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Late developments alter contests in Potong Pasir, Bukit Batok

SINGAPORE — While there had been indications that this General Election would see multi-way fights, Nomination Day today (Sept 1) still threw up a surprise, in the form of an independent candidate appearing from out of the blue to register his interest in Bukit Batok SMC.

Independent candidate for Bukit Batok SMC Samir Salim Neji, 45, shakes hands with PAP's David Ong who is contesting the SMC as well. Photo: Jason Quah

Independent candidate for Bukit Batok SMC Samir Salim Neji, 45, shakes hands with PAP's David Ong who is contesting the SMC as well. Photo: Jason Quah

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SINGAPORE — While there had been indications that this General Election would see multi-way fights, Nomination Day today (Sept 1) still threw up a surprise, in the form of an independent candidate appearing from out of the blue to register his interest in Bukit Batok SMC.

Mr Samir Salim Neji, 45, managing director of a business planning firm, is pitching himself against the Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) Sadasivam Veriyah and People’s Action Party incumbent David Ong.

MacPherson and Radin Mas are the other two single-seat wards having three-cornered fights.

In the former, Ms Tin Pei Ling will be fending off interest in her MacPherson ward from the Workers’ Party’s Bernard Chen and the National Solidarity Party’s Cheo Chai Chen. As for Radin Mas, blogger Han Hui Hui has joined the Reform Party’s Kumar Appavoo in challenging the PAP’s Sam Tan.

Considering only General Elections, this is the most number of multi-way contests since 1991. That year, there were five such battles.

Mr Ong said he will not alter his campaign strategy of reaching as many of his constituents as possible despite having to face two challengers.

“Our work is not new, it’s actually done (over) a few years. We just have to step up now to reinforce what we believe in and what we’ve been doing, and see if there are any gaps that surface and try to plug them. It’s a work-in-progress thing, see how gaps can be filled,” he added.

The fact that Mr Samir is a new citizen — the Indian national obtained Singapore citizenship 15 years ago — was “a little bit unexpected” for Mr Sadasivam. But he added that the SDP concerned more with giving voters an opportunity to hear its proposition.

“This is an election. We’re providing ourselves to serve the people. We leave that to the voter. If the voter feels who is the best, who could be their voice in Parliament, who could take care of their welfare or who could speak for their needs, they have to decide.”

While Mr Chen declined to comment on facing a multi-corner fight in his electoral debut, Mr Cheo, who has elected in Nee Soon Central from 1991 to 1997, acknowledged that he would have to work harder since a three-cornered fight is “usually more advantageous for the ruling party”.

Similarly, Mr Kumar said the entry of Ms Han means he has to “work very hard for each and every vote in Radin Mas”.

“I already focused my mind on how to serve the people of Radin Mas and my plans and programmes... to be elected.”

Ms Han declined comment.

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