SingFirst to contest Tanjong Pagar and Jurong GRCs
Singaporeans First (SingFirst) will be fielding two group representation constituency (GRC) teams, both in tough People's Action Party (PAP) wards.
One team will be contesting Tanjong Pagar GRC, which has not had a contest since 1991.
Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who died in March, had led the GRC for 60 years from 1955.
Tanjong Pagar GRC is helmed by labour chief Chan Chun Sing, a Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
The other team will be contesting Jurong GRC. The PAP team there is led by Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is also Finance Minister.
Asked how he felt being called a member of SingFirst's "suicide squad", new face Mr Wong Chee Wai, 44, quipped: "I feel hurt because I suspended my PhD (to stand in the election)."
SingFirst announced its first batch of candidates contesting the General Election at its headquarters in Tras Street yesterday morning, but did not specify which GRCs they would be fielded in.
The candidates are former presidential hopeful and party chief Tan Jee Say, 61, IT consultant Wong, market risk manager Chirag Desai, 38, trainer and communication and media consultant Fahmi Rais, 48, and sales executive Chiu Weng Hoe Melvyn, 36.
YES-MEN
Asked about the strength of his rivals in the two GRCs, Mr Tan said: "They are all just 'yes-men' from the civil service and 'yes-men' from the military. There is nothing original (about PAP's candidates), they do not value-add to the progress and future of Singapore."
Mr Tan said that residents in both GRCs have been welcoming towards the party on their walkabouts and that "people are thankful" for the "choice to vote".
Mr Fahmi added about residents he met in Tanjong Pagar GRC: "The people are so excited about having the opportunity - the first in their lives - to vote. If you were happy with the current party, there is no need for you to be excited to vote."
Mr Tan also said that the party plans to fight for national issues, specifically immigration policy, instead of municipal matters.
He spoke about SingFirst's manifesto and slogan: "Restore Our Nation". He explained that the slogan stems from the need to "take back our country from the Government that has given it away to foreigners".
He also highlighted the party's focus on giving local professionals managers executives and technicians (PMETs) priority for jobs over foreigners.
Mr Tan also weighed in on the Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council financial saga, saying that they had candidates with relevant financial background and town council management experience.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now