'Concerted effort' by PAP to ensure diversity of GE slate

Singapore

THE People's Action Party's (PAP) fifth slate of candidates was introduced by PAP organising secretary Grace Fu on Thursday, who stressed that there had been a "very concerted effort" by the party to reflect the needs of the population through the diversity of its candidates.

Ms Fu, who is also Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, said the party had been in talks with some candidates "even before the last election".

"So it's a concerted effort to reach out as broadly as we can to identify the people we think are suitable ... but there are some similarities as well - you can see that they come with good track records. It's not just about what they say but are they putting their words into action?"

The first candidate, banker Derrick Goh, 51, has 27 years of experience in the finance and banking industry and is managing director and head of group audit at DBS Bank.

He spent more than 10 years overseas while working with American Express, before returning to Singapore with his family in 2007.

Mr Goh opened his introduction with the fact that he has been volunteering in grassroots for the last seven years, with the last three in Yishun. He has been seen in Nee Soon GRC with Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugan in his Chong Pang ward.

Mr Goh said he hopes to further national conversations and provide perspectives on how the government, businesses and individuals can create more synergies to improve the lives of Singaporeans.

"Social mobility is about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be successful and every working adult should have the opportunity to have a good job. This is the Singapore dream and therefore social mobility needs to be a cornerstone of Singapore's policy and the focus of our nation."

The second candidate, Poh Li San, 45, is vice-president for Terminal 5 Planning, Changi Airport Group, and was formerly a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot with the Republic of Singapore Air Force. She was also the first female full-time aide-de-camp to the late President S R Nathan.

Ms Poh, who spoke in Mandarin, Malay and English, has started various community initiatives for women as well as helped rental flat residents in Sembawang.

"Now that I have a chance to go back to Sembawang to serve on the ground, I'm really excited to work closely with our volunteers and our residents there," she said.

The third candidate, Raymond Lye, 54, previously served as magistrate and deputy registrar of the State Courts before he founded his law firm, Union Law, in 2014. Mr Lye said he firmly believes in meritocracy and wants to ensure Singapore leaves no Singaporean behind.

"I trust in our youth today and hope to empower them," said Mr Lye. "I believe our young have a lot to learn, but even more to give."

A total of three candidate introduction sessions were conducted by the PAP on Thursday; the party is fielding 26 new faces for the coming General Election.

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