SINGAPORE: Maliki Osman announced his retirement from politics on 21 April, bringing an end to his 24-year career as a Member of Parliament and political officeholder.
His decision was shared in a Facebook post, where he also revealed he would not be contesting East Coast GRC in the upcoming General Election.
He affirmed that his immediate focus would be to ensure a smooth transition for the People’s Action Party (PAP) team and to rally support for the East Coast GRC slate.
New candidate to represent East Coast GRC
Hazlina Abdul Halim, a new face from the PAP, will replace Maliki in East Coast GRC. Her candidacy is part of a broader renewal effort within the party.
Her inclusion follows the earlier announcement of Cheryl Chan’s retirement. Chan, who also served in East Coast GRC, had similarly declared her exit from politics.
New face and former brigadier-general Goh Pei Ming has also been seen accompanying PAP MPs, suggesting a possible candidacy.
The reshuffling of candidates comes as PAP unveiled its updated line-up for the newly formed Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC on 20 April.
Edwin Tong, who stood in Marine Parade GRC during the 2020 election, is now expected to shift to East Coast GRC after the Joo Chiat ward was absorbed into it.
Absence of Heng Swee Keat from the refreshed PAP slate raises questions
Speculation has arisen about Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat’s next electoral move.
His absence from the potential East Coast GRC slate unveiled on 15 April has led to uncertainty over which constituency he might contest.
Notably, a review of the list of prospective candidates who have submitted their election deposits to the Elections Department (ELD) for GE2025 shows that Heng is among them.
During GE2020, Heng Swee Keat made a surprise switch from Tampines GRC to East Coast GRC, with the announcement coming only on Nomination Day, 30 June 2020.
During that campaign, he introduced the now well-known “East Coast Plan”—a vision aimed at uplifting the constituency—though specific policy details were limited at the time.
Maliki expressed appreciation to residents
Reflecting on his political journey, Maliki wrote, “Serving residents in Sembawang GRC, East Coast GRC, and as mayor of Southeast CDC has been a deeply enriching and humbling journey.”
He began his parliamentary career in Sembawang GRC, having been elected in 2001 and again in 2006. He then represented East Coast GRC from 2011 onwards.
Following the 2011 General Election, he was appointed Mayor for the South East District.
In 2013, he became Minister of State for Defence and National Development. During this time, he oversaw community infrastructure and private estate upgrading programmes.
After being re-elected in 2015, he was promoted to Senior Minister of State for Defence and concurrently held the Foreign Affairs portfolio.
He also continued as Mayor of the South East District during this period.
In 2020, following another electoral win, Maliki was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for both Education and Foreign Affairs.
In his farewell message, Maliki expressed appreciation to residents, grassroots leaders, volunteers, and community partners.
“Thank you, dear residents, for welcoming me into your homes and lives… I will always treasure our shared memories,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of donors and stakeholders who supported numerous social initiatives.
“Thank you for your unwavering support towards initiatives that have benefitted many,” he noted.
Maliki extended his gratitude to Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who entrusted him with responsibilities since 2004.
He also thanked current Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and fellow Cabinet members for their collaboration through various national challenges.
“It has been especially meaningful to work with my fellow Malay/Muslim MPs and community leaders to uplift lives,” he said.
PAP Yet to Confirm Candidates for 3 SMCs, 3 GRCs as of 3pm, 21 April
As of 3pm on 21 April, the People’s Action Party (PAP) has yet to confirm its candidates for three Single Member Constituencies (SMCs)—Queenstown, Radin Mas, and Sembawang West—as well as three Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs): the 4-member Punggol GRC, and the 5-member East Coast and Tanjong Pagar GRCs.
With Chan and Maliki’s departure, East Coast GRC is poised for a tight electoral contest.
The Workers’ Party is expected to return for a rematch, although both parties have yet to confirm their full line-ups.
Kenneth Foo, a deputy director at the Singapore Cancer Society who contested in East Coast in 2020, was seen canvassing in Bedok South with lawyer Ang Boon Yaw.
Another past candidate, Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim, has also been active in the area.
The general election is expected to bring significant change, with around 20 PAP MPs retiring.
Among the notable exits is Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.
Other MPs who have announced their retirement include Senior Minister of State Amy Khor, and backbenchers Chong Kee Hiong and Gan Thiam Poh.
First-term MPs Ng Ling Ling and Don Wee have also stated they will not be contesting.
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