If elected in Punggol East SMC, People's Action Party candidate Charles Chong will open its books, get independent auditors to dig into the accounts and find out its "exact financial position".

Speaking last night at a rally in Pasir Ris, he said: "We need to find out the exact state of accounts and how the money was spent."

The veteran backbencher is challenging Workers' Party (WP) candidate Lee Li Lian, who won the seat in a 2013 by-election.

Referring to WP's claims that Punggol East was in deficit before being handed over to the party's town council, Mr Chong said the facts are clear, despite conflicting accounts. He added that PAP town councils have been transparent, and voters can access the financial statements of their town councils.

"I would have brought a piece of paper to show you here tonight, but I don't think those sorts of theatrics are necessary, nor is it constructive. We must have nothing to hide, and our accounts must always be reliable and properly certified, for everyone to see," he said.

As soon as the accounts are put in order, he said he would get the Ministry of National Development to restore the grants due to Punggol East so that the PAP can improve maintenance and cleanliness in the estate.