SINGAPORE - Campaigning for the 2015 General Election began early on Wednesday (Sept 2) morning, with candidates canvassing for support across the island.
The People's Action Party team defending Tanjong Pagar GRC distributed flyers to commuters at Tiong Bahru MRT station during the morning rush hour.
New PAP candidate Joan Pereira spoke to residents near a bus stop opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza, while her teammates Ms Indranee Rajah, Mr Melvin Yong, Mr Chan Chun Sing and Dr Chia Shi-Lu spread out around the station to meet residents.
PAP incumbent Sitoh Yih Pin, who is defending Potong Pasir SMC against Mrs Lina Chiam from the SPP, gamely danced with a group of residents who meet to dance every morning.
On his strategy for the walkabout, he said: "Going into elections is like sitting for an exam, but I'm the student and all the voters are my teachers. And I hope the teachers will give me a good score."
Mrs Jeanette Chong-Aruldoss from the Singapore People's Party was out early with her team as well, handing out flyers from 6.45am at Mountbatten MRT station.
Mrs Chong-Aruldoss is contesting the single-seat Mountbatten ward against PAP incumbent Lim Biow Chuan. She said: "I want to catch the morning crowd, it's a good chance to meet people."
She also questioned the timing of the Sept 11 General Election. Said the 52-year-old lawyer: "I have a lot of misgivings that (the general election) was called so close to National Day... SG50 posters are still up everywhere with MPs on them."
Mr Lim went around to meet his Mountbatten residents on Wednesday morning as well. One of them was Mr Sanjeev Upadhiah, 35, a pilot who has lived in the ward for five years.
He praised Mr Lim as "selfless", and said he regularly e-mails Mr Lim with concerns including about the zebra crossing. He added: "The standard of living has exceeded my expectations over the last 5 years. Feedback is taken and promptly adhered to."
The five-man Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC PAP team led by Dr Ng Eng Hen went to Bishan MRT station and the Junction 8 shopping mall to greet early commuters and give out party flyers.
Meanwhile, the National Solidarity Party team contesting Tampines GRC went to Tampines Street 11 for their walkabout. NSP president Sebastian Teo spoke to residents at a coffee shop in the estate. Running mate Reno Fong, the NSP's assistant secretary-general, also spent time speaking with residents in the area.
Over in the Sembawang GRC, PAP new face Ong Ye Kung was on a walkabout at Woodlands. He said of team leader and National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan: "This is an area Minister Khaw Boon Wan has been looking after for many years so the residents know him well. Residents are asking how life will get better. We are all ready and confident to help them."
The Workers' Party began their outreach in Hougang Avenue 5, with secretary-general Low Thia Khiang, Hougang SMC incumbent Png Eng Huat and other party candidates greeting residents. Mr Png later remained in Hougang, while Mr Low and his Aljunied GRC team went to Lorong Ah Soo.
The Singapore Democratic Party, led by party chief Dr Chee Soon Juan, was seen at the Adam Road food centre with Dr Paul Tambyah and Ms Chong Wai Fung. All three are standing in the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, along with Mr Sidek Mallek.
PAP incumbent for Pioneer SMC Cedric Foo went from door to door in Jurong West Street 61. His campaign brochure emphasises four key themes: Nurturing our young, improving our estate, bringing neighbours closer and building an inclusive society.
