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Secretary General of Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Chee Soon Juan confirms that he will be the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)'s candidate for the Bukit Batok SMC by-election.
The single-member seat was declared vacant after former People's Action Party Member of Parliament, Mr David Ong resigned from his position as MP and the PAP on 12 March, citing "personal indiscretion" in his letter of resignation.
Speaking to media at a walkabout on Sunday morning, Dr Chee said, "My priority as MP of Bukit Batok (BB), should I be fortunate enough to be elected, will be to ensure the productive management of the BB Town Council. The SDP's goal is to surpass current levels of performance of PAP-run town councils."
Dr Chee also stated that if elected, the Bukit Batok Town Council (BBTC) will not engage a managing agent, but instead, employ qualified and experienced professionals as part of the management team.
The town council will also invite residents to track the town council performance of the BBTC under SDP management as well as the promises and commitments that party makes.
SDP announced its SDP Town Council Management Plan last year on how to effect a smooth takeover of the town council and its work, to address concerns that an opposition party would have problems in handling the operation of a town council and taking it over from the ruling party, as how public would have heard from media on the case with Workers' Party's Aljunied Town Council.
"I will also ensure that BB residents have an effective voice in Parliament. I will bring their hopes and aspirations as well as their hardships and concerns with me into the House." said Dr Chee on what he aspires to do if he were to be elected in the by-election.
On the date of the by-election, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote in his FB that he intends "to hold a by-election in the Bukit Batok SMC in due course".