GE2025: Gan Kim Yong to helm PAP team in new Punggol GRC, Harpreet to lead WP

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will lead the People's Action Party to contest in the new four-member Punggol GRC, moving from Chua Chu Kang GRC where he served as MP for 14 years.

The 66-year-old's unexpected switcheroo was a closely guarded secret leading up to Nomination Day on Wednesday (April 23).

Gan arrived at the nomination centre in Yusof Ishak Secondary School in Punggol Central at around 11.30am to submit his nomination papers for Punggol GRC.

The other members of PAP team in the GRC are Dr Janil Puthucheary, Sun Xueling and Yeo Wan Ling.

The PAP will face a fight with the Workers’ Party, which is fielding newcomers Harpreet Singh Nehal, Jackson Aw, Siti Alia Abdul Rahim Mattar and Alexis Dang.  

Speaking to reporters, Gan thanked the residents of Chua Chu Kang, saying that he has left them “in good hands”.

On his move to Punggol, Gan said that it is a decision made by the party leadership - one that considered the interest of residents, as well as the availability of candidates and “people retiring”.

“And having considered all these factors, they have decided that I should relocate myself to Punggol GRC,” he said.

Speaking after the WP’s nomination was confirmed, Harpreet said “it is a privilege of a lifetime” for his team to contest Punggol GRC.

“This is a solid team. We will work very, very hard. We will speak up for you and be there for you always.

“Let’s make history.” 

He also called for People's Association "to start treating Singaporeans equally no matter how they vote".

"After all, it's our money, right? And a Parliament where your voice is heard, not just yes men."

Punggol GRC, with 123,557 voters, was created after the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee recommended carving out the Punggol estates in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, to merge with Punggol West SMC.

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