August 20, 03:46 PM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 After four years of slogging at the MacPherson constituency, MP Tin Pei Ling, who was the lightning rod for the People's Action Party (PAP)'s GE 2011 criticism, has reversed much public scepticism about her abilities to become a popular grassroots MP and one of the most famous SG50 mums in the nation.
Things did not come easy for the youngest PAP MP in the last GE. While people's perception of new MPs were generally neutral, Tin started with a fiercely negative public image.
There was no PR machine that could help Tin salvage her public image except hard work. And that was what she did — serving her residents, conducting her weekly Meet-the-People sessions without fail, and making her market and block visits regularly.
The turning point came almost a year ago on August 23, 2014, when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the refreshed MacPherson Community Club.
In his remarks, PM Lee said he sent Tin to MacPherson because he was "confident that she could establish rapport with the uncles and aunties, and serve residents well".
He added that "Pei Ling and her team of activists and volunteers have worked hard. Some were skeptical at first, but she and her team have won over many hearts and minds."
MacPherson, an SMC carved out of Marine Parade GRC after the redrawing of electoral boundaries, is likely to see a three-way contest between the incumbent PAP, Workers' Party and National Solidarity Party.
Mothership.sg caught up with the first-term MP over tea a few days before she gave birth. We were fortunate enough to be informed by MP Tin on the birth of her baby boy. Here's our interview with Tin after 12 hours of labour and two weeks of rest.
1. It has been an eventful year. Share with us three highlights that stood out for you.
Firstly, Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s demise: Mr Lee was a great man whom I held deep respect for. I admire him for his courage, conviction and passion for Singapore (and for his wife). So, his passing was really heartbreaking for me. But what also stood out was how, even in death, he continued to unite our nation, with Singaporeans turning up in the thousands to pay their last respects. Stories of how Singaporeans showed kindness to one another despite the long queues were touching and amazing. Social media was spontaneously filled with posts by ordinary Singaporeans, sharing their stories, condolences and prayers.
Secondly, MacPherson becoming an SMC: This means we are going to go on a 1-1 fight, and if we win it, I know it will be because our hard work and commitment over the past 4+ years have been recognised.
Thirdly, Motherhood: Having carried my baby for 40 weeks, gone through 12 hours of labour, and now being responsible for this little bub till he is independent… that’s life changing. The past few weeks have been quite an experience — 为他 ”做牛做马” since he is just an infant now and unwittingly becoming his target board during diaper changing times… But, whenever I look at him, I find that it’s all worth it.
2. On motherhood, can you tell us more about your baby boy?
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Posted by 938LIVE on Thursday, August 13, 2015
His name is Ng Kee Hau a.k.a 黄祺皓. It means good blessing and brightness/ righteousness.
3. Did you use epidural?
Yes. I tried to be garang at first but after a few hours of labour pain, I surrendered. Kudos to the mummies who did not use epidural! >__<
4. Are you breastfeeding? Do you prefer pumping or latching?
Yes. No preference as long as the baby gets his nutrition…
5. How many hours of sleep do you get every night?
Photo by Ng How Yue
6 hours IF we are lucky and the baby strictly adheres to the feed-poop-sleep cycle. Zero hours when he gets cranky and refuses to sleep despite our best efforts. Often, we get about 3 hours of sleep.
6. Are you washing your hair during confinement?
Yes. *sheepish grin*
7. Okay, some political questions for you in the upcoming GE. From 1 to 10, assess your performance in MacPherson over the past four years.
Source: Tin Pei Ling Facebook
I never like to grade myself, but I think the residents of MacPherson are the best judge.
8. Yesterday, NSP expressed interest in contesting MacPherson again. NSP's Kevryn Lim, who was seen doing some walkabouts in your SMC, was flamed online in her first media interview. Do you have any advice for her?
Shake it off. Keep calm and carry on.
9. It was also confirmed that WP will be contesting in your ward. From 1 to 10, rate your level of confidence on winning MacPherson SMC.
We are confident but not complacent.
10. Any comments on the potential three-way contest in MacPherson SMC?
We are prepared for different scenarios and are ready for whichever political party/parties is/are interested to contest in MacPherson. My team and I have been working hard serving our residents, defending their interests inside/outside of Parliament and helping to solve their day-to-day issues since day 1 over the years.
Our passion for the people around us and our mission to serve to the best of our abilities will continue to drive us in what we do. Our residents' well-being has to be our top priority. This has been and will continue to be our motivation for being in MacPherson.
11. A few more personal questions before we are done. Do you still carry any bags from Kate Spade?
Nope. The one that my hubby gave me as a birthday present and that made headlines was auctioned off at AWARE’s annual ball in 2012 to raise charity funds.
12. We noticed from one of your recent FB posts that you are an alumni of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. What did you attain from the school? Tell us about the experience and has it been useful to your work?
I have a Master of Business Admin from Chicago Booth. The experience was great! Made many great friends and learnt a lot from the Professors. I also discovered that I love Economics, which is cool since the school is renowned for its Nobel Laureates in Economics. I found that the knowledge and skills picked up from the course have been useful in my work, because the know-how of running a business/organisation can also be applied to running a constituency. That being said, residents do not just look for someone with paper qualifications. I believe sincerity and real actions make the difference.
13. What local hawker dish are you most like, and why?
That's a tad tough. Too many localicious hawker food to choose from... If I have to choose, perhaps Teochew porridge.
It is not complicated, tantalising for the taste buds and easy on the stomach, goes well with anything, and will still fill your stomach. Trusted local dish.
14. Complete this sentence: Stretch marks are a “souvenir” from the baby.
15. Did your husband buy any slimming package for you?
No. :( But I suspect, with the speculation of GE being so rife now, I will be walking the extra weight off pretty soon…
Top photo by Ng How Yue.
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