Lui Tuck Yew and I entered politics in the same year, 2006. He announced his stepping down from politics and will not contest in the upcoming General Elections.
Tuck Yew is a man of integrity, principles and honour. When approached by PM, he accepted what he knew then was one of the most challenging portfolios in Cabinet, the job of Transport Minister. He had witnessed what past transport ministers went through professionally and personally ; but I had never heard him complain.
Tuck Yew calmly took strategic decisions to address the transport issues in maintenance, train line extensions, bus and train service enhancements. The root causes for our transport problems were several and significant; and required careful analysis and resourcing. The positive outcomes of the measures put in place will mostly be felt in the next few years.
The major train disruptions did not stop immediately and Tuck Yew took the brunt of public anger. He took criticisms and online flaming in his stride, and quietly focused on resolving problems on the ground. I wish he had stayed on to see the fruits of his labour.
As my GRC team mate, Tuck Yew is a diligent and sincere leader who treats his residents, grassroots and activists with respect and dignity. No airs. No wayang. Full of heart.
Both Tuck Yew and I take care of parts of Little India where the most serious of riots in Singapore in 40 years erupted during our term of service . We served closely in the aftermath of the shocking Little India riot, working on policies and legislation to restore normalcy and a sense of security for our residents. He was always cool, calm and considerate.
Whenever I approached him for help on road and transport problems faced by my more vulnerable residents, Tuck Yew would always study the facts and he would never say no to doing the right thing. The latest he did for my numerous elderly and needy residents in the Beach Road estate was to construct a lift for an overhead pedestrian bridge (OHB), although this is usually reserved for OHBs near heavily-used MRTs.
I will really miss him.
Denise Phua
11 August 2015