SINGAPORE - People's Action Party (PAP) organising secretary Ng Eng Hen said the general election is one about hope and trust, in an interview with the media on Sunday (Aug 30) morning.
It centres around the hope that Singapore can do even better than its progress in the last 50 years, and whether Singaporeans can trust the people they vote for to be open and honest.
He stressed that the PAP's 89 candidates are trustworthy and that politicians should go the extra mile in keeping high standards of integrity- not just within the letter of the law, but above and beyond.
These comments apply not only to the Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC) which has been in headlines recently over lapses in finances, but also apply to every party, every ministry, Singapore's entire system.
"I'm not saying things won't go wrong, but when they do... The way you fix it is crucial. It's about sending the signal that you won't stand for corruption," said Dr Ng, a cancer surgeon, who likened corruption to cancer.
It is important to nip any corruption in the bud before it metastasizes, he said at a coffee shop at Block 280 Bishan Street 24, flanked by his running mates from Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
The mood is better than in 2011, he said.
The PAP team in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC see this when they walk around, because residents more openly come forward to them to say they support them and are happy with their policies over the last four years, he said.
But he stressed that they do not take any votes for granted and will continue to work hard.
The PAP has stuck to script in rolling out its candidate early in the constituencies where they will stand so people can get to know them early, said Dr Ng, two days ahead of Nomination Day.
"All our 89 candidates have been introduced. We don't expect surprises," he said. He added that they cannot promise that there will not be any surprises, but they are unlikely. "Where they say they'll stand is our current plan, up to now."
On the opposition team who will be contesting in Bishan Toa Payoh GRC under the Singapore People's Party banner, Dr Ng said he welcomed the contest.
"It'll be a tough fight but we want to win every vote," he said, adding that PAP team has a track record but does not take past performance for granted. Addressing residents, he said: "You decide who can best serve you. You know us. "
Also responding to the release of the Workers' Party manifesto, Dr Ng said he respects all manifestos and takes them seriously. The Government doesn't have all the answers and should be open to ideas, he said.
As such, they will take ideas from these manifestos, study and consider them, he said, adding if they have not been implemented, there needs to be a good reason not to accept them.
On the PAP's strategy, he said: "Our strategy is our 89 candidates. That's it. Whatever needs to be done, we place in front of you the people to lead you, to solve the issues."
He added that the PAP would "leave it to the good sense of Singaporeans to decide" who they want to vote for.
