The Workers' Party to field Lee Li Lian as candidate for Punggol East by-election

The Workers' Party will field Ms Lee Li Lian as its candidate in the Punggol East by-election on the 26th of this month.

She was also the party's candidate for the ward in the last General Election in 2011, when she garnered about 41 per cent of votes cast. 

Ms Lee, who's 34 years old, works as an in-house trainer with a financial institution and has been with the party for six years. 

At a news conference at the party's headquarters this morning, Ms Lee described the decision to serve Punggol East residents as "natural". 

She said she's well-placed to do so - given her experience as a ground activist. 

Ms Lee, who's married, said she'll focus on issues such as the challenges faced by young families. 

"As someone who is looking at starting a family, I can empathise with the considerations and concerns that young couples and young families are facing. Concerns such as raising children in a time when the cost of living is going up and the environment is becoming increasingly competitive especially in schools."

The challenges that young families and single parents are facing and the welfare of the our elderly folks are some of the national issues I'll be focusing on.

Chairman of the Workers' Party, Ms Sylvia Lim, pointed out that Ms Lee has been helping Aljunied GRC MP Pritam Singh in Eunos division - as his legislative assistant. 

She described her as sincere, reliable and committed - and a team player with a heart for the people. 

"The party believes Li Lian is the best candidate to represent the WP in this by-election. She has some understanding of the ground from her previous campaign there and will work tirelessly to serve the residents of Punggol East. On a personal note, I certainly look forward to the prospect of having more elected women in the house."

The by-election has been called to fill the seat vacated by former People's Action Party MP, Mr Michael Palmer, who resigned last month due to an extramarital affair.
The PAP introduced Dr Koh Poh Koon as its candidate for the single-seat ward last Thursday.