Chee Soon Juan is passionate, but passion alone doesn't build playgrounds: Poh Li San at Sembawang West rally

During her speech at the People's Action Party (PAP) Sembawang rally on Apr. 28, PAP candidate for Sembawang West SMC Poh Li San once again took aim at her opponent, Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) Chee Soon Juan.

She argued against Chee's suggestion of organising town hall meetings instead of Meet-the-People sessions (MPS) so that residents do not have to wait a long time.

"This is a fundamental mistake about what MPS is about. MPS is a safe, private space for residents to tell me of their life challenges so we can work on these together.

It is not a town hall for public political theatre."

While Poh acknowledged that her MPS lasts for hours and her and her volunteers work past midnight, she said that that is not the only time she meets her residents.

Over the past five years, Poh said she would personally reply to emails from residents so they wouldn't have to attend MPS.

She shared that she would also engage with older residents during her house visits and walkabouts.

"I am your MP (Member of Parliament) not just during MPS but every day when you need my help."

"Not a time for political experiments"

Poh also warned Sembawang residents that "we cannot afford to take chances".

"Having a new, unfamiliar candidate with no deep roots in our community would mean starting all over.

Sembawang West is not a place you can simply walk into and understand."

Knowing its residents, their struggles and stories, "takes years and it takes trust", she said.

As she wrapped up her speech, she said that Chee had walked "a long political path" but had not spent time serving a community from within.

"Leadership is not just about passion. It's about committed presence. It's about consistency. It's about care."

She noted that "yes, [Chee] is passionate", but "passion alone does not build playgrounds, nor support seniors, nor comfort a struggling family."

"It is not a time for political experiments."

Poh concluded her speech by saying that Sembawang West residents "deserves more than just a proven platform, it deserves a proven person".

"What we need is someone who understands how things work, not someone who just talks and talks, but someone who knows what he or she is talking about."

Top photo by Azrizal Abuche