No let-up in efforts by PAP's team in Aljunied GRC

THE People's Action Party (PAP) team in Aljunied GRC remains focused on delivering services to residents and conveying their concerns to the Government, Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli said yesterday.

He was speaking to reporters after a visit to Eunos ward in the GRC held by the opposition Workers' Party since 2011, and where the PAP got 49 per cent of votes in last September's general election.

Asked how he would evaluate the progress of the team in Aljunied since the GE, Mr Masagos said they were "as united as ever".

"Their focus is to bring services the People's Association (PA) brings to residents all around Singapore.

"The political battle is over. More importantly, we must make sure we serve our residents with the services, the amenities they deserve - and have as much feedback as possible so residents have a channel for them to bring up their concerns, complaints, to the Government as quickly and effectively as possible."

Mr Masagos, a PA board member, added a new adviser to grassroots organisations in Paya Lebar will be appointed to take over from Murali Pillai, who was elected Bukit Batok MP in the May 7 by-election.

In the meantime, other grassroots advisers are helping residents. Accompanying Mr Masagos on his visit were Aljunied GRC grassroots advisers Chua Eng Leong, Victor Lye and Shamsul Kahar - who contested Aljunied GRC in last year's general election alongside Mr Murali and former MP Yeo Guat Kwang.

Hougang grassroots adviser Lee Hong Chuang was also present yesterday.

Ministerial community visits are organised regularly to help introduce new ministers to Singaporeans and keep the bond between the Government and the people strong, Mr Masagos said.

Asked if there was any significance to his visiting an opposition constituency, he added: "It does not matter if it is an opposition ward or non-opposition ward because ministers serve everybody."

Such visits are also a chance for officials to look at possible improvements to facilities, especially those under the visiting minister's charge.

Mr Masagos said he was happy to see the market and hawker centre, where he spoke to stallholders and residents, was running well.

Wet markets and hawker centres are managed by the National Environment Agency, a statutory board under his ministry.

"There are some municipal issues they raised but this ought to be settled by the town council. Otherwise, people are quite happy with the amenities," he added.

ziliang@sph.com.sg

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