Goal is to run competent, accountable town council: Chee
Highlights of the SDP rally on Friday (29 April). (Video by Jeremy Ho)
Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan pledged to run a town council that would take good care of Bukit Batok, even as his compatriots reminded residents of why a by-election was taking place in the ward.
The veteran politician also made several jibes directed at his People’s Action Party (PAP) opponent Murali Pillai’s desire to be a part-time Member of Parliament (MP), accusing the latter of a lack of heart.
Speaking at the SDP’s first election rally of the campaign on Friday (29 April), Chee elaborated on the party’s plans to run the estate, pointing out that a four-man team had already been formed to take over the single-member constituency’s (SMC) town council.
“Our goal is to run a transparent, competent and accountable town council. If we fail, you will be able to hold us accountable and kick us out at the next election,” he said.
Alluding to former MP David Ong’s $24 million upgrading master plan that was proposed during the 2015 General Election (GE2015), Chee said: “I will follow up on these plans and make sure that the projects come into fruition and completion, and residents in this town can look forward to a new hawker centre, eldercare and childcare centres.”
Speaking in a mixture of Mandarin, Hokkien and English, Chee argued that his pledge to be a full-time MP meant that he would be easily available to residents.
“If you make me your MP, when you have a problem, you can just look for me in Bukit Batok. If Murali is your MP, you have to take the MRT to Shelton Way - and hope the train doesn’t break down,” said Chee, referring to Murali’s day job as a lawyer.
SDP chief Chee Soon Juan. (Photo: Joseph Nair)
Sadasivam Veriyah, who ran in Bukit Batok during GE2015, also spoke at the rally. He mocked Ong, who had “disappeared” from the political scene within six months of the election. Ong resigned from office last month, amid allegations of an extramarital affair, which triggered the by-election.
Sadasivam accused the government of “wasting public money” by calling for a by-election. “Please ask the PAP, why must they cheat you?” he asked.
His fellow party member Damanhuri Abbas said that the ruling party’s attempt to entice voters with a $1.9 million package for the ward had failed, adding: “In this instance, they were caught like David Ong - with their pants down.”
Chee meeting SDP supporters after the rally. (Photo: Joseph Nair)
Chee was careful to emphasise that he thought of Murali and Ong as “good men”, but added that the former would be no different from the other 81 PAP MPs if elected.
“An MP must be able to raise your concerns and hardships in Parliament and bring (them) to the government’s attention, and press it to act on your concerns. Hand on heart, how many of you think that Mr Murali will be able to do this better than I can in Parliament?” he asked the crowd.
The rally took place at the field opposite Bukit Batok Industrial Park A and was attended by around a thousand people.
Missed the action? You can catch both parties’ rallies in their entirety here. Pictures of the SDP rally can also be seen here.
