'There will be pressure': PAP new face Cassandra Lee on standing in West Coast-Jurong West against PSP A-team

It's been 16 years since Cassandra Lee began to volunteer in the community.

In her childhood, she'd follow her mum — a longtime volunteer herself — to community events, like Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

She later decided to begin her own journey as a community volunteer at Yuhua, while in her teens.

Now 33, Lee will stand as part of the People's Action Party (PAP) slate in the new West Coast-Jurong West GRC in the upcoming General Election.

If elected, she will succeed incumbent MP Foo Mee Har in the Ayer Rajah ward.

Hot contest

Lee was previously introduced by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, as part of the PAP's Jurong East-Bukit Batok slate.

But due to some changes, she was asked instead to stand in Ayer Rajah, the technology lawyer said in a doorstop and interview on Apr. 14.

Despite her youth, she said she brings to the table her years of community experience, having worked with residents on the ground as a volunteer.

As a lawyer, she said she hopes to "advocate for [her] residents in Parliament".

Potential Ayer Rajah representative

Ayer Rajah is of course the ward once represented by ex-PAP MP Tan Cheng Bock, who has since formed the opposition Progress Singapore Party (PSP).

It was represented by Foo Mee Har as part of West Coast GRC, but Foo will not be part of the new GRC.

Asked about how she feels about being fielded in what's widely expected to be an election battleground against the PSP's A-team, Lee said: "Definitely there will be pressure."

"I'm new here, but the PAP team here has actually put in a lot of effort in the last five years...and I believe that their work speaks for itself."

During the press conference where she was introduced on Apr. 15, Lee said that the team fully respects Tan's contributions in the past, and his work that benefited the residents.

However, "we will do our best", and if given the chance they will continue to do their best for the residents.

Becoming a public figure

The mother of one also spoke about the preparations she has made for the potential switch from volunteer to public figure, someone who is subject to public scrutiny and may sometimes attract negative attention.

When asked if she had any qualms about making the switch, Lee said, "Definitely, coming into the public space is not for everybody, and I had my doubts myself."

"But if it is to be able to serve, I think that is a meaningful endeavour. And in a sense, to be able to serve, I need to be in that public sphere so that people know that they can come to me and I can help them, so I think it's a necessary evil."

Lee acknowledged that female politicians tend to face a great deal of scrutiny, but added that the situation has improved over time.

"It's much better for us now, as compared to 30 or 40 years ago, when women were not even expected to be in politics," she said.

Her family is supportive, she said. Still, she expects "an additional layer of scrutiny" that will impact the family.

"This additional layer, I think it's part of the territory," she said. "And it's something that I'm ready to deal with."

Advocating for young and old

As for what she hopes to advocate for, Lee said she holds issues of young parents and seniors particularly close to heart.

A young parent herself, she said that she relates to the struggles of young, working families: having to juggle career aspirations, caring for aged parents, and raising their own children.

"These struggles and concerns are real, and they deserve more attention," she said.

"So I hope to be able to speak up for them, to see how as a nation, we can provide more support for young working families."

Lee also shared that when she was in her early twenties, she cared for her cancer-stricken father.

"He has since passed on," she said.

"But the experience taught me how important it is to ensure that our seniors get to age in place, age with dignity, and receive quality care...And I hope to be able to do more for all the seniors around us."

Speaking to the youths

Finally, Lee spoke about young Singaporeans and the challenges they face.

She said she "fully relates" to their aspirations and concerns, and agrees with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's assertion that young people don't want to "settle for the status quo".

"Many of our youths today fully understand the concerns and challenges that Singapore faces," she said.

"They're actively thinking about how things can improve, which is why we see so many activist groups which are concerned about different causes."

She also pointed out issues, like a changing global climate and the rise of AI, as some topics that youths may have concerns about.

It's going to affect people's lives, and it is "natural to feel anxious about it", she said.

But she emphasised that young people should bring to the table their own "fresh perspectives" on such matters, voice their views, and contribute to the conversation.

In standing as a candidate, Lee holds herself to that same standard.

"I think my generation grew up in an era which is very different from previous generations. The perspective that we bring is specific to the environment that we grew up in, and the challenges that we face," she said.

"So I hope to be able to represent the people from my generation, and to contribute to the conversation."

Top image by Reuben Christopher Nathan