Redditors laud WP MPs’ hard work amid PAP’s Sengkang abandonment with ‘suicide squad’

Amidst speculation surrounding Ng Chee Meng, a former Minister from the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), potentially contesting in other constituencies in the upcoming election, discussions surged on social media regarding the PAP’s strategy to reclaim Sengkang GRC from the Workers’ Party (WP).

Political observers believe that the fourth-generation leadership would prefer to retain Mr Ng within the PAP team, likely fielding him in constituencies with higher chances of victory instead of Sengkang GRC, which he contested in the 2020 General Election (GE).

In GE2020, the PAP candidates led by Mr Ng included former Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Amrin Amin, and Raymond Lye contested in the Sengkang GRC.

The Workers’ Party team won the GRC and secured 52.13% of the votes, while the PAP received 47.87%.

In fact, Mr Ng withdrew from Sengkang considerably earlier, notably after new potential candidates were introduced to the PAP team there last October.

On 26 October 2023, the PAP introduced Mr Marcus Loh as a new branch chair within the WP-led GRC, as Mr Ng, Mr Amrin, and Mr Lye left the constituency for other wards.

Recent sightings of Mr Ng in Bukit Batok SMC, alongside PAP MP Murali Pillai, fuel speculation about his role in the upcoming GE.

Addressing the escalating speculation, Mr Ng recently spoke with Singapore’s mainstream media, dismissing conjectures regarding his appearance at a community event in Bukit Batok and advised against “read too much” into it.

Redditors claiming to be Sengkang residents laud first-time WP MPs’ performance

As discussions unfold across various social media platforms, including Reddit, it becomes apparent that despite Mr Ng’s clarifications, doubts persist regarding the PAP’s intentions for Sengkang GRC.

Speculation arises about whether the PAP plans to “abandon” Sengkang GRC and position Mr Ng in a more winnable constituency, potentially facilitating his entry into a new ministerial role if re-elected in the next GE.

The current PAP Sengkang team, led by Marcus Loh, consists of Associate Professor Elmie Nekmat (Sengkang Central), Ms Theodora Lai Xi Yi (Sengkang North), and former Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min (Sengkang West).

However, some Redditors, purporting to be Sengkang residents, describe them as a ‘suicide squad’ and offer analyses on why the PAP may have reduced chances of reclaiming Sengkang GRC.

Comments highlight the incumbent WP Members of Parliament for Sengkang GRC, who, despite being first-time elected MPs, have displayed genuine dedication and grassroots engagement in serving the community, garnering positive resonance among residents.

For example, one comment lauds WP MPs Mr Louis Chua, Associate Professor Jamus Lim, and Ms He Ting Ru for effectively representing the residents and their voices in parliament.

Critiques of PAP Sengkang branch leader’s campaign approach

Some comments also critique the campaign approach of PAP Sengkang branch leader, Mr Marcus Loh, accusing him of ‘cherrypicking’ random issues.

For instance, in February, Mr Loh faced backlash over a video criticizing cleanliness at Rivervale Shores, a new BTO project within the GRC.

In the video, he lamented untidiness and deemed it “not good.” When challenged by a netizen about the need for action rather than just criticism, Mr Loh merely defended his remarks, citing resident concerns.

The original post has been deleted, but it has been reshared by netizens across various social media platforms.

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Redditor: MP Louis Chua “low-key” but “super down to earth”

Separately, others delve into the characteristics of specific WP MPs.

For instance, some remarks highlight the contrast between Associate Professor Jamus Lim’s media presence and Louis Chua’s demeanour.

Despite Jamus Lim’s prominence in the media, comments suggest that Louis Chua, though appearing low-key, is exceptionally down to earth and makes sincere efforts to connect with Sengkang residents.

Legacy of WP veteran leader Mr Low Thia Khiang

The Redditor continued to elaborate on how the new WP MPs seem to follow the legacy of their veteran leader Mr Low Thia Khiang.

He specifically mentioned Louis Chua’s consistent presence at funerals in the area, where he interacts with the bereaved and remains attentive even if no one engages with him.

Moreover, he commended the improvements in cleanliness in Sengkang under the WP administration, contrasting it with the previous state under a former MP.

He highlighted initiatives like posters introducing cleaners to residents and sign-in sheets for cleaners, demonstrating a proactive approach to community maintenance.

The Redditor expressed a preference for leaders who genuinely engage with the community, contrasting with what they perceive as disingenuous behaviour observed during political rallies.

Another comment added praise for the efficiency of the WP Sengkang Town Council, highlighting their effectiveness in cleaning.

The Redditor recounted a personal experience of messaging the SKTC via WhatsApp for cleaning assistance, and the council promptly responded by cleaning the lift corridor without the need for additional calls.

WP grassroots volunteerism

There are also comments expressing satisfaction with the improvements in the Sengkang estate, highlighting the active presence of Workers’ Party MPs in the community.

A Redditor mentioned that according to a friend who volunteers with the WP grassroots, MPs like Assoc Prof Lim, Louis Chua, and Ms He are frequently on the ground, engaging with residents and working tirelessly to address their concerns.

“My friend who volunteers with them is not highly educated or interested in politics or policies; she just went as she had time on hand – now she’s a strong supporter because she sees how they work the grounds. ”

A comment observed that the trio has cemented a robust presence in Sengkang, demonstrating a profound commitment to serving the constituency.

The Redditor highlighted feedback from friends living in the area, indicating that the MPs are performing commendably and have implemented notable improvements, particularly in waste management.

Based on these positive developments, the comment anticipates Sengkang to further consolidate its position as a secure Workers’ Party ward.

As speculation about the timing of the next GE grows, sources suggest it might be strategically held in September, potentially aligning with cash handouts from Budget 2024 and before major elections in the United States and the United Kingdom in November.

The anticipation grows as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) officially announced on 15 April Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s decision to step down, with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong slated to succeed him on 15 May 2024.