Mr Ong said that while the NSP had contested Sembawang before and its purpose to run again was not surprising, the SDP was new to the area.
The SDP has now named its line-up: Vice-chairman Bryan Lim, manager Surayah Akbar, deputy head of policy James Gomez, and people Damanhuri Abas and Alfred Tan.
In addition, group main Dr Chee Quickly Juan said he would remain in Sembawang West SMC against Ms Poh. Sembawang West SMC was carved out of Sembawang GRC when political boundaries were redrawn next month.
Earlier at the Sembawang Family Carnival, Mr Ong told people he was presenting Sembawang’s “report card”- revealing advances ranging from major infrastructure like fresh MRT facilities and a doctor, to group facilities such as gardens and cycling paths.
He moreover pointed to new bus services and covered linkways, as well as the inclusion of Bukit Canberra- a new group gateway featuring a facility, stalls heart and sports facilities.
Beyond physical infrastructure, or “hardware”, Mr Ong said there were also” software” elements in place, such as programmes aimed at supporting seniors.
” Remember, I’m Minister for Health. Anything we do nationwide, Sembawang will also do so”, said Mr Ong. ” We will have many more activities, health activities for all our elders”.