Two new faces in Tampines and Marine Parade GRCs lead the PAP’s efforts to connect with voters early.
Two new faces, Dr Charlene Chen and Dr Choo Pei Ling, have been featured alongside elected MPs in Tampines and Marine Parade GRCs. Both are grassroots advisers, with Dr Chen representing Tampines and Dr Choo working in Marine Parade. These academics are part of the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) strategy to bring in new talent as it prepares for the next general election.
These appointees are part of a larger group of at least seven new faces within the PAP who have taken on leadership roles over the past 18 months in opposition-held and PAP constituencies. Their involvement in grassroots roles such as party branch chairs and advisers is often an early indication that they might be fielded as candidates in the upcoming election.
PAP’s strategy to introduce these candidates early is seen as an effort to build familiarity with voters, particularly in opposition-held constituencies. The party believes that having potential candidates working with local residents ahead of the election could improve their chances of success, as it allows residents time to engage and assess the candidates.
Among the other new faces introduced are trade unionist Jagathishwaran Rajo in Aljunied GRC and Mr Kenny Sim, CEO of an IT firm, in Paya Lebar. In Sengkang, Marcus Loh, a director at a digital transformation services firm, has joined the slate, alongside former ministers and new appointees.
The PAP’s strategy also includes filling seats in constituencies that have had changes, such as in Jurong, Marine Parade, and Tampines, where vacancies arose following resignations. In Jurong, Dr Hamid Razak has replaced former MP Tharman Shanmugaratnam, while Dr Choo and Dr Chen have been introduced to Marine Parade and Tampines residents respectively.
With an eye on the upcoming general election, political analysts suggest that the early introduction of new faces is a strategic move to gauge public sentiment and secure voter support. The PAP aims to avoid surprises and ensure that its candidates are well-received by the electorate.
One constituency that stands out is West Coast GRC, where former Cabinet minister S. Iswaran’s seat remains vacant. The party has not yet announced a replacement, with potential candidates such as Chua Wei-Shan, an entrepreneur and Young PAP member, being considered.
While the PAP’s moves are clear, the opposition Workers’ Party (WP) has yet to announce replacements for two empty seats in Sengkang and Aljunied. WP appears to be waiting for the right moment to introduce its candidates to avoid giving the PAP a chance to strategize.
With the election season approaching, it will be interesting to see how these new faces will impact the political landscape and whether they will succeed in earning the trust of voters in their respective constituencies.
