Limbang residents describe Lawrence Wong as a caring, down-to-earth MP, proud he is set to be next PM

SINGAPORE — When 76-year-old Tharma Lingan caught Covid-19 in February, he was not expecting a care package from Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, who is his Member of Parliament (MP), and the Residents' Committee.

"I had to self-isolate for seven days, so it was nice of them to send a care package with hand sanitisers, masks, and a card signed by Mr Lawrence Wong," said the retiree who has lived in Limbang public housing estate in the Yew Tee area for two years.

"He seems like a very capable leader, especially since he came out with the Budget... I'm not surprised by the news that he's the leader," said Mr Lingan, referring to Thursday's announcement on Mr Wong's selection as the leader of the fourth generation of Singapore's political leadership, or 4G.

Mr Lingan was one of 20 Limbang residents who spoke to TODAY, describing their MP as a capable, caring, down-to-earth person who listens and communicates well, and is active in the constituency.

Some residents also say they are proud that their MP is slated to be the next prime minister. 

Mr Wong has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency (GRC) since 2015, helming the Limbang ward.

He had entered politics in 2011, and was previously MP for West Coast GRC. 

On Thursday (April 14), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that Mr Wong was endorsed by Cabinet ministers as the 4G leader with "overwhelming" support.

This paves the way for Mr Wong to be the next Prime Minister of Singapore.

For Mr Robert Lau, the announcement was a welcomed one, having been a resident of Limbang estate for 25 years.

"He's a capable leader who listens to people on the ground and will try to help... the neighbourhood has been more friendly since he became MP as there are more activities," said the 58-year-old who works in technical sales.

Recounting the time he attended a Meet-the-People session (MPS) with Mr Wong to seek help to reclaim a deposit after plans to hire a domestic helper fell through, Mr Lau said he appreciated Mr Wong's help in getting the refund within three days.

"He actually listened to our concerns and helped us get our deposit back. I was surprised he was so efficient," he said.

He also noted that upgrading works at the Limbang Shopping Centre, which started in 2019 and is estimated to be completed by the third quarter of 2022, were made based on the feedback of residents. 

Ms Regine Leo, 26, who works in business development for a pharmaceutical company, has not met Mr Wong as she was not home when her MP made a house visit this February. However, she said the news of his leadership role was unsurprising.

"It is not surprising because he's had a lot of publicity as part of the (multi-ministry) task force and finance minister... his visibility is very high," said Ms Leo, who has been a resident of Limbang for 16 years. 

Another resident, Mr Prasad Dadl, 47, added: "We've seen how he mingles with residents and is down-to-earth, and his performance as (finance) minister with the Budget proved he is capable."

The construction engineer, who has lived in the estate for 11 years, also recalled speaking to Mr Wong during one of his home visits about a group of people who drank late at night at the void deck and urinated there.

"We didn't think much about it but the group stopped coming by after. Maybe they stepped up surveillance," he said.

For 23-year-old undergraduate Mr Tan, who declined to give his full name, having a future prime minister as MP was something his parents are proud of.

"My parents really like him and they see him around (the estate) from time to time... they're definitely proud and hope that he will (continue being) our MP," he said.

WHAT FELLOW MPS SAY

Fellow Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Zaqy Mohamad recounted to TODAY the first time he worked closely with Mr Wong in 2017 when Mr Zaqy was appointed as a grassroots advisor for the constituency after Madam Halimah Yacob stepped down as a MP to run for the presidential elections.

"It was quite a transitional period, but I was very heartened by his warm welcome and him introducing the lay of the land," Mr Zaqy said.

"Despite his busy schedule, he chipped in to help with my MPS as he knew I was covering for two constituencies."

Mr Zaqy, who is Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower, also said that it was a privilege working with Mr Wong as a political office holder, adding that Mr Wong has shown good leadership skills while understanding public sentiment.

As for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Alex Yam, his first encounter with Mr Wong was in 2011 when they both started their political careers.

"When I first met him, he struck me as someone who is very passionate about Singapore and you can see that in the way he carries himself and treats others," said Mr Yam, who is also the Mayor of North West District and Chairman of Marsiling-Yew Tee Town Council.

He was also touched that Mr Wong had been among the first few to reach out to him and his family when he had pericarditis, or inflammation of heart tissues, in November 2021.

"Knowing how Lawrence is, I am certain that he will still be there for his residents. And knowing that he has more on this plate, the rest of the team in the GRC are more than willing to step up to help out whenever possible," he said.