Four—cornered fight in Punggol East by—election

SINGAPORE: The Punggol East by—election on January 26 will be a four—cornered contest.

The candidates are Dr Koh Poh Koon of the People’s Action Party (PAP), Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam of the Reform Party (RP) Mr Desmond Lim of the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) and Ms Lee Li Lian of the Workers’ Party (WP).

The Returning Officer, Mr Yam Ah Mee, declared them as candidates on Nomination Day on Wednesday at about 12.40pm after no objections were raised in the half hour after the close of nominations at noon.

In brief remarks after the announcement, PAP’s Dr Koh urged supporters and residents to work together with him for a better Punggol East.

RP’s Mr Jeyaretnam said his party is determined to bring a real choice and offer the chance for residents to decide how they will be represented —— from everyday needs to the highest level in Parliament.

Mr Lim of the SDA said he is back to serve residents and represent them, as well as raise the standard of living.

WP’s Ms Lee asked voters to send her into Parliament, and pledged to serve them wholeheartedly and continue to stand up for their rights.

The Punggol East single—member constituency was left vacant by its Member of Parliament, Mr Michael Palmer, who resigned in December 2012.

Nine days of campaigning have been set aside.

January 25, a day before the by—election, is Cooling—Off Day.

There are about 32,000 voters in the ward, which Mr Palmer won in the General Election in 2011 with nearly 54 per cent of the votes cast.

— CNA/al