PAP unveils two new faces in Tanjong Pagar GRC

THE ruling People's Action Party (PAP) on Wednesday officially introduced two new faces - Joan Pereira and Melvin Yong - as part of its five-member Tanjong Pagar GRC team contesting in the coming general election (GE).

Ms Pereira, 48, is assistant general manager at Temasek Cares and was formerly a director at the People's Association. Mr Yong, 43, retired from the Singapore Police Force as Assistant Commissioner on Sunday.

The anchor minister in Tanjong Pagar is labour chief Chan Chun Sing. Making up the rest of the slate are Senior Minister of State for Law and Education Indranee Rajah and consultant surgeon Chia Shi-Lu.

Tanjong Pagar has not experienced an electoral battle since it was formed back in 1991, but that could all change after the new opposition party, Singaporeans First, expressed its interest to contest there.

Mr Chan, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, described the constituency as a "very special" one for the PAP, given that the party has served there for the last 60 years.

"This is where the whole Singapore story started. We want to keep it special. It is the embodiment of the Singapore spirit to be able to turn a tough environment into one of the most endearing homes we have," he said.

Separately, it was confirmed that Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Sam Tan would defend his Radin Mas single seat.

Read more about the coming Singapore General Election here.