With the People’s Action Party (PAP) preparing for a rematch against the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) in West Coast–Jurong West GRC, National Development Minister Desmond Lee emphasised that he and his team remain focused on delivering their promises to residents if re-elected.
Source: Desmond Lee on Facebook
According to The Straits Times (ST), Mr Lee — now anchor minister for the GRC — said the team is tackling a wide range of issues, from social challenges and infrastructure to external factors that affect Singaporeans.
Speaking to media at an NTUC Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) event on Sunday (20 April), he added that he’s keen to see what the opposition brings to the table, allowing voters to compare and decide who they want to lead.
That same day, the PSP announced plans to field its three key leaders: chairman Tan Cheng Bock, party chief and Non-constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Leong Mun Wai, and vice-chair Hazel Poa.
Source: Progress Singapore Party on Facebook
The trio was part of the PSP team that narrowly lost in West Coast GRC during the 2020 General Election (GE2020), securing 48.32% of the vote against the PAP’s 51.68%.
The PAP team was then led by former Transport Minister S. Iswaran, with Mr Lee also on the slate.
Mr Iswaran stepped down in January 2024 following a corruption investigation.
When asked about the rematch, Mr Lee told reporters that both parties are “known quantities”, having engaged each other in Parliament and on the ground for years.
He noted that Singaporeans are already familiar with the exchanges and ideas between both sides, giving voters the chance to make an informed choice.
Source: Desmond Lee on Facebook
He was also asked how this contest might differ from the last, given he now leads the PAP team while Mr Leong and Ms Poa have become more vocal in recent years.
Mr Lee said he was a newcomer to West Coast in 2020, and that campaigning then was constrained by Covid-19 restrictions.
He added that the current team combines experience and new perspectives, referring to three-term MP Ang Wei Neng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Shawn Huang, and fresh faces Dr Hamid Razak and Cassandra Lee.
Source: Hamid Razak on Facebook
Mr Lee was also asked if Dr Tan’s statement — that this election may be his final one at age 84 — could influence voters.
He expressed respect for Dr Tan’s contributions and past service as a PAP MP, but reaffirmed that the current PAP team brings both youth and experience.
Dr Hamid, who was at the event, said that while he and Ms Lee are new to elections, they bring nearly 35 years of combined experience in community work.
He expressed confidence that residents will weigh the team’s plans and track record before making their choice on Polling Day — and that the decision, whatever it may be, will be respected.
The “Bringing Jobs to Your Doorstep” initiative at Boon Lay Community Club featured more than 3,500 job vacancies curated by e2i and its partners.
In a press release, e2i said the roles were designed to support Singaporeans from all walks of life.
The institute also offered skills workshops and one-on-one career coaching, with a focus on job seekers less familiar with tech.
Caryn Lim, CEO of e2i and assistant secretary-general of NTUC, said the institute aims to ensure everyone knows that meaningful opportunities are within reach.
At the event, e2i also signed agreements with partners to support young professionals and low-income residents.
Mr Lee told reporters that over the past two years, more than 55 job and skills-related events have been held for West Coast GRC residents.
Nearly 10,000 residents have received help with job matching, counselling, career transitions, resume writing, and training courses over the past five years.
Netizens expressed their support for Mr Lee in the comments of ST’s and CNA’s Facebook posts.
One user commented that there is nothing to fear if MPs have been actively engaging with the community.
They added that being an MP is not just about making speeches in Parliament but about being present for residents.
Source: The Straits Times on Facebook
Another noted that Mr Lee has consistently been on the ground and emphasised that actions speak louder than words.
Source: The Straits Times on Facebook
A separate commenter shared that Mr Lee has “worked his socks off” in West Coast GRC, adding that they could not imagine residents failing to recognise his hard work.
Source: The Straits Times on Facebook
Some also admired how Mr Lee demonstrated capable leadership by “honouring those who came before” him.
Source: CNA on Facebook
Also read: PSP ‘A-Team’ to contest West Coast-Jurong West GRC, includes Tan Cheng Bock & Leong Mun Wai
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Hamid Razak on Facebook and Progress Singapore Party on Facebook.