Invited to enter politics in 1996, I said "no". I wanted to know that my heart is in it. So, I volunteered quietly , ground-up in Aljunied in 1999. No position. No privilege. I wanted to help Singaporeans affected by the financial crisis.
In 2011, our ground in Aljunied gave way. Few dared to come and serve. In 2012, I decided that I should step forward and lead change, ground-up. Over the years, we have rebuilt our ground. We built a team of ground-up volunteers to serve and improve lives in Aljunied.
24 years have passed since I said "no". The system works. It pushed me forward. But surely, it would have been easier had I said "yes" in 1996. But in adversity, I know my heart is in the right place - with you in Aljunied.
In 2012, I asked the PAP not to harden hearts and change. The PAP listened. We care for you. We have worked with our Government to deliver Home Improvement Programmes, Neighbourhood Renewal, and Remaking Our Heartland, MRT stations, park connectors, sheltered linkways, among others. We want to do more and better.
This GE is the time to give us a chance.
1. Surely, if you elect us as your Members of Parliament (MPs), we will want to be a more effective voice within the PAP for you. Surely, PAP will not want to lose Aljunied again if we regain it with your support and trust? We treasure what we lose. But we treasure it more when we regain it.
2. In GE2015, detractors called us names, such as "suicide squad". Yet, we caused pale faces among the opposition leadership. We forced a recount that lasted into the wee early morning hours. Let's be clear. We did not force a recount. Your support did. Surely, the results show that we are able to stand up against the opposition leaders. We are equal to their standing, thanks to your strength. Our team draws its strength from you.Yet, being so close to winning, we did not have the privilege of entering Parliament. Nevertheless, we resumed serving you the day after the GE2015 results.
3. In this GE2020, there will be up to 12 Non-Constituency MPs in Parliament. Full voting rights like elected MPs, but no need to run the town council or help the residents. So they can do all the talking and challenging the Government without the risk of mismanaging your town council and making excuses about the inability to help residents. Why are they making excuses again?
Aljunied is your home. It does not belong to the WP. Don't be held hostage to political talk that you need an opposition. There are enough competing opposition parties. Above opposition, we need honest and accountable MPs who answer to residents.
Over the 9 years since I stepped forward when few dared to, you should know where my heart is. With my team, we know where our hearts are. We care and we have delivered. This GE2020, we humbly seek your vote. It's been 9 years. It's time. Bring us home!
Bring the People's Action Party back to Aljunied GRC!
#YouAreAtTheCentreofWhatWeDo #OurLives #OurJobs #OurFuture
(Picture Credits: CNA, Try Sutrisno Foo)
