Edwin Tong: DPM Heng left big shoes to fill but East Coast team have 'some big feet'

The People's Action Party (PAP) introduced its lineup for East Coast GRC on Apr. 23, right after Nomination Day proceedings.

The team comprises:

1. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong
2. Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How
3. Jessica Tan, a four-term MP
4. Dinesh Vasu Dash, former chief executive of the Agency for Integrated Care
5. Hazlina Abdul Halim, senior vice-president at advisory firm Teneo

Speaking to media, anchor minister Edwin Tong spoke candidly about his wish to continue serving Joo Chiat residents after the area was drawn into East Coast GRC, and to finish the projects that he started.

"We have made considerable progress, but I believe that there is more to do, and I saw it as my duty to my residents, to be able to carry on at Joo Chiat even if it were to be absorbed into East Coast."

Taking over from DPM Heng

Tong takes over from previous anchor minister DPM Heng Swee Keat, who announced his retirement from politics earlier in the day.

"DPM's retirement, no doubt, has left big shoes to fill, but I think amongst us, the diversity of this team, we do have some big feet, thankfully."

"We believe that the freshness that we have, coupled with the experience and the diversity of life experiences that each of the five of us bring to the table individually, as well as cumulatively, will stand us in good stead."

Tong also framed his entry into the East Coast GRC team as a continuation of the work that has been done so far for residents, representing what residents aspire for their community.

@mothershipsg Masagos said that what matters most was the PAP team’s plans for Tampines GRC. The election is “not just about theoretical democracy" but also about "how residents’ needs can be fulfilled", he said. #ge2025 #singapore #sgnews Things are COOKING. Follow #MothershipGE2025 ♬ original sound - Mothership

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