People’s Action Party

People’s Action Party

Colorectal surgeon Dr Koh Poh Koon may be new to politics - he was only approached to join the PAP less than a month ago - but he is no a stranger to Punggol.

Describing himself as a "son of Punggol", having spent his early childhood in a farmhouse at Lorong Cheng Lim in Punggol before his family was relocated to a flat in Toa Payoh, Dr Koh said the place has always occupied a special place in his heart.

The 40-year-old now lives in a 5-room HDB flat in Telok Blangah where he has been doing volunteer grassroots work since 2002.

Married with two young children, Dr Koh worked for 14 years at Singapore General Hospital before setting up his own practice as a colorectal surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. He is also one of the partners of the Fortis Colorectal Hospital.

Dr Koh had been earmarked as a candidate for the next General Election but things changed after Mr Palmer’s resignation.

Being a HDB heartlander himself, Dr Koh said he can readily identify with the issues and struggles faced by Singaporeans, and his priority is to focus on the needs of the residents.

Dr Koh said he would look into having more childcare facilities and community clubs in the area, and intends to continue to serve the ward regardless of the election outcome.

“Residents still have needs and I will still continue to serve to the best of my ability. But I do hope residents will consider me seriously and give me a real opportunity to be an effective spokesperson for them.”