Speaking the same dialect does helps to build rapport particularly so amongst the older voters. In mp GRC the demographic is different. U have quite a large number of English speaking and peranakan voters.
Looking at the numbers and voters structure, in order for WP to have a chance of hitting the 50% mark, they need to capture at least 1/3 middle ground and 1/3 apathy votes combine with the opposition supporter base supporters. 3cf can only erode part of the opposition voters away. Team WP needs a very good candidate with impressive credential to attract the middle ground voters and at the moment I couldn't think of anyone more suitable than Leon perera in terms of background and credential.
Other than this YJJ is the workhorse to win the ground and draw the apathy voters in. If he said he started groundworks in mp GRC more than a year ago, then I assume his JC smc is well covered. The focus will very much be on other areas that have yet to cover.
Of course it will be desirable to have a younger candidate to woo the younger voters. Daniel goh perhaps?