K. Muralidharan Pillai, 47

Occupation: Head of commercial litigation at Rajah & Tann

Family: Married to Dr N. Gowri, 43, a geography teacher in Innova Junior College. They have twin sons, aged 15, and two daughters, aged seven and five.

Education: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Master of Laws from the National University of Singapore (NUS), and Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles and NUS.

Hobbies: Hockey

Why politics?

This is not a career advancement. Aljunied residents should not be treated as political football. Rather, it's about getting to know their families and see how their futures can be improved.

Why you?

I didn't volunteer for this post but I agreed to serve when asked, without hesitation. By then, I felt that I understood the residents well enough to identify their concerns. I'm also honoured that the party decided to field me despite my background as the son of former political detainee P.K. Pillai.

What issues will you focus on?

Social mobility. The Government has done a lot to enhance social mobility but I've encountered some families who are so dysfunctional that they cannot help themselves.

Favourite spot in Singapore?

I love walking in MacRitchie Reservoir. There's no better place to contemplate things.