SINGAPORE — Candidates from the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) contesting Potong Pasir Single Member Constituency (SMC) outlined their plans for the ward in a constituency political broadcast on Tuesday (July 7), ahead of the July 10 polls.

The SMC — a former opposition stronghold under Mr Chiam See Tong for 27 years — had its boundaries changed for the first time in decades for this General Election (GE). More than 3,000 voters were moved to be part of Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency (GRC), while the SMC will absorb more than 5,000 voters from Marine Parade GRC.

Incumbent PAP candidate Sitoh Yih Pin, 56, has served the ward for the past two terms, after wresting it from SPP’s Mrs Lina Chiam — Mr Chiam’s wife — in 2011.

Delivering his speech in English and Mandarin, Mr Sitoh individually addressed the “three generations of residents” — the young, the middle-aged, and the seniors — expressing his hopes for each group.

He also thanked residents for giving him the opportunity to serve as their MP since 2011. “Together, we have transformed Potong Pasir”, he said.

His opponent is SPP candidate Jose Raymond, 48, who is the chief strategy officer of communications firm SW Strategies. He is contesting in his first GE.

“When I started my journey in Potong Pasir a couple of years ago, my sole aim was to try and help as many people as possible,” he said. “I did not ask for your vote, I asked to be your friend.”

“Thank you all so much for letting me into your hearts and into your homes.”

Potong Pasir SMC has more than 19,700 voters.

In these constituency political 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

• Mr Sitoh said that he wanted the children of Potong Pasir to “grow up in a neighbourhood where they are equipped with everything they need, from tuition lessons to holiday enrichment programmes and many more”. Dream big and pursue your passions, he said to them.

• Mr Sitoh assured the middle-aged residents that he will always be there for them, and said that he will create “ample meaningful programmes” for them and their family members.

• For the seniors, Mr Sitoh said that he wants their healthcare needs to be well taken care of and for them to live “fulfilling golden years”. His message for seniors: “Age well and live happily.”

• He wants to build an inclusive community for all three generations of residents.

He said: “We have the team, the resources, the conviction and the passion to altogether make Potong Pasir better for all of us.”

SPP’S PROPOSALS

• Mr Raymond asked: “What is the kind of Singapore we leave behind for our children and our grandchildren? Can we allow a Parliament without diverse voices devoid of political debate?”

• He said that Singapore will be “best served through political competition” and the residents’ votes will “determine the kind of future we build for Singapore and for all Singaporeans”.

• “If you believe that we can make Potong Pasir SMC a special town, then I need you to journey with me throughout… you have a voice, let yourself be heard”, he said.

• He added that “we have a lot of work ahead of us” and that for him and the residents, “this is just the beginning”.

He said: “This election will be important for Singapore, as all elections are. We can either opt for the status quo, or we can choose to look forward to a new dawn.”