A variety of factors gave Sitoh the win
By Tan Weizhen, TODAY | Posted: 12 May 2011 0957 hrs
Sitoh Yih Pin during election campaigning
Photos 1 of 1
Sitoh Yih Pin during election campaigning
SINGAPORE - On Saturday, the Opposition stronghold of Potong Pasir was finally breached by the ruling party after 27 years.
People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Sitoh Yih Pin - contesting the single seat for a third straight election - narrowly edged out Singapore People Party (SPP) candidate Lina Chiam, wife of longstanding Opposition Member of Parliament Chiam See Tong.
What were some of the factors that may have led to the PAP breakthrough?
NEW RESIDENTS WITH NO BAGGAGE
Potong Pasir - often described as having an old-school rustic charm - was made up largely of older HDB blocks with many long-staying residents.
However, over the past two to three years, there has been a mushrooming of new condominiums along the Leicester Road stretch, leading to an influx of new residents - not particularly loyal to or familiar with the Chiam legacy.
One resident, Madam Chan Lee Fang, 52, said: "I've only lived here for a couple of years, I don't know the work that they have done." She declined to reveal who she voted for but added that she was confident the PAP would do good work in this estate.
While conceding that this group might be small, PAP grassroots leaders felt that they might still have swayed the votes. "These new residents are neutral and more accepting of us. Some come to our volunteers for help instead of Mr Chiam," said Mr Tong Wai Mun, chairman of the PAP Potong Pasir Zone 2 Residents' Committee.
HANKERING FOR ESTATE UPGRADING
Even among those who support Mr Chiam, some have been hankering after upgrading, saying that they are tired of seeing Potong Pasir - particularly the areas opposite the MRT as well as Toa Payoh Lorong 8 - lagging behind neighbouring constituencies.
In particular, a number of residents want lift upgrading among other new features, and this is why they switched allegiance to Mr Sitoh this time.
Engineer Alex Tham, 38, is one of them. He said: "A lot of people who voted for the PAP this time still like Mr Chiam, but we are also tired of not having enough estate upgrading."
CONNECTING WITH SENNETT ESTATE
Sennett Estate, made up largely of private landed homes, may also have been a key to Mr Sitoh's win, according to some grassroots leaders.
Residents in Sennett Estate whom Today spoke to said that Mr Sitoh has, over the last five years, made a conscious effort to connect with residents in the estate and improve the area.
Residents like retiree Madam Teo, 62, said there appeared to be strong support for the PAP among her neighbours.
"Mr Sitoh has been doing a lot of extras for us like install lighting and help us resolve flooding issues. I don't see Mr Chiam coming around here to talk to us," she said.
A LONE RANGER PREPARED TO LISTEN
Grassroots leaders also pointed to Mr Sitoh's image with the residents as a reason for his breakthrough in the constituency.
As one grassroots leader described it, "it was a battle to win the hearts". So, rather than rely on the firepower of PAP heavyweight ministers as he had done at the 2006 General Election, this time, Mr Sitoh came across as a "lone ranger" who was prepared to listen.
In fact, some said they could "sense his sincerity especially since this is already the third time". As homemaker Ms Rachel Lim summed up: "He deserves a chance."
Mr Sitoh has said that his immediate priority is to set up his town council and to get lift upgrading for the constituency. His five-year plan also includes an elderly care centre, covered walkways, fitness corners, as well as other estate improvements, such as brighter corridor lighting.
- CNA/sf TODAY
By Tan Weizhen, TODAY | Posted: 12 May 2011 0957 hrs
Sitoh Yih Pin during election campaigning
Photos 1 of 1
Sitoh Yih Pin during election campaigning
SINGAPORE - On Saturday, the Opposition stronghold of Potong Pasir was finally breached by the ruling party after 27 years.
People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Sitoh Yih Pin - contesting the single seat for a third straight election - narrowly edged out Singapore People Party (SPP) candidate Lina Chiam, wife of longstanding Opposition Member of Parliament Chiam See Tong.
What were some of the factors that may have led to the PAP breakthrough?
NEW RESIDENTS WITH NO BAGGAGE
Potong Pasir - often described as having an old-school rustic charm - was made up largely of older HDB blocks with many long-staying residents.
However, over the past two to three years, there has been a mushrooming of new condominiums along the Leicester Road stretch, leading to an influx of new residents - not particularly loyal to or familiar with the Chiam legacy.
One resident, Madam Chan Lee Fang, 52, said: "I've only lived here for a couple of years, I don't know the work that they have done." She declined to reveal who she voted for but added that she was confident the PAP would do good work in this estate.
While conceding that this group might be small, PAP grassroots leaders felt that they might still have swayed the votes. "These new residents are neutral and more accepting of us. Some come to our volunteers for help instead of Mr Chiam," said Mr Tong Wai Mun, chairman of the PAP Potong Pasir Zone 2 Residents' Committee.
HANKERING FOR ESTATE UPGRADING
Even among those who support Mr Chiam, some have been hankering after upgrading, saying that they are tired of seeing Potong Pasir - particularly the areas opposite the MRT as well as Toa Payoh Lorong 8 - lagging behind neighbouring constituencies.
In particular, a number of residents want lift upgrading among other new features, and this is why they switched allegiance to Mr Sitoh this time.
Engineer Alex Tham, 38, is one of them. He said: "A lot of people who voted for the PAP this time still like Mr Chiam, but we are also tired of not having enough estate upgrading."
CONNECTING WITH SENNETT ESTATE
Sennett Estate, made up largely of private landed homes, may also have been a key to Mr Sitoh's win, according to some grassroots leaders.
Residents in Sennett Estate whom Today spoke to said that Mr Sitoh has, over the last five years, made a conscious effort to connect with residents in the estate and improve the area.
Residents like retiree Madam Teo, 62, said there appeared to be strong support for the PAP among her neighbours.
"Mr Sitoh has been doing a lot of extras for us like install lighting and help us resolve flooding issues. I don't see Mr Chiam coming around here to talk to us," she said.
A LONE RANGER PREPARED TO LISTEN
Grassroots leaders also pointed to Mr Sitoh's image with the residents as a reason for his breakthrough in the constituency.
As one grassroots leader described it, "it was a battle to win the hearts". So, rather than rely on the firepower of PAP heavyweight ministers as he had done at the 2006 General Election, this time, Mr Sitoh came across as a "lone ranger" who was prepared to listen.
In fact, some said they could "sense his sincerity especially since this is already the third time". As homemaker Ms Rachel Lim summed up: "He deserves a chance."
Mr Sitoh has said that his immediate priority is to set up his town council and to get lift upgrading for the constituency. His five-year plan also includes an elderly care centre, covered walkways, fitness corners, as well as other estate improvements, such as brighter corridor lighting.
- CNA/sf TODAY
