Calibre of candidates matters more than boundary changes, say residents

SINGAPORE — Residents of areas most affected by the redrawn electoral boundaries mostly shrugged off the change, saying what will matter more to them when they head to the ballot box is the calibre of the candidates.

Still, differing views emerged on the implications of being in a Single Member Constituency (SMC). Some felt it would mean decisions on municipal matters could be made more swiftly while others believed having a team of MPs to think through issues would lead to better solutions.

Mr Zack Lim, 28, who lives in the newly-created Bukit Batok SMC, said: “A single MP will definitely have more issues to tackle. But if he is capable, why not?”

Another resident, housewife Tan Han Ngin, 55, said: “I think it is better for an individual to make decisions compared to a group of people because it may be faster to come to a conclusion.”

For some residents of Feng Shan SMC, which is also new, the quality of the political party, as a whole, is more important.

Commercial pilot Victor Ng, 56, said: “It doesn’t matter if it’s a GRC or SMC, it’s all about what the party can give me.”

Mr Richard Eng, 48, a director at a marketing company, added: “For me, it’s about the big picture; it’s about what they can do for Singapore, not just one constituency.”

Likewise, Ms Blossom Siew, 21, a teacher, does not think it makes a difference, policy-wise, that her Macpherson ward will be an SMC in the coming elections. “If the Government implements any policy, we will still benefit from it,” she said.

Over in existing SMCs that will not feature in the next general election — Joo Chiat and Whampoa — residents also did not think being part of a GRC would have any significant differences.

Whampoa resident Elaine Choy, 37, an accountant, said: “Having more MPs is also fine. It will still be one MP taking care of the ward, right?”

A Joo Chiat resident who wanted to be known only as Mr Rama added: “I vote for a party, not an individual (candidate).”

While Mr Anthony Lee, 68, a retiree, was worried that residents might receive less attention from the MPs because of the change, a resident of Frankel Place in the ward who declined to be named said: “Having more MPs to cover my area helps.”

In Moulmein-Kallang, which was created in 2011 but will be dropped from the next general election, residents were happy about returning to their old constituencies.

Ms Lee Siu Hong, an adjunct lecturer at a polytechnic whose Dorset Road home will fall under Tanjong Pagar GRC, said: “We’re happy to go back. I think the incumbent team there is strong.”

But she added that her neighbourhood has seen “very significant” improvements under the current team of MPs headed by Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew and Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim, citing the addition of sheltered walkways.

While long-time Syed Alwi Road resident Simon Chua is happy with the measures to improve cleanliness and crowd control in the area in the aftermath of the Little India riot, Ms Mabel Ling, who lives in Jalan Berseh, said safety remains a concern for her. KELLY NG, AQIL HAZIQ MAHMUD, MARISSA YEO, LYNETTE YEO

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