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Dr Maliki Steps Aside for Hazlina Abdul Halim to Contest in East Coast GRC

 




On April 12, 2025, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, announced that he will not be contesting in East Coast GRC in the upcoming General Election. The announcement was made during a community walkabout in Bedok North, part of East Coast GRC, where he currently serves as Member of Parliament (MP) for the Siglap ward.

Dr Maliki clarified to reporters that while he will not be part of the new East Coast team, he has not stated he is retiring from politics. He stated, “I’ve never mentioned that I’m retiring. The message today is that I’m not going to stand as part of the new East Coast GRC team.” He also added that more details about his future plans would be shared in due course.

In his place, the People’s Action Party (PAP) will be fielding Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim as a new candidate in East Coast GRC. Dr Maliki expressed strong support for Mdm Hazlina, urging residents to back her in the coming election. “She will receive my endorsement and support so she can build on the work we have done,” he said.

Mdm Hazlina, 40, has a background in both media and social impact work. A former presenter and news editor, she also served as public affairs advisor to the US Embassy in Singapore. She was the Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Singapore and served as President of the Singapore Muslim Women’s Association (PPIS) from 2020 to 2024. She has also been active on the ground in MacPherson SMC, supporting MP Tin Pei Ling.

Dr Maliki, who is also Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs, praised Hazlina for her understanding of public needs and strong connection to the Malay community. He highlighted her previous leadership roles in PPIS and MENDAKI as evidence of her experience and empathy for community concerns.

The Saturday walkabout was attended by other East Coast MPs, including Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, Ms Jessica Tan, and Ms Cheryl Chan. Two other new PAP faces were also present: Mr Goh Pei Ming and current Marine Parade GRC MP Edwin Tong, signalling possible further changes to the East Coast GRC line-up.

East Coast GRC was one of the most tightly contested wards in the 2020 General Election, with the PAP securing 53.4% of votes against a Workers’ Party team. Deputy Prime Minister Heng acknowledged this close contest and the importance of not taking voter support for granted. “Sentiment is better than before,” he said, “but you never take any election or voter for granted.”

He further emphasized the need for unity, especially in what he described as a turbulent global environment, citing trade disputes as one of many challenges facing Singapore.

Edwin Tong added that party renewal is key and should be expected. “For the PAP, we focus on renewal and refreshing. That’s equally important,” he said, noting his own experience transitioning across GRCs over the years. He reaffirmed that the party's grassroots and organisational structures are built to handle changes in candidates and leadership.

Both Mdm Hazlina and Mr Goh said they are already active in East Coast and are working to understand the needs of the community.

According to the latest Electoral Boundaries Review Committee report released last month, East Coast GRC will remain a five-MP constituency and will absorb Chai Chee and Siglap areas from Marine Parade GRC.

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