'Hougang is more than a symbol': PAP's Marshall Lim says Hougang belongs to people, not political parties

"Hougang is more than a symbol," said People's Action Party candidate Marshall Lim.

Lim, a criminal lawyer by trade, was speaking at his maiden rally at Anderson Serangoon Junior College on the evening of Apr. 30.

He said that while people have described Hougang SMC as a "stronghold of the Workers' Party", the slate is wiped clean every five years.

Some residents have told him that they are ready for change after 34 years under the WP; he also acknowledged that others are not ready.

Hougang has been held by the WP since 1991.

"I honour your decision, and I respect you for that. All I ask is for you to consider these promises I am making to you," he said.

"I am not here to serve my causes, but to serve you. I will serve every resident equally, no matter your beliefs.

"Let's return Hougang to where it belongs. Not to a political party, but to the people."

Alleges volunteer was spat at

Lim also alleged that last week, one of his volunteers was spat at twice while distributing cards outside Hougang MRT station.

The man was "an Hougang resident like yourself", he told rally attendees.

"Now, I firmly believe that that moment does not define Hougang or any one of us here tonight. But I will not pretend that it did not disappoint me."

"Not because of the act itself, but because it is a sobering reminder of the kind of politics we deserve.

When disagreement turns into disgust, when political affiliations become a reason to dehumanise — this is how the bonds between us begin to break."

He reiterated that politics should rely on "persuasion, not aggression", and should not come at the expense of the community.

Referencing his work as a criminal lawyer, he said that he has fought for vulnerable clients in courtrooms and given them a voice in the legal system.

"I fought because I believe every single person matters. And I will do the same for you."

He also appeared to allude to Pritam Singh's Apr. 24 rally speech about Hougang residents being "fighters" because "they had the iron in their spine to vote opposition and vote for the Workers' Party".

Lim argued: "Being a fighter isn't about how loud you shout, or who you oppose. It's about having the strength to stand up for what's right, and a heart to bring people together."

"I will be that fighter for you. Strong when needed, and always uniting, never dividing."

Background

Lim, 38, will face off against WP's Dennis Tan, 54, on May 3.

Tan, a shipping lawyer, took over the reins in the 2020 General Election following the retirement of then-MP Png Eng Huat.

He proceeded to win the seat with 61.2 per cent of the vote.

In February 2025, Lim replaced Jackson Lam as the PAP's branch chairman in Hougang SMC.

He was subsequently fielded as a candidate.

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Top image from Marshall Lim/Facebook