A S$212 million rejuvenation plan for Chua Chu Kang Town was unveiled on 5 April 2025, but it was the presence of a newly retired senior civil servant, Jeffrey Siow, that turned a municipal announcement into a politically charged moment.
Siow, formerly the second permanent secretary at the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, appeared alongside Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and all incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) in the area.
His public debut came just days after his official retirement on 2 April, and amid widespread expectations that Singapore’s General Election will be called in May.
The rejuvenation plan, positioned as a five-year initiative by the Chua Chu Kang Town Council, includes the construction of new sheltered linkways and pavilions, repainting works for around 400 public housing blocks, and upgrades under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme benefitting approximately 8,800 households.
DPM Gan emphasised that the plan was not limited to infrastructure. “It’s not just about hardware… but also social services, especially for the more vulnerable,” he said.
However, public discourse quickly shifted focus to the possible political significance of the event.
On the Straits Times and CNA Facebook pages, hundreds of comments poured in, reflecting both support and a high level of scepticism.
Some users welcomed the new faces, describing Siow and fellow attendee Dr Choo Pei Ling—an assistant professor from the Singapore Institute of Technology—as individuals who could strengthen the People’s Action Party (PAP) team. “They bring with them a wealth of experience,” said Mr Gan when asked about the pair.
Others viewed the event as calculated political choreography. “Just in time for the election,” one user noted. Another remarked, “Million-dollar job waiting; why not resign?” Criticism also centred on perceptions that Siow had been “parachuted in” without prior engagement in the constituency.
Dr Choo, previously active in Marine Parade GRC’s Kembangan-Chai Chee division, said she was present at the invitation of Mr Gan. She stressed that her focus remains on serving the community, regardless of location.
The backlash intensified following a video posted by Mothership, which showcased Siow engaging with children and residents at the launch. The clip underscored his warm demeanour and apparent enthusiasm—but for many online viewers, it only reinforced doubts.
“The smile, laughter, enthusiasm… so exaggerated,” said one user. Another added, “Very fake smile and action. It feels as though he thinks he is just there to earn our votes.” Others called him a “freeloader,” a “yes man,” and a “great pretender.”
Multiple comments likened the event to political theatre. “Only when GE is around the corner do we see such theatrical and ostentatious displays,” read one. Another wrote, “Wayang until I want to vomit.”
One Facebook user commented: “Another freeloader dreaming of parachuting into parliament to earn a free salary for stupidly putting up his hand when told to vote.” Others raised questions about his contributions to the ward and his experience with everyday challenges like cost of living or hawker affordability.
Despite the criticism, some expressed hope. “Looking forward to his contributions if he is running,” one commenter said.
Questions also emerged regarding the fate of the rejuvenation plan should the opposition win. “Does it mean if PAP doesn’t win CCK, the S$212 million plan will be gone?” one commenter asked.
Gan responded that the masterplan had been developed by the incumbent Town Council team. “If there’s a new team, they may have different ideas,” he said, though this response drew further concerns about conditional development.
Chua Chu Kang’s political boundaries are also shifting ahead of the next election. Parts of Hong Kah North SMC will be absorbed into Chua Chu Kang GRC, while Bukit Gombak becomes a standalone SMC.
Low Yen Ling, who has helmed Bukit Gombak since 2011, said she remains committed to her residents but clarified that candidacy decisions ultimately rest with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
In the 2020 General Election, PAP secured Chua Chu Kang GRC with 59 percent of the vote and Hong Kah North SMC with 61 percent, fending off first-time challengers from the Progress Singapore Party (PSP).
The PSP has recently been active in both areas and has confirmed that it will be contesting in the GRC during its press conference to launch its manifesto, though its candidates have yet to be finalised.
Amid the appearance of Siow and Dr Choo, several other former senior civil servants and military leaders have also been spotted at events with PAP MPs. These include former army chief David Neo and ex-Transport Ministry official Foo Cexiang—moves widely interpreted as part of a coordinated candidate rollout.
While DPM Gan declined to confirm any electoral line-up, he said the new faces brought “a wealth of experience that they can contribute to the building of Chua Chu Kang Town.”
With a General Election looming and the political landscape in flux, Chua Chu Kang is poised to become a closely watched constituency—not just for its infrastructure plans but for what its electorate decides at the ballot box.
The post S$212 million rejuvenation plan unveiled for Chua Chu Kang as former top civil servant appears alongside MPs appeared first on The Online Citizen.
