In the first constituency political broadcast aired on Friday evening, July 3, five members from the People's Action Party (PAP) gave a series of speeches that addressed voters in the Aljunied GRC that they are contesting in.

They are Victor Lye, Shamsul Kamar, Chan Hui Yuh, Chua Eng Leong, and Alex Yeo.

1. Alluding to the threat presented by Covid-19

Victor Lye

"These are tumultuous times, our jobs and livelihoods are at stake...

We need the whole of Singapore in this tumultuous time to come together as a national effort, led by the PAP to steer us through the troubled waters."

Shamsul Kamar

"But the national situation has changed. A new normal named Covid-19 has affected the lives of many Malay Muslims in Singapore...

I was sad to hear the story of a resident who suddenly lost his job and drove a taxi for 8 hours without ferrying a single passenger, and after that he still had to pay rent and petrol costs...

If elected as Members of Parliament, we will work even harder for all residents facing this Covid-19 threat."

Chan Hui Yuh

"Covid-19 continues to affect our economy. In Aljunied, we want to work with you to meet your needs, with local services, schemes and programmes."

In her Chinese speech, she recounted an occasion when she ran into a single mother who completely had no income due to the Covid-19 outbreak as she was a self-employed tuition teacher.

She also said the PAP has provided subsidised medical service for the elderly to help them test for Covid-19 and receive vaccinations at a lower rate.

2. Helping residents despite not getting elected

Victor Lye

"Though not your MPs, many of you reached out to ask for help. A student emailed me. Her father lost his job. She needed pocket money. I know that pain as a child, so I donate to her now - every month.

In Aljunied, we will start a pocket money fund for disadvantaged children. And to each one of you by name who reached out to us for help with lost jobs, lost incomes, we feel you, we understand, and we will do our best. In Aljunied, we will set up jobs and livelihoods centres for you."

Chua Eng Leong

"We know your concerns about our aging population, medical and estate improvement.

Just look around you, you can see many new facilities that have been added within the last five years. Our infrastructure has improved, as we continue to engage the government on your behalf, and provide necessary ground feedback.

We fight hard for you: major projects like a new polyclinic; a community hospital; and even four MRT stations on the upcoming Cross-island line. We have delivered on our 2015 GE promise."

Alex Yeo

"I remember, when I first came to Paya Lebar, I was approached by the mosque and church almost at the same time, to build sheltered linkways from their back gates to the nearest HDB block. They both run preschools and it was difficult for caregivers and children when it rains. We could not tap on any government funds. We did not run the town council. We had no other resources.

We did not give up. We raised the funds ourselves. We brought both communities together, and embarked on the project together. If we feel that there is a pressing need and a project is beneficial, we take the initiative to get it done.

We do so because we believe that community stands above politics. It matters not where we are."

Top image via CNA