PAP's Amy Khor to defend Hong Kah North SMC seat in coming GE

SINGAPORE — Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Amy Khor will defend her seat in Hong Kah North SMC in what will be her fourth General Election.

Speaking at the void deck of Block 325 Bukit Batok Street 33 this morning (Aug 21), Dr Khor unveiled a five-year rolling constituency plan and two programmes to "strengthen community engagement, promote active citizenry and encourage active ageing".

A rolling constituency plan also featured heavily in her last campaign in 2011. And since then, more than S$95 million worth of new and upgraded facilities and amenities have either been completed or are under construction. 

The new plan promises the Home Improvement Programme for the remaining 44 eligible blocks around the ward, the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme for 32 blocks in Jurong West, 40 Community Improvement Projects, and finally, new fitness, family and community hubs.

The bill for all these - estimated to go beyond S$80 million - will be footed entirely by the Town Council and the Housing and Development Board.  

"These projects will enhance the facilities both within the home and the community. They will create more community spaces for recreation, exercise and for the community to congregate, have fun and relax, all within walking distance from their blocks," said Dr Khor, who is also chairman of government feedback arm REACH.

Ageing residents can look forward to the Senior Befrienders' Programme, where trained volunteers will visit seniors living alone or on homecare at least twice a month. 

Anyone aged 65 years old and above can also request for this service. For a start, 40 Senior Befrienders will come on board, assessing the needs of the elderly on the first visit and making appropriate referrals and assistance subsequently.  

Those who are healthy will be encouraged to join activities where they can make more friends and live an active lifestyle.

In a leaf taken out of the books of government feedback portal REACH, which Dr Khor is chairman of, the Hong Kah North community will have new Listening Points, manned by volunteers at events and places with high traffic volume. 

"I want to listen more widely and deeply to residents’ concerns, especially those who may not speak out during dialogues or our house and coffee shop visits or online. I want to be more proactive in engaging residents to better understand their needs," said Dr Khor, 57. 

The Listening Points are meant as an outpost for government policies to be explained, and for residents to share feedback and concerns.

Dr Khor, a mother of three, first entered politics in 2001, as part of the People's Action Party team for Hong Kah GRC. But after the electoral boundaries were redrawn prior to the 2011GE,  her ward - which covers Bukit Batok West and Jurong West - was carved out of the GRC. 

During the last GE, Dr Khor defeated Singapore People's Party (SPP) chairman Sin Kek Tong, garnering 70.61 per cent of the votes in the single-seat ward. The SPP has said it will challenge the seat again at the coming polls. 

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