Small concrete steps needed to help Hougang residents: Desmond Choo

SINGAPORE: Mr Desmond Choo, the PAP member slated to stand in the Hougang by—election, said small concrete steps must be taken to help residents.

Speaking on the sidelines of his visit to the ward on Sunday morning, the 34—year—old unionist said rising costs of living is a top concern of the people.

He gave an example of how there are many families in Hougang who have school—going children.

To ease their burden, these families can apply for subsidies and the children will be able to get S$30—S$40 top—ups on their transitlink cards.

Mr Choo added that daily problems residents face must be tackled, as they cannot wait for broad—scale policies to kick in.

He said he would air these concerns of residents to help them.

He also touched on the legal clinic to be organised by prominent criminal lawyer Subhas Anandan, saying it will be ready by May 15 at the Hougang Community Club.

He said the legal sessions will go on regardless of the results of the by—election.

Besides visiting the market at Block 322, Hougang Avenue 5 on Sunday morning, Mr Choo also joined residents for breakfast and later visited the blood donation drive at nearby Block 328.

The Association of Criminal Lawyers of Singapore (ACLS) said it was approached by Mr Choo and a mutual friend a few weeks ago to hold pro bono legal clinics at the Hougang Community Club to assist residents of Hougang who required legal advice.

It was subsequently decided that the ACLS will hold a free clinic on May 15 at the CC.

ACLS President Subhas Anandan said this decision was made before it was announced that there was going to be a by—election in Hougang on May 26.

He said the clinic will be held, notwithstanding the announcement of a by—election.

He added that this legal clinic has no connection whatsoever with the by—election.

To avoid any doubts, the ACLS will consider all requests for pro bono legal clinics for any organisation subject to its resources, as it is a self—funding body.

— CNA/cc