In a press statement released by the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) penned by Dr Paul Tambyah, the party reassured voters of Bukit Batok that all government agencies are non-partisan and will work with whoever is elected as MP for Bukit Batok SMC.
The party noted that the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has already formulated a draft master plan which covers all the planning areas in Singapore.
In URA’s brochure of the draft master plan for Bukit Batok published in late 2013, it highlighted several key developments some of which have already been successfully completed – there include:
- an extension of Bukit Batok Hillside Park,
- new parks in west Bukit Batok,
- a new park connector along Bukit Batok West Avenue 2,
- a new cycling network as well as the construction of new roads in Bukit Batok west area.
SDP states that if and when elected, Dr Chee Soon Juan and the new Bukit Batok Town Council will work closely with the URA to ensure the implementation of these plans. All the Home Improvement Projects will also proceed without disruption as these works are either already underway or the contracts have been signed and funds allocated.
The party noted that the SDP-run Town Council will ensure that these projects are completed.
Any additional plans that the SDP Town Council proposes to the relevant government agencies will only come after in-depth consultation with the residents. We will do this by holding forums and meetings with residents. In other words, the SDP will work from the ground-up instead of the using the PAP’s high-handed top-down approach.
On the announcement of proposed plans on the Bukit Batok upgrading by PAP candidate, Mr Murali, the party wrote, “To say that major improvements will come only if the PAP candidate is elected is unethical and could even be a contravention of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Section 59) which prohibits parties or persons from bringing undue influence on voters.”
SDP also states that it feels that it is more important to address the pressing needs of the residents instead of rushing into projects which place a significant burden on tax payers who are already stretched by cost-of-living issues.
“The funds could be put to better use such as looking after the healthcare, senior care and educational needs of Bukit Batok residents.”
