Chiam's GRC bid gets boost from other parties, backers

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Mar 28, 2011
Chiam's GRC bid gets boost from other parties, backers
By Jeremy Au Yong

Mr Chiam (second from left) on a walkabout in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC yesterday. The
presence of various supporters, coupled with his own GRC walkabouts, has cooled talk about
his fitness or whether he has the necessary manpower to contest the GRC. -- ST PHOTO:
NG SOR LUAN
OPPOSITION party members and supporters are rallying behind Potong Pasir MP Chiam
See Tong to help him succeed in his bid to win Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
They have been present at his Singapore People's Party (SPP) events last week and at his
Meet-the-People session.
Two were present during Mr Chiam's visit to Lorong 7 Toa Payoh yesterday morning: National
Solidarity Party (NSP) organising secretary Ivan Yeo, 63; and former Workers' Party eastern
committee secretary Frankie Low, 50.
On Thursday, Mr Leong Sze Hian, 57, a past president of the Society of Financial Service
Professionals, was at Mr Chiam's Meet-the-People session in Potong Pasir. He was there to
offer financial counselling to Potong Pasir residents.
But Mr Chiam, 76, was tight-lipped yesterday on what role such supporters might ultimately
play.
Saying the make-up of his team will be revealed on Nomination Day, he would only add that
'we consider all of them supporters'.

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The presence of backers, coupled with his own walkabouts in the GRC, has cooled talk about
whether he is fit enough to contest, or has the necessary manpower to support his bid.
The presence of Mr Yeo was especially significant as it suggests a possible tie-up between
the NSP and SPP in the GRC.
NSP leaders declined comment when contacted about Mr Yeo's appearance.
But The Straits Times understands that Mr Yeo went there with the full knowledge and
approval of the NSP leadership. They were keen to help Mr
Chiam's GRC bid after reading a report about the veteran's four-hour walkabout in Bishan-Toa
Payoh GRC on March 20.
Said an NSP source: 'It shows Mr Chiam is quite serious in contesting the GRC. If we can, we
want to help him achieve this aim. But nothing is finalised yet.'
The SPP and NSP were once part of the Singapore Democratic Al iance. But the NSP left in
2007 and the SPP pul ed out this year.
Mr Low, a businessman, said he left the Workers' Party after the 2006 General Election and
rekindled his interest in politics only when he read about Mr
Chiam's interest in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
He also confirmed that he will be joining Mr Chiam's party: 'I respect and admire Mr Chiam.
He could easily stay home but he is still willing to come out and fight for something.'
He declined to say whether he might be a candidate in the GRC team, but said he was
prepared to help in 'many ways'.
Mr Leong, who contributes to The Online Citizen political website, similarly said he was
helping out because of his respect for Mr Chiam.
He said he was asked to help provide financial counsel ing and he agreed. He said he would
help in any way that did not directly involve politics. He would not, for instance, go on
walkabouts.
Yesterday, Mr Chiam reiterated his confidence in giving the People's Action Party (PAP) a 'run
for their money' in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, which is helmed by Deputy Prime Minister Wong
Kan Seng.
He said he was encouraged by the response from residents: 'Everyone we spoke to
welcomed us quite spontaneously. I'm very glad to get this sort of reception.'
Asked how he intended to match facilities and upgrading programmes the PAP can offer, he
answered simply: 'I have nothing to offer but myself.'

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