Potong Pasir’s future uncertain: Residents
Yahoo! Singapore dives into the heartlands to find out first-hand what the key issues will be during the General Elections. In the fourth of a five-part series of video reports, LIYANA LOW and JEANETTE TAN venture into the Potong Pasir ward to speak to voters and determine the political sentiment on the ground.
Potong Pasir residents are unsure about the future of their Single-Member Constituency (SMC).
This was their general sentiment after incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) Chiam See Tong revealed his intention to contest in a Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in the upcoming General Election (GE).
One of the two only opposition-held constituencies in Parliament, Potong Pasir has remained firmly under the grip of Mr Chiam since he first won the seat in 1984.
Of late, however, Potong Pasir residents have expressed their concerns over Mr Chiam's health condition and are unsure of his ability to serve the community.
However, a new face has been gaining prominence among the 17,320 electors — Mr Chiam's wife, Lina.
Seen at walkabouts, Meet-the-People sessions and cultural events, Mrs Chiam is increasingly edging her way into the spotlight.
Yet, of the 25 residents Yahoo! Singapore spoke to, many appear to be unaware of Mrs Chiam. Instead, People's Action Party candidate Sitoh Yi Pin seems to be the more familiar face.
Manager Chua M K, 39, said, "We'll have to rethink our vote because we're not so familiar with her."
Once a hard-core supporter of Mr Chiam, taxi driver Wong Hee Yeh, 60, now feels that by voting the ruling party in, Potong Pasir can have its much-needed upgrading.
Housewife Sally Tang, who is in her 60s, is concerned about the public bickering between the Chiams and Mr Chiam's former protégée Desmond Lim, who later quit the Singapore People's Party.
She said, "If he can't take care of his party (matters), how can he take care of an estate?"
For first-time voter, 24-year-old Jacky Loh, what remains important is what a candidate can provide to residents, rather than the reputation of an individual.
Some of the older residents, however, are maintaining their loyalty to the Opposition.
60-year-old driver Steven Koh, said he is very happy living in Potong Pasir, as his friends live in the neighbourhood and housing prices in the area are good.
"It feels just like a kampong," he said, "I've lived here for the past 25 years and I wouldn't have it any other way."
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