PAP chooses Desmond Choo as Hougang by-election candidate

[Scrooball (clone)]

Desmond Choo, 34, has again been chosen by the People's Action Party (PAP) to stand as its candidate in the upcoming by-election in Hougang.

In a press conference on Thursday morning, PAP second assistant secretary-general Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced Choo's candidacy.

DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnum introduces Desmond Choo as their candidate for the Hougang by-election. (Yahoo! photo/ Kai Fong)

Choo, grassroots adviser for the single-seat ward, said that he feels honored to represent supporters and residents in the by-election, which will see residents trooping to the polls on 26 May if there is a contest.

Despite the setback in the May general election last year when he lost to then Workers’ Party member Yaw Shin Leong, Choo said he has been working the ground since then and has introduced various social assistance initiatives to benefit residents.

Choo added that he will be opening a legal clinic with monthly sessions to provide free legal advice as many residents were seeking legal help. He has roped in prominent criminal defence lawyer Subhas Anandan to help out with these legal sessions.

“I will mobilise support and resources and take real, concrete steps to help residents with their problems,” Choo pledged.

He acknowledged, however, that he will face a tough contest in the single member constituency (SMC), which has been a stronghold of the WP.

“But our spirit is strong and we will fight to convince voters that we are the better choice for their long term future,” he added.

The deputy director of the National Trades Union Congress' (NTUC) Industrial Relations Unit had been widely expected to be PAP's candidate in a Hougang by-election, which had been prompted by the fall from grace of Yaw.

Yaw was expelled from WP on 14 February following allegations that he had extra-marital affairs, including one with a married female opposition party member. The Hougang seat was then deemed vacant.

In last year's GE, Choo lost to Yaw after garnering just 35.2 per cent (8,065 votes) of the votes, the lowest share of votes by a PAP candidate in the constituency.

The WP, led by Low Thia Khiang, has reigned in the Hougang ward since 1991.

Desmond Choo’s profile

34-year old Choo has long been a member of Singapore’s labour movement. In his current post at NTUC, he deals with issues related to wages, community engagement and labour market monitoring. He is also concurrently the executive secretary of the Union of Security Employees and of the Singapore Shell Employees Union.

Prior to NTUC, he had served in various roles in the Singapore Police Force and Ministry of Manpower. Choo was the deputy commander at Clementi Police Division from 2009 to 2010.

Before his appointment as the Second Adviser to Hougang Grassroots Organisations in February 2011, he had worked extensively in the Marsiling and Tampines East constituencies. In Hougang, he has initiated a healthcare scheme to benefit poor residents, and coffee sessions for residents to be directly involved in building their community.

Choo studied in Ai Tong Primary School, Catholic High School and National Junior College. He was awarded the SPF Overseas Merit Scholarship in 1997 to study Economics at the University of Chicago.

He is married to Pamela Lee.

 

[halsey02]

Are the 'chikus' ripe for picking? or is he going to be another Sisyphus, like the rest of the Sisyphuses before him?

"Before his appointment as the Second Adviser to Hougang Grassroots Organisations in February 2011, he had worked extensively in the Marsiling and Tampines East constituencies. In Hougang, he has initiated a healthcare scheme to benefit poor residents, and coffee sessions for residents to be directly involved in building their community."
quote

Didn't the previous 'chiku man' did the same thing? he was slightly better, coffee came with MacDonald's breakfast, what will 'choo, choo' serve up?

"Always here for you", after, IF he gets voted, he won't be free for you. too busy checking his CPF statement too.

"He is married to Pamela Lee." quote
"legbone connected to.............." any connection to the "L", the letter "L", today it is the letter, "L"!.

So far, we have not heard anything from him, any other than the same rehashed special offers, in a new packaging..nothing new!:(

 

[Jlokta]

"Always here for you"

issin't this the tagline for Sheng Siong?

 

[halsey02]

issin't this the tagline for Sheng Siong?

Yeah!, S.S. 'member' also you know the 'tail bone' is connected to the......... the letter for today is "L"

 

[Kinana]

issin't this the tagline for Sheng Siong?

seng shiong is 'all for you'

 

[myfoot123]

He has been issuing PR like toilet papers to foreigners in HG . If HG residents want to stop influx of immigrants in their ward, please do not vote for CB Desmond.:oIo:

 

[Mdm Tang]

Are the 'chikus' ripe for picking?
"Always here for you", after, IF he gets voted, he won't be free for you. too busy checking his CPF statement too.

..nothing new!:(

1) Collectorships lined up already ...

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

Mr Eric Low (right), 62, adviser to Hougang Grassroots Organisation, is stepping down and he introduced his successor from People's Action Party (PAP), Mr Desmond Choo (left), 32, during the Hougang Lunar New Year Yusheng Dinner 2011.

 

[RonRon]

 

[Mdm Tang]

I am my own man: Desmond Choo
Updated 02:03 PM May 10, 2012SINGAPORE - Even as he turns to the veterans in the People's Action Party (PAP) for advice, Mr Desmond Choo, the PAP's Hougang by-election candidate, stressed repeatedly today that "I am my own man" in fighting the battle.

Noting that this is a "local election", Mr Choo, 34, who was introduced as the PAP's by-election candidate this morning, said his campaign is focused on delivering results and understanding residents' needs.

There will be national issues, said the Second Advisor to Hougang Grassroots Organisations, but as a Member of Parliament "we must know what is our fundamental principle".

"One thing we are sure of, in the last 15 months, we have worked our socks off," added Mr Choo, even though he acknowledged there is much catching up to do, given the Workers' Party's (WP) history in Hougang.

Adding that he views the episode regarding former WP Member of Parliament Yaw Shin Leong as a "closed chapter", Mr Choo said the by-election is meant to bring the best person to the ward to serve residents.

He declined to comment on how the WP has fared in Hougang so far.

While Mr Choo is keeping his campaign focused on local issues in Hougang, PAP Second Assistant Secretary-General Tharman Shanmugaratnam said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's Facebook note was meant to address broader issues, and how the PAP goes about "its affairs as a party".

Mr Tharman, Singapore' Deputy Prime Minister, also said Mr Choo will have the support of the whole PAP during the campaign, and if he is elected.

Nomination Day is on May 16, and residents will go to the polls on May 26 if there is more than one candidate.

 

[Mdm Tang]

SINGAPORE: Thirty-four-year-old Desmond Choo will be the People's Action Party (PAP) candidate in the by-election for the single-member constituency of Hougang on May 26.

Mr Choo, who is Second Advisor to Hougang Grassroots Organisations, was introduced as a candidate at a media conference on Thursday by PAP's Second Assistant Secretary-General Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Mr Tharman said Mr Choo did not leave after the GE but worked even harder on the ground, and over the past year has connected with many people through weekly coffee sessions and regular house visits.

Mr Choo pledged to fight as a better choice for voters, and to "always be there for them".

He said the PAP has a long-term plan and commitment to Hougang and also promised to mobilise support and resources, as well as take real and concrete steps to help residents with their problems.

"Our spirit is strong and we will fight to convince voters that we are the better choice for their long-term future," Mr Choo said.

The by-election will be Mr Choo's second attempt at the Hougang seat, which was vacated by the Workers' Party's (WP's) Yaw Shin Leong after he was expelled from WP in February.

Mr Choo said that despite his setback in General Election of 2011, residents have been encouraging and told him that the party's work and initiatives have made a difference in their lives.

He said his party has continued his work in Hougang, introducing various social assistance initiatives to benefit residents.

Mr Choo, who has been working in the community for more than 10 years, said caring for the needy elderly is still a priority because they need the most help.

He said the focus is also on helping low-income residents cope with problems such as the cost of living, on top of what the Government does.

"Our work and initiatives show that we are committed to residents and they have told us that we are making a difference in their lives. We are not just airing concerns but acting on them, showing that we are there to serve them and will always be there for them," Mr Choo said.

Mr Tharman believes Mr Choo can do much more as a Member of Parliament, both on his own and backed up by the whole PAP team.

Mr Tharman said that is why the party is proud to field him again as its candidate in the Hougang by-election.

Mr Tharman also outlined his party's focus at the news conference.

Mr Tharman, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Manpower, said since the General Elections last year, the government has been working hard to address immediate issues, such as housing, to build an inclusive Singapore where everyone shares in its progress.

Many dialogues have been held, while useful feedback and suggestions from Singaporeans have been taken on board.

Mr Tharman said the government is determined to implement new policies and work with Singaporeans to make sure that results are seen in a more inclusive society, where everyone does better.

 

[GOD IS MY DOG]

if WP can get higher votes with new guy.....................S'pore got a glimmer of hope..................

 

[Rogue Trader]

GO GO GOOOO PAP!​

There's nobody nobody like Choo!
There's nobody nobody like Choo!