Yaw Shin Leong chapter is closed: Desmond Choo
Close that chapter, let’s move on.
That was essentially the message that Hougang by-election candidate Desmond Choo told reporters at a press conference Friday afternoon at Hougang PAP branch office at block 328.
Referring to the case of former WP and Hougang MP Yaw Shin Leong, who was expelled from the party after allegations of marital indiscretions, the People’s Action Party said, “To me, Yaw Shin Leong’s chapter is a closed chapter. I’ve said that very early on… It remains so.”
“It’s ultimately a campaign between two candidates. They’re not going to choose between Png Eng Huat and Yaw Shin Leong. It’s going to be Png Eng Huat and Desmond – and this is what this contest is going to be about.”
On Friday, Yaw broke his four-month silence when he addressed a personal letter to Hougang voters, where he apologized for the scandal and urged them to continue supporting WP.
When asked if he though the letter would sway the hearts of the Hougang residents, Choo said, “I’m not sure [about Yaw’s influence on the residents] and I haven’t spoken to them about this but I think the residents will be mindful that they want a candidate that can really help them solve the issue in the long run, and who’s always there for them and will be for them. I think that’s what they’ll take into account and that’s how we’re going to approach this election, this campaign.”
He added, “No matter what Yaw Shin Leong said, I wish him all the best. I’m glad he’s going to start his life anew, and I’ve only best wishes for him.”
Keeping his head on the game, Choo remains focused on the campaign and reiterated that his campaign plans have not changed.
The most important thing to be addressed in Hougang is the basic needs of residents, he said.
“The first big thing that we have to tackle, of course, we have to make sure that the daily and local amenities are taken care of. Over the past two and a half days, in fact, over the last month, residents were saying ‘there isn’t a day I don’t get caught in the rain when I go to the bus stop from the blocks’.”
“So I want to make sure the most basic things, we take care of them first because my work for the low income workers are all ongoing at the same time. But really tangible things I deliver to them, that’s that.”
Choo acknowledged that the issues he wishes to focus on – low wages, low income families and education – are similar to that of opponent’s Png Eng Huat.
But he believes his job as the executive secretary of USE (Union of Security Employees) and the deputy director of NTUC said, “I don’t know because I haven’t heard how he intends to tackle the low wages issue. I’ve been working on low wage workers issue for quite some time. I’m an NTUC unionist. I’ve been helping low wage workers especially in the security industry – it has been central to me… We can always highlight low wages issues, but we must also be able to articulate what are the real concrete steps to do so, and we have our plans are already there.”
The 34-year old said that he does not have difficulties connecting with residents, especially the youths because he is still young and that he can identify with current issues such as housing and balancing work-life.
He said that some youths have gone to him for advice on the type of industry they should pursue when they graduate.
He added that he welcomes them anytime to bring a voice to the table.
“If they [youths] have things they want to voice out, say like I want to have a say on why are we not getting transport concession for poly students, I’ll say well come to my round table. Come to my youth policy forum and let’s talk through that. Let’s make sure we give shape and structure to our voice as youths of Hougang. That’s something I think we can push quite effectively. And being a youth myself, I think I can take on that role.”
