SINGAPORE - Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong is "still very healthy" and the MPs for Marine Parade GRC hope he will remain part of the team, Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin said on Sunday morning.

Mr Tan, one of five MPs for the GRC, was replying in Mandarin to a reporter who asked if Mr Goh, who entered politics in 1976, was likely to stay part of the team. Mr Tan was on a walkabout in the GRC's Braddell Heights ward with the MP and grassroots adviser for the area, Mr Seah Kian Peng.

Asked whether he himself and Mr Seah would be running in Marine Parade, or whether there would be any changes to the People's Action Party's slate there, Mr Tan would only say that the formal announcements would be made in due course.

MacPherson, which is under the care of first-term MP Tin Pei Ling, has been carved out as a single seat, while Joo Chiat SMC has been absorbed into the GRC. But Joo Chiat MP Charles Chong said on Saturday night he would move to Punggol East SMC, leaving a spot open in Marine Parade GRC.

Mr Tan said both he and Mr Seah would be "very happy" to remain in their respective wards of Kembangan-Chai Chee and Braddell Heights.

"Many of the residents would be happy if (he) stays put. These will be important factors when we consider who will eventually be fielded in whatever ward," he added, noting that Mr Seah has been in his ward for 10 years.

Said Mr Seah: "Wherever I'm posted to, I will give my best. Having said that, my attachment to Braddell Heights is very strong... I feel very close to this ground and I hope to be able to continue to serve my residents."