PAP appoints son of Liu Thai Ker to head Paya Lebar branch amid branch head changes in opposition wards

The People's Action Party (PAP) has replaced four of its branch chairpersons in the Aljunied and Hougang constituencies, in the lead-up to this year's General Election (GE).

PAP said in a Feb. 13 media statement that Victor Lye, Kenny Sim, Shamsul Kamar, and Jackson Lam have been replaced as branch chairpersons of Bedok Reservoir-Punggol branch, Paya Lebar branch, Kaki Bukit branch and Hougang branch respectively.

These branches are in Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, both of which are currently held by the Workers' Party (WP).

Four political newcomers, Adrian Ang, Daniel Liu, Faisal Abdul Aziz and Marshall Lim will be taking over the positions with effect from Feb. 17.

PAP said that the four outgoing branch chairs will assist in overseeing the transition and continue to serve elsewhere in the party.

Here's what we know about the new faces:

Adrian Ang

Ang is taking over the reins of the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol branch from Victor Lye, whom he served under as vice-chairman.

Ang is also the director of facility and environmental management company Chye Thiam Maintenance.

Ang was previously the branch secretary for the Toa Payoh West division, under Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.

Ang paid homage to Lye in a Feb. 13 Facebook post, expressing his thanks for Lye's leadership and the team he cultivated to serve the community.

Ang added that he is excited to collaborate closely with dedicated activists to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Daniel Liu

Liu, the new Paya Lebar branch chairman, is the son of Singapore's first master planner, Liu Thai Ker.

He succeeds Kenny Sim, who is reportedly stepping down due to health reasons.

Liu is the managing director of the urban planning consultancy, Morrow Architects and Planners and the executive director of Morrow Intelligence, an urban data analytics planning firm.

Currently, Liu serves as chairman of the Nee Soon East Citizens' Consultative Committee within Nee Soon GRC.

He has been volunteering in Nee Soon East, which is represented by PAP Member of Parliament (MP) Louis Ng, since October 2014.

Liu is also the current chairman of the Springtime Splendour Chinese New Year carnival in Nee Soon.

On his new appointment, Liu said in a Facebook post that when he was asked to step forward in politics, the decision was "easy".

Liu added that during his time serving as a community volunteer, he was inspired by the many Singaporeans he met who care deeply about shaping and improving the nation's future.

Faisal Abdul Aziz

Faisal is taking over the Kaki Bukit branch from Shamsul Kamar, who served as chairman for 10 years.

Faisal is the clinical director of dental group Nuffield Dental.

In addition, Faisal is chairman of the Health and Wellness Committee in Kaki Bukit, and was recently appointed as a member of the Mosque Management Board at Anguilla Mosque.

Kamar said in a Feb. 13 post regarding Faisal's appointment that the latter is a "familiar face" who has served the branch for almost 10 years.

"He is a dedicated activist and volunteer who was a key member of my team during GE2020. I'm confident of his leadership to take on the role and fly the party flag high in Aljunied GRC."

Marshall Lim

Lim, a lawyer, is taking over from business owner Jackson Lam as Hougang branch chair.

Lam himself had taken over from outgoing branch chairperson Lee Hong Chuang in Oct. 17, 2023.

This means the Hougang branch chair has changed twice since the last GE.

Lim is a litigator in private practice who specialises in criminal law, with experience in both the public and private sectors, according to the PAP website.

In the public service, he served as Deputy Public Prosecutor in the Attorney-General’s Chambers, as well as Assistant Chief Public Defender in the Public Defender’s Office.

Lim has also provided pro bono criminal defence, and was also appointed to the MINDEF Pro Bono Panel to represent servicemen charged in military court.

Lim paid tribute to Lam's contributions to the community in a Feb. 13 Facebook post.

Lim added,

"I have been a long-time admirer of Hougang’s heritage, spirit and its vibrant and close-knit community. I look forward to interacting with Hougang residents, to hear their stories, and to help write new ones.

Top image from PAP website