Desmond Choo

Desmond Choo

PAP's candidate for Hougang, Desmond Choo, has said he wants to give the constituency the best it deserves.

Speaking at a rally in Hougang on Saturday, he said many issues need attending to in the constituency, and some need immediate action.

Addressed the crowd in Mandarin and Teochew, Mr Choo recounted an incident at a playground which a mother felt was unsafe for her child to play in.

"I remember once when I was walking in Hougang...I came across a young lady with two young kids. They were at the playground. The young daughter was about 3-4 years old. She caught my attention that day because she was staring at the playground and not playing in it. She was standing at the side. After a while the 3-4 year-old girl tugged at the mother's pants. And the mother just said, 'Xiao Mei, don't play in the playground. There are potholes. You have hurt yourself before.'"

Mr Choo said his programmes for Hougang cover four key areas: improving facilities for the young and old; expanding healthcare, education, transport and social assistance programmes for residents in need; opening a job placement centre to help residents get jobs close to their homes, and fostering a community spirit by recruiting residents as volunteers to help the elderly.

"Tonight, I ask that we remember what this General Election in Hougang is about. It's about your lives and your children's future. Give us a chance to serve you with compassion. Give us a chance to serve you through action. Give us a chance to serve you by creating the future that you deserve," he said.

Speaking at the same rally was Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Mr Teo touched on national issues and explained how the PAP is helping Singaporeans cope with the rising cost of living through schemes like Workfare and the Grow and Share Package.

But his main emphasis was on how to improve the lives of Hougang residents.

He also gave his endorsement to Mr Choo, a new PAP face. Mr Teo said Mr Choo was carefully selected to serve Hougang.

Mr Teo said: "I know that he is sincere. I know that he cares about people. And I know that he will work very hard to improve Hougang and to improve the lives of the residents of Hougang. And that's the reason why we've asked him to come here and offer his services to you, so that he can work together with you, learn from you what your problems are, what your issues are, and see how you can work together to overcome and tackle them."