SINGAPORE: It is a “pity ” that Mr Tan Chuan-Jin could not complete his term as Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng on Sunday ( Apr 20 ), but there have not been “any gaps or any drops ” in the work the ex-Speaker of Parliament did.
He was answering several questions from the media about the former MP’s resignation in 2023 during the People’s Action Party ( PAP ) candidate introduction for the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC.
Dr Tan, the leader of the team contesting the hospital, said:” For the cracks, or the perceived cracks that you think that probably could have been left because of ex-speaker Tan Chuan-Jin’s withdrawal, during the time when he was in Parliament, and for the several years before that, he has built a very strong line of grass initiatives for residents.
“It’s a sympathy, very sad that he left, don’t complete the name. But I don’t think that any of the activities as a result of his withdrawal has been in any manner compromised. ”
” The individuals, the community leaders, the grassroots aid volunteers within Kembangan-Chai Chee– these are really our overlooked soldiers, ” said Dr Tan.
” Many a time you see the Member of Parliament, the mentor, the political politicians in front, but a lot of the job at the back – they are done by our overlooked champions,” said Dr Tan.
Mr Tan had stepped down in July 2023 after an adulterous affair with the original Tampines GRC MP Cheng Li Hui.
The district has been touted as a key battle ahead of the May 3 elections, with the PAP group edging out the Workers ’ Party with 57. 74 per cent of the ballot at the last General Election in 2020, lower than the 64. 07 per share it garnered in 2015.
Responding to another issue about the impact on voters ’ views of Mr Tan’s withdrawal, Dr Tan said in Mandarin: “As persons, who among us has no faults?
Noting that it was Easter Sunday, Dr Tan added: “The most important issue, I hope our people give us an opportunity and powerful mission, and we will continue to improve and provide citizens. ”
“We can’t change the past, but we can definitely from immediately, work hard in fulfilling a better future, ” he added.