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PAP MP Charles Chong: 'We were disadvantaged by new boundaries, too'
Posted: 13 May 2011 1034 hrs
Charles Chong
Photos 1 of 1
Charles Chong
SINGAPORE - The redrawn electoral boundaries of Joo Chiat constituency, which did not include Joo Chiat Road, may have been one significant reason why veteran People's Action Party (PAP) MP Charles Chong, only managed to edge out his opponent Mr Yee Jenn Jong from the Workers' Party by 382 votes in the General Election on Saturday.
Speaking to Today, Mr Chong said the redrawing of the electoral boundaries was one key disadvantage because at least one-third of the "real Joo Chiat" ended up in Marine Parade GRC.
"These are areas where former (PAP) MP Chan Soo Sen had worked hard to win over residents, and to solve problems, such as the sleaze in the area," said Mr Chong.
"I don't know why people accuse us of gerrymandering when the new boundaries were drawn. The Opposition claims they are disadvantaged. But this shows we are at an disadvantage too!" added Mr Chong, with a laugh.
Equally significant was the inclusion of Opera Estate - made up predominantly of landed homes - within the redrawn Joo Chiat boundaries, which nearly handed a win to the Opposition candidate.
Mr Yee's parents have lived in Opera Estate for the past 50 years, and the WP candidate himself for 28 years, before he moved to his matrimonial home in Telok Kurau, also in Joo Chiat.
Mr Chong, who has been an MP since 1988, also acknowledged that Mr Yee's "local-boy appeal" may have counted against him. Mr Yee has told reporters of how his parents had canvassed votes for him at coffeeshops, while he had tapped the "old boys network' of his former schoolmates living in the area.
One 48-year-old businessman who lives in Joo Chiat told Today, "He's a Joo Chiat boy so I want to support him."
The short time that Mr Chong had to work the ground - having been moved to the single seat from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC just five weeks before Polling Day - also did not help, said the PAP MP.
Boundaries and the local boy appeal aside, national issues also had their impact on the outcome.
Older voters, said Mr Chong, felt that the Government was not doing enough to help them cope with the rising cost of living, while younger voters wanted alternatives and more engagement.
"Don't assume that all private property owners ... don't need help," noted Mr Chong.
"Some within Joo Chiat are retirees who live off their savings. They tell me that their fixed deposit rates are about 1 per cent, while inflation is about 3 to 4 per cent.
"Many urged the Government to help (with cost of living), they said some things are within the Government's control such as lowering property taxes."
As for the younger voters, Mr Chong said that, apart from the national concerns, they were also influenced by factors such as the overall image, branding and strategy of the Workers' Party.
yournews
7 Day News Archive
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Search
Video Finance Lifestyle Travel Weather Discussion TV Shows
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About Us
Home ›
Singapore News
PAP MP Charles Chong: 'We were disadvantaged by new boundaries, too'
Posted: 13 May 2011 1034 hrs
Charles Chong
Photos 1 of 1
Charles Chong
SINGAPORE - The redrawn electoral boundaries of Joo Chiat constituency, which did not include Joo Chiat Road, may have been one significant reason why veteran People's Action Party (PAP) MP Charles Chong, only managed to edge out his opponent Mr Yee Jenn Jong from the Workers' Party by 382 votes in the General Election on Saturday.
Speaking to Today, Mr Chong said the redrawing of the electoral boundaries was one key disadvantage because at least one-third of the "real Joo Chiat" ended up in Marine Parade GRC.
"These are areas where former (PAP) MP Chan Soo Sen had worked hard to win over residents, and to solve problems, such as the sleaze in the area," said Mr Chong.
"I don't know why people accuse us of gerrymandering when the new boundaries were drawn. The Opposition claims they are disadvantaged. But this shows we are at an disadvantage too!" added Mr Chong, with a laugh.
Equally significant was the inclusion of Opera Estate - made up predominantly of landed homes - within the redrawn Joo Chiat boundaries, which nearly handed a win to the Opposition candidate.
Mr Yee's parents have lived in Opera Estate for the past 50 years, and the WP candidate himself for 28 years, before he moved to his matrimonial home in Telok Kurau, also in Joo Chiat.
Mr Chong, who has been an MP since 1988, also acknowledged that Mr Yee's "local-boy appeal" may have counted against him. Mr Yee has told reporters of how his parents had canvassed votes for him at coffeeshops, while he had tapped the "old boys network' of his former schoolmates living in the area.
One 48-year-old businessman who lives in Joo Chiat told Today, "He's a Joo Chiat boy so I want to support him."
The short time that Mr Chong had to work the ground - having been moved to the single seat from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC just five weeks before Polling Day - also did not help, said the PAP MP.
Boundaries and the local boy appeal aside, national issues also had their impact on the outcome.
Older voters, said Mr Chong, felt that the Government was not doing enough to help them cope with the rising cost of living, while younger voters wanted alternatives and more engagement.
"Don't assume that all private property owners ... don't need help," noted Mr Chong.
"Some within Joo Chiat are retirees who live off their savings. They tell me that their fixed deposit rates are about 1 per cent, while inflation is about 3 to 4 per cent.
"Many urged the Government to help (with cost of living), they said some things are within the Government's control such as lowering property taxes."
As for the younger voters, Mr Chong said that, apart from the national concerns, they were also influenced by factors such as the overall image, branding and strategy of the Workers' Party.
