PAP Alex Yeo gives free legal services to Paya Lebar residents and launches new health programme for them

Alex Yeo, the grassroots adviser and People’s Action Party (PAP) branch chairman of Paya Lebar ward in Aljunied GRC, launched a new health and wellness programme for the residents in Paya Lebar ward yesterday (29 Dec). Special adviser to the chairman of People’s Association (PA) and former cabinet minister Lim Boon Heng was also there at the launch to support Yeo.
Yeo was appointed PAP Paya Lebar branch chairman two years ago, filling the vacancy left by Murali Pillai, who was elected MP for Bukit Batok in a by-election in May 2016. The previous PAP Bukit Batok MP David Ong was forced to resign after he was found to have an affair with a PA grassroots volunteer. It was the woman’s husband who lodged a complaint against Ong.
Yeo is a lawyer with law firm Niru & Co LLC. He was previously the PAP branch secretary in Potong Pasir SMC, and vice-chairman of the constituency’s Citizens Consultative Committee (CCC) in Potong Pasir. He moved to Paya Lebar in January of 2017. As a lawyer, Yeo is said to handle “a broad spectrum of litigation and international arbitration matters”, including civil disputes relating to areas such as banking and finance, international trade, and building and construction.
Since becoming the PAP grassroots adviser of Paya Lebar which is held by WP under the Aljunied GRC, Yeo has been giving free legal service to the residents there. He has been helping to draft Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and wills for Paya Lebar residents free of charge. His pro bono initiative is said to have benefited 510 residents and their families.
Yeo told the media that his new programme would focus on residents’ health needs by providing medical screenings and health talks. The idea of a holistic programme addressing both the legal and healthcare needs of the elderly was mooted in consultation with residents, said Yeo, pointing out that 26 per cent of those living in Paya Lebar are aged 60 years and above.
He said, “We want the residents to not just live a good life now, but also to be able to lead healthier lives in their silver years and prevent or delay the onset of illnesses that come with the ageing process.”
Yeo added that his team has also been distributing free groceries, education subsidies and meal vouchers, and working with government agencies to construct sheltered linkways to improve accessibility for senior and less mobile residents.
When asked if he will be running in the next GE, Yeo replied that it is something for his party leaders to decide, adding that the team would be announced at the appropriate time.
PAP MPs typically chair the PAP branches in their constituencies. The exceptions are Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, which are held by the WP, after it won the elections in those 2 constituencies in 2015 GE.