On Wednesday evening (26 September), the Singapore People’s Party (“SPP”) were seen canvassing the ground in Mountbatten.
This in itself is nothing new, as the party has been walking the ground in Mountbatten on a regular basis since the last General Elections. However, what was noteworthy was the flyers that the Party members were spotted handing out.
Mr Williiamson Lee, SPP’s candidate for Mountbatten?
Pending the release of the report of the EBRCR, Singapore People’s Party (SPP) has not, and does not intent to give up on any of the constituencies it had contested in in the last GE.
SPP will work with all political parties when the EBRCR is out to ensure there is a smooth and fair challenge to contest the PAP in its constituencies.
In the meantime, SPP will continue to focus on our engagement with residents in these constituencies.
Prior to his involvement in Mountbatten, Mr Lee was active in Potong Pasir. During the 2015 General Elections, SPP Chairman, Mrs Lina Chiam appointed Mr Lee as her Elections Agent for he campaign in Potong Pasir SMC. In opposition circles, Mr Lee is also widely recognised as Mrs Chiam’s right-hand man. Mr Lee has also served on the Central Executive Committee of the SPP for no less than two terms. Mr Williiamson Lee also served as the party’s spokesperson during the 2015 elections when he announced to the press that the SPP and the Democratic Progressive party were intending to field a joint team for the Bishan-Toa Payoh Constituency.
SPP undeterred by Jeannette’s Departure
In addition to SPP’s walkabouts last evening, the SPP’s Chairman, Mrs Lina Chiam, flanked by party members Mr Jose Raymond and former NCMP Mr Steve Chia visited Mountbatten SMC and interacted with residents on the weekend of Jeanette’ departure. In a Facebook post following the visit, the SPP reaffirmed the party’s commitment to Mountbatten.
Jeannette, who contested in Mountbatten in 2011 and 2015, amicably parted ways with the SPP earlier this month from the party for the purposes of “taking a break” and focusing on her family. Jeannette herself has indicated, in an exclusive interview with TOC that she was willing to “pass the baton” to whoever comes next.
“I believe that my intensive outreach efforts at Mountbatten has contributed to raising their political awareness and consciousness to a level more than ever before,” she said.
“The battle for greater political diversity is not just about preparing for General Elections. It is a process which involves spending time to hear the heartbeat of Singaporeans, to understand their concerns and to explain the dangers of political hegemony and the benefits of greater political diversity.”
She also expressed her willingness to help fellow opposition candidates who may decide to contest in Mountbatten SMC by stating that “I would certainly be more than willing to give my unstinting support in whatever way I can.”
Other parties eyeing Mountbatten SMC
Some opposition parties, like the People’s Voice Party (“PVP”) may have interpreted Jeannette’s departure as a sign that Mountbatten was now an open playing field. Some members of the PVP, like Mr Prabu Ramachandran, a former member of the Reform Party, have been seen in the vicinity of Mountbatten in recent weeks. The PVP also indicated its interest to contest in Mountbatten SMC along with 1 other SMC and no less than 4 GRCs.
