GE2025: Two potential PAP candidates seen together with East Coast GRC MPs for a second time

SINGAPORE -  Two potential PAP candidates – Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash and Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim – were again seen with PAP MPs in East Coast GRC, adding to expectations that they could be fielded as candidates there in the upcoming general election.

The duo were introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong to residents during a walkabout on April 5.

It marked the second time both newcomers have joined a constituency visit with the group representation constituency’s incumbent MPs, following a

visit to a mosque in Chai Chee on March 31.

Mr Dinesh was

formerly the chief executive of the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).

He was also with the Health Ministry during the pandemic, where he was behind the push to vaccinate Singaporeans.

Ms Hazlina, the

former chief executive of Make-A-Wish Singapore,

started her career as a radio presenter for Mediacorp’s Ria 89.7FM. She later transitioned into television, and was at one point an assignments editor on CNA’s Singapore desk.

The three-hour walkabout covered three coffee shops in the Siglap estate. Residents said Mr Tong had introduced Mr Dinesh as someone that could be joining the team.

The Siglap area, which Mr Tong oversees,

has been absorbed into East Coast GRC

for this upcoming election.

Besides Mr Tong and DPM Heng, incumbent East Coast GRC MPs Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jessica Tan were also present.

The other two East Coast GRC MPs – Dr Maliki Osman and Ms Cheryl Chan – were not with the group.

Speaking to the media after the walkabout, DPM Heng said Mr Dinesh and Ms Hazlina would be a “great addition” to the existing team if they are fielded.

“Dinesh has done quite a lot of work in the AIC, and in the Pioneer Generation (office), looking after our seniors,” said DPM Heng.

Pointing to Mr Dinesh’s work in the AIC and Pioneer Generation Office, DPM Heng said he would help look after East Coast’s ageing population.

“We do need people with that heart for our seniors, with the knowledge (that) they have, to be able to add to the programmes that we already have,” he said.

On Ms Hazlina, DPM Heng said her media background would help the team better engage and communicate with residents, especially at a time when Singapore faces global uncertainties such as trade and tech tensions, and potential shifts in the global supply chain. 

Mr Dinesh, 50, told reporters that although he is new to politics, East Coast is not unfamiliar to him as he has spent time engaging with residents and understanding the needs of seniors in the area during his work with AIC.

“As far as East Coast is concerned, I have been to some of the AACs (active ageing centres) in this area... I think the burden on caregivers is not small, particularly if you have young families and seniors within the same household,” said Mr Dinesh.

He also hopes to draw on his experience to help address the concerns of both seniors and their caregivers.

Ms Hazlina said that if fielded, her priority would be to “engage, connect and listen”.

She added that Mr Tong’s collaborative and consultative approach with his residents in Joo Chiat had resonated with her.

When asked about what he would bring to the East Coast team, Mr Tong, whose Joo Chiat ward was previously part of Marine Parade GRC, said: “One of the ways in which we operate in Joo Chiat has been to be as consultative and collaborative as possible. We consult widely, we understand our residents’ needs before we implement projects.”

He pointed to the end point of the walkabout, Yarrow Park, as a community project that was developed with residents after they asked him for more green spaces in the Frankel-Siglap area.

The park was built in collaboration with the Global Indian International School, on underused campus grounds.

“We turned it into a nice, pretty park. You’ll see residents of all ages enjoying it. In addition, they also made available the running track and field – recreational facilities – for use by residents when not in use by the school,” said Mr Tong.

Mr Winston Ngan, 63, a resident of Yarrow Gardens since 2009, said he appreciated the new park.

“Many people use it for exercise, and it’s a popular spot for dog walkers. I’ve even seen people living further away coming here to enjoy the park. It’s a facility that can be enjoyed by many residents,” he said.