GE2015: Sitoh Yih Pin unveils campaign slogan, 5-year plan for Potong Pasir

Potong Pasir incumbent Sitoh Yih Pin takes a group photograph with his supporters at the Potong Pasir PAP HQ on Aug 31. ST PHOTO: YEO KAI WEN
Potong Pasir incumbent Sitoh Yih Pin launches his manifesto for the single seat which the PAP won by the slimmest margin in 2011. ST PHOTO: YEO KAI WEN

SINGAPORE -Potong Pasir MP Sitoh Yih Pin on Monday announced his campaign slogan for the general election as well as his plans for the next five years if he is re-elected.

His slogan is: 1 vision to actively improve Potong Pasir, working 2gether to unite the community and better the lives of 3 generations.

Mr Sitoh, 51, told reporters at the PAP branch office in the ward that he had completed more than 120 projects and programmes for residents, and another 22 upcoming projects are in the works.

Most of these are based on feedback from residents, he added.

These efforts are outlined in his constituency manifesto, which he shared with reporters.

Mr Sitoh won the longtime opposition stronghold by his party's slimmest winning margin in the 2011 general election, 114 votes, against challenger Lina Chiam of the Singapore People's Party.

On his plans, Mr Sitoh talked about an anti-bird barrier system that he is hoping to launch if voted in again. The barrier would solve the "31-year-old problem" that is especially acute in Potong Pasir, where the Housing Board flats have a distinctive sloping roof design.

Pigeons are known to seek shelter in the empty space between the ceiling and the sloping roofs and fly in there through gaps in the roof. But once in, the pigeons often cannot find their way out again.

In one extreme case, a homeowner discovered hundreds of dead birds when renovating his ceiling.

Mr Sitoh said he intends to install nylon railings designed to keep birds away.

His other upcoming initiatives include activity corners for pet lovers, more conducive study areas and a new bus service.

Asked about his chances at the coming polls, especially given the possibility of a three-cornered fight, Mr Sitoh maintained that his chances were 50-50.

"We have done the best we can since 2011, and since I came here," he said. "I hope that Potong Pasir voters can judge me on what I have done, I can do and most importantly on what I'm going to do for the next five years."

Mr Sitoh will be facing Mrs Lina Chiam of the Singapore People's Party at the polls, and possibly independent Tan Lam Siong.

He said he has known Mrs Chiam and her husband, veteran opposition leader Chiam See Tong for 15 years, and does not intend to "replicate Mr Chiam's 27-year-old legacy".

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