SINGAPORE — Candidates from the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) contesting Hong Kah North Single Member Constituency (SMC) presented their messages to voters as part of constituency political broadcasts on Saturday (July 4).

Dr Amy Khor, 62, has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for the ward when it was part of Hong Kah Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in 2001 and 2006, and she remained in service after it became a standalone single-seat ward in 2011.

She beat then Singapore People's Party's candidate Ravi Philemon in the 2015 General Election (GE), winning 74.76 per cent of the vote.

In her broadcast speech, she said that a new bus service will link the west extension of Hong Kah North to Jurong East bus interchange from July 26. A five-year eco-plan was recently launched to promote sustainability.

PSP’s candidate, Ms Gigene Wong, is new to politics. The 53-year-old is a human resource specialist at Wison Offshore and Marine, and used to be chief executive officer of Gulf Oil Yantai, a manufacturing firm in Shandong, China.

She said that Singaporeans are still unhappy despite the nation being a prosperous one, urging voters to send her to Parliament to be their voice.

In these broadcasts, candidates vying for single-seat wards have three minutes each to speak. Those contesting in four- and five-member GRCs have 12 and 15 minutes respectively in total.

The broadcasts are being aired on Channel 5, CNA938, cna.asia, 8world.com, CNA YouTube, CNA Facebook and TODAY at 7pm from July 3 to 8.

PAP’S PROPOSALS

• Dr Khor said that she is no stranger to residents of Hong Kah North after serving them for 18 years.

• During her house visits, some residents remember that she presented them with Edusave bursaries when they were young, she said. She added that she is heartened to see that they have chosen the precinct as their home.

• She also recalled mobilising government and community resources to help a resident whose husband died. 

• “I promise that I will continue to look out for all of you, especially the weak and vulnerable in our midst so that no one is left behind,” she said.

• Her goal is to partner residents to make Hong Kah North a “caring, cohesive and climate-friendly town”.

“You know I won’t let you down, because I care, and I will act for  you… for the people of Hong Kah North,” Dr Khor said.

PSP’S PROPOSALS

• Ms Wong started her speech by reciting the national pledge.

• She said that Singapore has achieved prosperity and progress but its people are still not happy and need to rediscover the “missing democracy, justice and equality”.

• “Why can our Government treat us this way? Because Singaporeans never challenge our Government on transparency and accountability,” she added.

• She noted that Hong Kah North is "important because you are the blue-eyed boy of PAP" — PAP has won over 70 per cent of the vote in the SMC the last two GEs.

• She said that even though it is a small SMC, if PSP wins this year, it will send a “very strong message” to the Government that Singaporeans are not happy.

“I urge Hong Kah North sisters and brothers, just like you go to the army to protect our country and leave no man behind, I urge you all to stand by my side and support me. Send me to Parliament and let me be your voice,” Ms Wong said.