth and vulnerable groups. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
GE2025: 'Vicious' conversations sparked by online posts mixing religion and politics have not disappeared, says SM Lee
SINGAPORE: The 'very vicious' set of conversations sparked by recent foreign posts calling Singaporeans to vote along religious lines 'has not disappeared away', said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (Apr 29). Cautioning Singaporeans to 'understand the games being played online', Mr Lee reiterated that Singapore does not conduct its politics along racial or religious lines. Mr Lee said this to the media on the sidelines of his visit to Tampines GRC, where a PAP slate led by Mr Masagos Zulkilfi is facing a four-cornered fight with teams from the Workers' Party (WP), National Solidarity Party (NSP) and People's Power Party (PPP). Mr Masagos is the Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health, and also Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs. Asked by the media on Tuesday about his visit to the constituency, Mr Lee said that he came to Tampines because 'the issue of race and religion getting mixed up with politics' came up last week. On Friday, the authorities directed Meta to block Singapore users' access to several instances of online election advertising posted on Facebook by two Malaysian politicians and a former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee who is now an Australian citizen. Among other things, they criticised the Singapore government's handling of sensitive religious issues, and urged Singaporeans to vote along religious lines. 'There have been very extreme posts which have been propounding such a view and propounding that people should vote for candidates which will most champion their religious interests,' said Mr Lee on Tuesday. 'And particularly the Malay MPs, please, the Malay candidates, please assess them to see who is the most zealous in advancing this Malay or Muslim interest, and vote for them and judge them on that basis.' That is not how politics is conducted in Singapore, Mr Lee said. While Malay candidates will 'naturally have an affinity and an interest in the well-being of' their own community, they also look after all residents regardless of race, language and religion. Political parties in Singapore are also not organised along racial or religious lines, Mr Lee added. 'And I think it was very important for me to come and show support from Mr Masagos and explain that he looks after the Malay community – of course, he is also minister for Muslim affairs – but at the same time, he's representing residents of all races and religions in Tampines and in Cabinet, he is looking after the interests of all Singaporeans as a member of the Cabinet.' Mr Lee stressed the importance of Singaporeans to understand this and 'understand the games being played online', adding that the foreign posts have sparked off a 'very vicious' set of conversations. "And it has not just disappeared away." POISON ONCE STARTED, WILL JUST SPREAD: MASAGOS Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Saturday that foreigners urging Singaporeans to vote along religious lines have " crossed the line", stressing that external actors must not be allowed to exploit divisions within the country. He also welcomed statements made separately by leaders of opposition parties rejecting such interferences. On Tuesday, Mr Masagos echoed the message by Mr Lee. 'I know that right now, even after it has stopped in the rallies, it has continued in the internet, in cyberspace, and this is concerning,' said Mr Masagos. 'It just shows that when you start a poison going, it just spreads, and that's why we should never even start in the first place.' Mr Masagos said that after the online posts were put up, some residents he visited 'actually cried and said they couldn't sleep'. This was especially so among older residents who experienced the racial riots in Singapore's early years, adding that residents across all races expressed similar concerns. Mr Masagos reiterated the importance of protecting Singapore's multi-racial and multi-religious way of life. 'Even as we advance the interests or listen to the concerns of our own community, we articulate it in a way that does not hurt others, does not divide the society, and move forward together,' he said. 'And this is something very unique in Singapore, and that's why we have had peace and harmony all these years, so let's preserve that.'
Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: WP's Faisal says contest in Tampines GRC not between him and Masagos
Workers' Party candidate Faisal Manap speaks to the media during a doorstop in Tampines on April 28. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN GE2025: WP's Faisal says contest in Tampines GRC not between him and Masagos Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - WP's Faisal Manap, who is leading the opposition party's slate in Tampines GRC, said he does not see it as a battle between himself and the PAP's Masagos Zulkifli, but rather as a competition between teams. During an interview in Tampines Avenue 2 on April 28, Mr Faisal was asked about being pitted against Mr Masagos, who is the anchor minister for the PAP's team there. Mr Faisal said: 'It's a competition between two teams. It's more of a team versus another team, so I don't see myself going against Masagos. 'But again, being in a GRC, which is a system established by the PAP, you must have a minority. And here I am, you know, a minority for my team.' Mr Faisal, an incumbent MP for Aljunied GRC who oversaw the Kaki Bukit ward, was moved to contest Tampines GRC in the upcoming election. WP chief Pritam Singh previously said Mr Faisal had been asking him for 'quite a long time' to contest in the constituency. Besides Mr Faisal, the five-member WP team in Tampines GRC comprises Mr Jimmy Tan, Dr Ong Lue Ping, Ms Eileen Chong and Mr Michael Thng. The PAP team comprises incumbents Mr Masagos, who is Minister-in charge of Muslim Affairs , Mr Baey Yam Keng and Dr Koh Poh Koon, and new faces Dr Charlene Chen and Mr David Neo. Aside from the PAP and WP, teams from the National Solidarity Party (NSP) and People's Power Party (PPP) are also contesting in a rare four-cornered fight in Tampines GRC. During the interview on April 28, Mr Faisal was also asked about religious teacher Noor Deros, who claimed he had spoken to all the Malay candidates from the WP. Mr Noor had said that WP had taken seriously his call to raise in Parliament issues surrounding the regulation of Islam in Singapore. Mr Noor had also criticised Mr Masagos and pushed for support for Mr Faisal. WP had disputed Mr Noor's claims, with Mr Singh saying: 'If this gentleman thinks that his advocacy will lead to the issues being brought up by the Workers' Party, I think he is sadly mistaken.' Mr Faisal said on April 28 that he is open to meeting everyone to listen to them, and has pressed for open conversations in Parliament even for sensitive topics. ' There's so many things that I press for in Parliament which are deemed as sensitive, but I tell them that that's the right way to move forward. We must believe in the value of unity in diversity,' he said. 'It doesn't mean that when we listen to people, that we agree with them. We acknowledge them, we listen to them, to show that we respect your views, but it doesn't mean that we agree with you .' Asked if he had anything to say to voters influenced by Mr Noor, Mr Faisal said: 'I believe that all voters are smart enough to consider, to weigh the different factors and to weigh the different arguments. 'So I leave it to the intelligence of the voters, and I respect the voters' decision to vote whoever they want to vote. ' He also said that in his time in Kaki Bukit, he has not felt a divide between himself and Chinese residents just because he is a Malay Muslim, and does not think this is a hurdle in Tampines GRC either. 'I don't think there's any issue with me being a minority, that I cannot represent or become the voice of the Chinese majority in Tampines GRC,' he said . Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
