Bukit Batok's nearly 27,000 voters now have a measure of two
contenders who will vie in an upcoming by-election there, after the
ruling People's Action Party (PAP) yesterday named lawyer and
veteran party activist Murali Pillai as its candidate.
A by-election date has not been set, but Mr Murali's introduction
came a day after Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon
Juan said he would contest.
PAP second assistant secretary-general Tharman Shanmugaratnam told
reporters that the party had decided on Mr Murali in the course of
last week, before knowing who the opposition candidate would
be.
"There's no reason to delay the announcement of a candidate that we
feel very comfortable with," said Mr Tharman, who is Deputy Prime
Minister, at a press conference at the PAP's Bukit Batok
branch.
Mr Murali, 48, who was fielded as part of the PAP's Aljunied GRC
team at last September's general election, recalled that he
attended his first Meet-the-People Session in 2000 at the very same
branch, and said that "much of my thoughts on community service and
politics are shaped by my experience here".
He has been a grassroots volunteer and leader for 16 years at the
single-seat ward, and was appointed the PAP's Paya Lebar branch
chairman four years ago.
The Bukit Batok single-seat constituency became vacant after MP
David Ong stepped down just over a week ago after admitting to a
personal indiscretion.
Mr Tharman said yesterday that residents liked Mr Ong as an MP, but
understood that he had to resign. The party had to let him go as it
is important to uphold high standards in politics. He also said he
did not know when the by-election would be held. Prime Minister Lee
Hsien Loong has said he would call it in due time.
While campaigning has not started, the area has been abuzz with
activity, with PAP MPs from neighbouring Jurong GRC visiting
residents at coffee shops and their homes and the SDP, too, making
its rounds in the area.
After his introduction, Mr Murali attended the weekly
Meet-the-People Session and started on house visits.
Dr Chee, 53, was at a walkabout on Sunday and was introduced as the
SDP candidate by party member Sadasivam Veriyah, who contested the
seat last September.
On pitting Mr Murali against a seasoned politician, Mr Tharman
said: "I think we've chosen the right person with regard to
character, the way people know him, the way people have worked
together with him in the past."
Dr Chee did not respond to queries about Mr Murali's candidacy by
press time.
Mr Tharman said the PAP would frame the election in a way that
"makes sense for voters", adding that the first priority for any MP
is to serve residents well.
Among opposition parties, only the National Solidarity Party has
not said if it will contest. Its secretary-general Lim Tean said it
is still "studying the situation carefully".
ST
