VIDEO

Dr Koh has ability to be more than MP: PM

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made an early Saturday morning campaign appearance on the fourth day of the Punggol East by-election, and told reporters that candidate Koh Poh Koon has "the potential and the ability to be more than an MP."

He has told Dr Koh that his first priority is to fight and win in Punggol East. "But I think that he can make a contribution not just in Punggol East but more broadly."

If he is elected and when he is ready, PM Lee said that he intends to appoint Dr Koh to a suitable political office.

PM Lee also asked voters to vote sincerely, not tactically. Asked about a "by-election effect" where voters may feel that casting a ballot for the opposition is win-win as the PAP is already in Government, Mr Lee said that if everyone thinks that way, "we have a problem."

"Vote what you believe. If you think we are doing a good job, vote for us," he urged.

PM Lee's campaign stop in the heavy rain is the first appearance by party brass on the by-election campaign trail. Several PAP MPs also now plan to stump for Dr Koh in the ward over the weekend.

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