GE2025: ‘This would be the place I want to represent,’ says Desmond Choo on new Tampines Changkat SMC

SINGAPORE – Tampines GRC MP Desmond Choo has indicated he wants to stay put in his ward, which was recently carved out as Tampines Changkat SMC.

Mr Choo said an MP in a single-member constituency can provide more dedicated attention to residents, while MPs in group representation constituencies have to consider the bigger picture and needs of the GRC.

He added: “I’ve been here (in this ward) for 10 years. If there’s an opportunity, this would be the place I want to represent.

“So if there’s any place I hope the Prime Minister will send me, that would be Tampines Changkat.

“Many residents have come up to me, saying that they know Tampines Changkat has been carved out, but we hope that you stay here with us, and I hope to honour that trust.”

The PAP has yet to announce its slate for

Tampines GRC

and

Tampines Changkat SMC.

Mr Choo, who was speaking to the media on April 13 after the launch of a joint initiative between Tampines Town Council and public transport operator SBS Transit, is also Mayor of the North East district and chairman of the town council.

He had earlier engaged residents at a coffee shop in Tampines Street 11, giving them updates on route enhancements made to bus service 292 and the locations of community fridges in Tampines Changkat.

He also told them about the debut of refurbished MRT seats as public benches in Tampines Changkat.

The seats, which are from the first generation of trains serving the North East Line, will eventually be placed in 169 locations in Tampines.

In total, 216 seats will be installed at drop-off points, sheltered linkways and void decks in the estate by 2026. 

Mr Choo also reassured some residents who said they were concerned that service quality might be lower with Tampines Changkat carved out of the GRC.

“Some people have said they are worried if the service will be the same. My assurance to everybody is that the service will be the same as before. In fact, it will be better,” he said.

Mr Choo was also asked about former chief of army David Neo, who was announced as a member of the PAP’s Tampines GRC team on April 12.

The line-up has yet to be confirmed.

Mr Choo, who met Mr Neo one week earlier and

took him around Tampines Round Market and Food Centre,

said the former major-general was warmly received.

“He came across as friendly and accessible to residents, and I think he will be an asset to the Tampines team if the Prime Minister does decide to field him as part of the Tampines GRC team,” he said

Anchor minister Masagos Zulkifli earlier said that Mr Neo, 47, has joined the team at many events around Tampines, and has followed the incumbents on house visits.

His appearance in the constituency was first publicised in a Facebook post by Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng on April 5, when he visited a block in Tampines North.