WP Dennis Tan says 1 more PAP MP won't make a difference, PAP Lee Hong Chuang says he helped create estate with love

Hougang SMC political broadcast.

Joshua Lee | Andrew Koay | July 04, 2020, 09:11 PM

In the July 4 constituency political broadcasts, rival candidates from the People's Action Party (PAP) and  Workers' Party (WP) were given the opportunity to address voters in Hougang SMC.

WP's Dennis Tan

"One more PAP MP will not make any difference," Workers' Party candidate Dennis Tan said in both English and Chinese.

"But as a Workers’ Party MP, I can speak for you and where necessary, vote against any undesirable bills or motions, as I have done in the last Parliament."

A former non-constituency member of parliament, Tan will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors Png Eng Huat and Low Thia Khiang, in holding Hougang for WP.

He referenced the constituency's political history, saying: "Since 1991, Hougang voters have understood, more than anyone else in Singapore, the importance of having an alternative voice in Parliament."

Tan aimed his criticisms at the ruling party's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and posited that opposition in parliament would be necessary as Singapore seeks to forge a path out of the crisis.

"The post Covid world brings new challenges and therefore now, more than ever, we need a balanced Parliament so that Singaporeans will benefit from scrutiny of the uncertain PAP 4G leadership."

The shipping lawyer also promised to ensure that upgrading programmes in Hougang would be completed while noting that his opponent from the PAP — Lee Hong Chuang — would stay on as the constituency's grassroots advisor.

"Make your vote count, vote for the Workers’ Party, send me back to Parliament to speak up for you and your children," he concluded.

PAP's Lee Hong Chuang

Lee used his broadcast to point to the "family spirit" that was found in Hougang.

"We are a big family community that rallies around when one of our own is in need," he said.

The grassroots advisor, who has been serving in Hougang for the past six years, said in Chinese that he had fulfilled his promises from GE2015, where he lost to Png.

"I have invigorated the lives of the elderly in Hougang. This includes the Senior Care Service, medical healthcare plan, or activities that promote physical and mental well-being. Elsewhere, I also organised a series of community activities to enhance family cohesion."

This, he said, had helped to create an estate filled with love and community spirit in Hougang.

Looking ahead, Lee pledged to assist Hougang residents transit to new jobs and to create new job opportunities by "working closely with different enterprises and organisations".

"I need your vote so that I can serve this community fully and take care of your needs."

Top image screenshot from CNA/YouTube