It's a blessing in disguise, TP gets a elite president scholar surgeon. 10 times better than Steve Tan
IN 15 hours, orthopaedic surgeon Chia Shi-Lu has gone from an unknown to a People's Action Party Member of Parliament.
He was informed just last night that he would be needed to stand in Tanjong Pagar GRC as a candidate, and Dr Chia readily obliged. But he told reporters on Wednesday: 'I haven't just appeared... I've been helping out in Aljunied, active in the grassroots for the past two years.'
The 40-year-old said he was not surprised by the sudden request to stand in Tanjong Pagar, which was returned unopposed.
'All of us are prepared for changes. The important thing is that we are able to get our people into government, because this is what we believe in. At the end of day, it is a party effort, we all listen to the Prime Minister, if he feels this is best strategy. It is my privilege to serve.'
But Dr Chia faces challenges as he is new to the ground.
'I only met most of them this morning, but they've given me a fantastic welcome,' he said.
His GRC team-mate, MG (NS) Chan Chun Sing, said: 'He will build on the foundations that Mr Baey has made over all these years.'
Some supporters were left in tears early this morning when a solemn Mr Baey Yam Keng broke the news to them at the Queenstown PAP branch. He had served there for five years, but was switched at the last minute to replace Mr Steve Tan in Tampines GRC.
Mr Chan Chee Hing, 69, chairman of the Queenstown Hocksan residents' committee, said: 'Mr Baey is very popular among older residents. He is a good listener and helped us a lot. We can't bear to let him go.'
