Latest news with #TampinesGRC
CNA
19-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
WP's Andre Low and Eileen Chong to take up Non-Constituency MP seats
The Workers' Party's Andre Low and Eileen Chong will be taking up the two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament seats in Singapore's 15th Parliament. Mr Low and Ms Chong were both newcomers in the recent General Election and earned the "best losses". Mr Low contested in Jalan Kayu SMC, where he clinched about 48.5% of the votes. Ms Chong was part of the five-person WP team fielded in Tampines GRC that won about 47.4% of the votes.
CNA
19-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Non-Constituency MP positions filled by Workers' Party's Andre Low and Eileen Chong
SINGAPORE: Mr Andre Low and Ms Eileen Chong from the Workers' Party (WP) will take up the two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) seats in Singapore's 15th parliament. Mr Low contested in Jalan Kayu SMC while Ms Chong was part of the WP's five-member team in Tampines GRC. These were constituencies that saw the highest vote percentages among losers at the polls. In a media release on Monday (May 19), the Elections Department said that the Returning Officer wrote to the group of candidates from WP who contested in Tampines GRC on May 9, 2025 and asked the group to determine amongst themselves the candidate to be declared elected as NCMP. The group informed the Returning Officer on Sunday of their decision to nominate Ms Eileen Chong Pei Shan as the candidate to be declared elected as NCMP. NCMP seats are typically offered to the best-performing losing opposition candidates if the number of elected opposition candidates falls short of a stipulated number. Changes to the NCMP scheme in 2016 increased the minimum number of opposition MPs in parliament from nine to 12. The change also gives NCMPs the same voting rights as elected MPs. With the WP successfully defending its 10 parliamentary seats – namely the five-member Aljunied GRC, four-member Sengkang GRC and single-seat constituency Hougang – two seats became available for NCMPs. One of which went to Mr Low, the 34-year-old WP newcomer who lost to labour chief Ng Chee Meng, 56, with 48.53 per cent of the vote. The WP's team in Tampines garnered 47.37 per cent, losing in a four-cornered fight to the PAP. The team was led by WP vice-chair Faisal Manap, 49, and comprised four newcomers – Mr Jimmy Tan, 53, Dr Ong Lue Ping, 48, Ms Eileen Chong, 33, and Mr Michael Thng, 37.
CNA
15-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Deep Dive Podcast - WP's Ong Lue Ping on stepping down from IMH senior leadership to join opposition
When he decided to be actively involved as a Workers' Party candidate, senior principal child psychologist Dr Ong Lue Ping decided to move out of his then-director position at the Institute of Mental Health. The WP candidate for Tampines GRC tells Steven Chia why staying could have presented a conflict of interest, and what prompted him to join the opposition party.
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: WP supporters left with mixed emotions over results
WP supporters at Serangoon stadium on May 3. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG SINGAPORE - The colourful party streamers were still draped on the trees outside the coffee shop at Block 322 Hougang Avenue 5 and there were smiles aplenty, but WP supporters said they had mixed feelings. Mr Ng, a 60-year-old who declined to reveal his full name, said that a WP victory in Hougang, the party's stronghold of more than three decades, was expected. But the party's showing in other constituencies was not. WP contested and lost in Punggol, East Coast and Tampines GRCs, as well as in Jalan Kayu and Tampines Changkat SMCs. 'I wouldn't say that we are disappointed — but we had hope,' said the driver in Mandarin. He had hoped for the WP to gain more seats in Parliament in the 2025 General Election, saying that cost of living concerns are top of mind. His group of six friends - all senior citizens and long-time residents of Hougang - had gathered on May 4 near the coffee shop to greet elected MP Dennis Tan. The 54-year-old was re-elected for his second consecutive term in the single-seat constituency. Mr Ng, with his friends chiming in, said that WP MPs have been a consistent presence on the ground over the years. 'Unfortunately, for the PAP candidate in Hougang, they only have a chance to win if they are moved to other constituencies,' said a resident in her 60s, who declined to reveal her name. At the polls on May 3, Mr Tan beat PAP newcomer Marshall Lim, 38, with 62.17 per cent of the vote share. Mr Wang, a Tampines GRC voter and WP supporter, was at the coffeeshop as well. WP supporters watching the results of the general election at the coffeeshop at Block 322 Hougang Avenue 5 on May 3. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN Residents have often gathered there across the different elections to wait for results on polling day. Mr Wang, who declined to reveal his full name, was armed with a copy of Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao . He said : 'I thought Tampines GRC had a 50-50 chance.' The PAP team retained the seat with 52.02 per cent of the vote in the constituency. Hougang residents, who have collectively voted for WP MPs in the constituency since 1991, poked their heads out of their windows to applaud Mr Tan. They shouted cheers of 'Workers' Party', when he arrived in Hougang Avenue 5 for a victory parade at about 12.20pm. Elected Hougang MP Dennis Tan (right) waving to residents during a victory parade on May 4. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Residents greeting Mr Tan during his victory parade in Hougang Avenue 5 on May 4. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Mr Eric Goh, who there was with his two children, said: 'MP Dennis Tan has been such a constant presence that even my 5-year-old daughter recognises him.' The taxi driver said Mr Tan had previously attended an event at his daughter's infant care centre . The WP team in Sengkang GRC also held a victory parade . The opposition party won 56.31 per cent of the vote share against the PAP in the 2025 General Election, up from 52.12 per cent in 2020. The team - elected MPs Ms He Ting Ru, 41; Mr Jamus Lim, 49; Mr Louis Chua, 37; and Mr Abdul Muhaimin, 36 - waved to supporters from a truck. The WP team in Sengkang GRC - (from left) Ms He Ting Ru, Mr Jamus Lim, Mr Abdul Muhaimin and Mr Louis Chua - holding a victory parade on May 4. ST PHOTO: ANGELICA ANG Mr Chua spoke with The Straits Times during a brief stop at Rivervale Community Club (CC). He said: 'We're out here this morning to thank our residents for their support. 'We are very grateful for the support that they have given to us and their trust.' Sengkang resident Andrew Yap, 60, made a s pecial trip to catch a glimpse of the 'Sengkang Four,' as they are known on social media. The businessman, who usually spends Sundays resting at home, said he took a walk that morning in hopes of meeting them. 'They came in only five years ago but really made a difference . 'When the lift in my block was spoiled, they fixed it quickly. When any facilities are spoiled, they fix it quickly,' Mr Yap said. Other WP supporters in Sengkang told ST that the MPs have gained residents' support over the past five years through estate improvements, including the introduction of more bus services and sheltered linkways. Ms Shirley Leong and her friend Pamela Tan, both 30, have lived in Sengkang since they were children, but arrived too late to meet the WP at Rivervale CC. Ms Tan, who works as a freelancer in the construction industry, said the improved infrastructure has made it easier to take public transport to her places of work. Both attended four WP rallies during the campaign period and said GE2025 had felt more personal than the 2020 election. Ms Tan said : 'I felt the kampung spirit, with people from different backgrounds getting together even outside the rallies.' At around 10.30am, a handful of WP supporters waited at Kopitiam Square near the Compass One mall, but missed WP's victory parade. Among them was a 40-year-old mother of two, who declined to give her name. She said she and her family had moved over from Punggol a few years ago because Sengkang was held by the WP. 'I'm touched by what they contribute, not just to Sengkang, but by speaking up in Parliament about issues like housing.' She added: 'My husband asked me what we would do if they lost the election. 'I said: 'We can move again.'' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
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.
