SINGAPORE - The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) looks set to contest Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, with eight members of the opposition party gathering for a walkabout in Loyang on March 23.
While the area is currently part of East Coast GRC, it will fall under Pasir Ris-Changi in the next general election.
“We have been contesting in Pasir Ris-Punggol since 2006, and now since Changi is carved into Pasir Ris, I think it is our duty to extend our service,” SDA chairman Desmond Lim told reporters.
What is less clear is whether SDA will contest Punggol GRC, where the Workers’ Party (WP) has been walking the ground. Punggol, the newest GRC, was created by carving out the Punggol estates from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and merging them with the single-seat Punggol West.
When asked, Mr Lim, 57, said his party’s secretary-general, Mr Abu Mohamed, is in contact with the WP on matters related to the new electoral boundaries. Mr Abu Mohamed, 74, is also president of the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS) – a component party within the alliance.
“The result, the outcome, we will share to the media when the time is right,” Mr Lim added.
The walkabout started at the Loyang Point food court, where party members distributed door hangers and stickers outlining goals to improve jobs, affordable housing, lower living costs, and quality healthcare.
The team then went door-to-door in Loyang Rise, a neighbourhood made up of mostly terrace houses and condominiums, which was previously under East Coast GRC.
“We are here to greet the residents, to let them know that we are very happy being given the opportunity to serve them,” Mr Lim said. “We are looking forward to this coming GE, that they can give us their support.”
The SDA had earlier stated that it would “speak honestly and sincerely” with the WP about the boundary changes.
When asked about a possible multi-cornered fight this year, Mr Lim said his party, as an alliance, is open to working with other parties.
Formed in 2001, SDA currently comprises two political parties, the Singapore Justice Party – which Mr Lim chairs – and PKMS. The Singapore People’s Party and National Solidarity Party were previously part of the alliance, but left it in 2011 and 2007 respectively.
Among party members present at the walkabout were Mr Lim, Mr Abu Mohamed and party operations lead Kuswadi Atnawi, 51. All had run under the SDA’s banner in 2020.
A new face was also present - business owner Mr Muhammad Faizal Mohmad, 42, who is with PKMS, where he has been active since 2016.
Mr Muhammad Faizal Bin Mohmad (left) with Singapore Democratic Alliance chairman Desmond Lim during a walkabout around Loyang Rise on March 23.ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Mr Lim was also asked about his decision to stay on as party chair. In 2020, he had told The Straits Times that he would step down after the election to make way for the younger generation. At the time, he was expected to hand over the reins to Mr Harminder Pal Singh, the party’s communications lead. Mr Singh was not present at the walkabout.
Mr Lim said his colleagues told him to stay on to run the party, and that the nation’s interest is greater than himself.
He also said the party’s confirmed candidates will be made known on Nomination Day.
Mr Lim added that the absence of past candidates does not mean they are not with the party, and that they may have other matters to attend to.
“Because, as you have to take note, politics is not a full time job, and they have their own commitments, but nevertheless, when there is a need for them to be present, they are always here,” he said.
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