People's Action Party candidate for Punggol East, Dr Koh Poh Koon, said paid paternity leave is a step in the right direction, referring to one of the slew of measures announced by the government to encourage Singaporeans to start families.
"We want people to have more kids and fathers want to play an active role. I want to play an active role in my children's lives, and having some paternity leave goes in some way to signal that this is important," the colorectal surgeon told reporters during his walkabout at Punggol East Monday afternoon.
Under the enhanced Marriage and Parenthood package unveiled by government, one week of paid paternity leave for fathers will be legislated. Dads will also be allowed to share one week of working mothers’ maternity leave entitlement.
Now at the halfway mark of campaigning, Koh said residents have been warm towards him and that he will continue to connect with them.
"I will continue to reach out to every single resident to the best of my ability,” he said. "So I will work very hard to pound the ground, walk every block, knock on every door to reach out to everyone.”
Koh also reiterated that he will look at expanding childcare services and after school care services as well as to provide more amenities in the ward.
He is expected to hold another rally soon, but no details have been released yet.
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