SINGAPORE — A few opposition parties have expressed interest in contesting in the Marine Parade GRC, and having such “options” is good for residents, said Minister for Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday.

Responding to questions by the media about the Workers’ Party (WP), which yesterday declared its intention to contest in Marine Parade GRC and MacPherson — the single-seat ward carved out of Marine Parade GRC in the electoral boundaries review committee’s report — Mr Tan said “quite a lot of people seemed interested”.

Among them are the National Solidarity Party (NSP), which contested in Marine Parade in the 2011 GE, and Singaporeans First (SingFirst), both of which have been spotted making the rounds by residents.

“Having options is always good, I’ve said that in the last election when I came in as well, I think having contest is always good... it offers options to residents,” added Mr Tan, who was speaking on the sidelines of his visit to the MacPherson division with fellow Marine Parade GRC Member of Parliament Tin Pei Ling.

Despite the changes to the electoral boundaries, Mr Tan said efforts on the ground do not change. He added that line-up of candidates will also be revealed in due course, but for now, the incumbents will work hard to continue serving the residents.

On the possibility of Ms Tin being fielded as a candidate to contest in MacPherson, Mr Tan felt she is well-prepared and well-placed to do so, adding that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong “will have his own reasons” for letting her contest individually.

Ms Tin said she and her team have been working hard over the past four years and she is confident that their “actions will speak for itself”. “We are confident, but we are not complacent,” she added. SIAU MING EN