MPs whose constituencies are going to vanish

Five MPs who came together yesterday at the Kolam Ayer Waterfront share one thing in common.

The constituencies they represent - Moulmein-Kallang GRC and Whampoa SMC - will no longer exist at the next general election, following changes recommended by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee in its report released a day earlier.

Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew, Central Singapore District Mayor Denise Phua and Mr Edwin Tong, who all represent the GRC, attended the PassionArts Festival together with Senior Minister of State (Prime Minister's Office) Heng Chee How, who is the MP for Whampoa SMC.

Cheers of "Jalan Besar" erupted, as grassroots leaders and volunteers greeted the group as they walked along the waterway to meet residents. It was a reference to the new Jalan Besar GRC outlined by the boundaries committee, when it recommended breaking up Moulmein-Kallang GRC.

The Moulmein ward under Mr Lui will be carved out and distributed among Bishan-Toa Payoh, Holland-Bukit Timah and Tanjong Pagar GRCs.

Dr Yaacob's Kolam Ayer ward will be part of the new GRC, as will the remaining areas, along with Mr Heng's Whampoa SMC, and the Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng ward of Dr Lily Neo - which is currently part of Tanjong Pagar GRC.

Dr Yaacob told reporters he was happy that Jalan Besar GRC had made a comeback, and hoped he would remain there.

He also noted that the new GRC would be made up of housing estates that were a part of Jalan Besar GRC previously.

That incarnation was eliminated in 2011 when boundary changes created Moulmein-Kallang GRC instead.

Mr Heng yesterday expressed a desire to continue in Whampoa, where he has been MP for 15 years, but added: "Whether or not I do stand is the party's choice."

yuenc@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on July 26, 2015.
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