The People’s Action Party (PAP) has officially introduced its candidate team for the newly created Jurong East-Bukit Batok Group Representation Constituency (GRC) for the upcoming General Election. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, 61, will lead this five-member slate. The line-up includes political newcomer David Hoe, 37, and PAP veteran Lee Hong Chuang, 54. The team is rounded out by Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai, 57, and Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam, 44.
David Hoe is currently the Director of Philanthropy at The Majurity Trust, a local charity organisation. Mr Hoe's personal journey has garnered attention: he was raised by a single mother who lost her sight, and the two once sold tissue paper to make ends meet. Overcoming educational and financial hardships, he eventually became a teacher and is now actively involved in social causes.
Lee Hong Chuang, formerly branch chairman of the PAP’s Hougang division, contested in Hougang SMC during the 2015 and 2020 elections. A former national gymnast and IT professional, Mr Lee has long been active in party work in Teck Ghee and is now returning to represent a part of Singapore he grew up in.
The new Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC comprises wards from the existing Jurong GRC, including Bukit Batok East and Clementi, as well as almost all of Yuhua SMC and the entirety of Bukit Batok SMC. It also absorbs parts of Hong Kah North SMC. The newly formed GRC will represent 142,510 voters.
PAP also announced that Xie Yao Quan, 40, will be contesting in the new Jurong Central Single Member Constituency (SMC). He was first elected in 2020 and has served as the Jurong-Clementi Town Council chairman for the past five years.
At a press conference held on April 14, Grace Fu said her team represents a broad spectrum of society and professional backgrounds. She described the team as having "energy, experience and empathy" and stressed that every election is a serious contest, regardless of past performances.
Ms Fu has represented Yuhua since 2006 and has witnessed its transition from part of a GRC to a standalone SMC. Her leadership in the new GRC follows the departure of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who was the long-time anchor minister in Jurong GRC. He led the team to strong victories in 2015 and 2020 with more than 74 percent of the vote.
While acknowledging President Tharman's popularity, Ms Fu made clear that her team would forge its own path. “We are ourselves,” she said, noting that the team does not intend to replace him but rather to continue his legacy of service in their own way.
Dr Amy Khor, the current MP for Hong Kah North, will not be contesting in the upcoming election. Her ward has been split, with parts absorbed into Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC and Chua Chu Kang GRC. She was thanked for her years of service, as was Dr Tan Wu Meng, who represented Clementi. Dr Tan has not announced his next steps but has asked residents to support Mr Hoe.
When asked why long-time grassroots leader Cassandra Lee was not in the new line-up, Ms Fu said deployment decisions for her would be made later.
Each member of the new team outlined their plans for the constituency. Mr Hoe said he wants to "pay it forward" by helping create opportunities for others. Mr Lee aims to promote strong family bonds and community engagement. Mr Murali highlighted economic concerns and local business vibrancy, while Ms Rahayu pledged to carry on the team's tradition of dedication.
Mr Xie described his candidacy in Jurong Central SMC as a "homecoming," having volunteered there before becoming an MP. He reaffirmed his commitment to serve residents sincerely and with heart.
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