Two Potential PAP Candidates Seen Again With East Coast GRC MPs During Walkabout

Two potential PAP candidates — Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash and Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim — were again seen with PAP MPs in East Coast GRC, adding to expectations that they could be fielded as candidates there in the upcoming general election.

- Joyce Lim

The duo were introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong to residents during a walkabout on April 5.

It marked the second time both newcomers have joined a constituency visit with the group representation constituency's incumbent MPs, following a visit to a mosque in Chai Chee on March 31.

Mr Dinesh was formerly the chief executive of the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). He was also with the Health Ministry during the pandemic, where he was behind the push to vaccinate Singaporeans.

Ms Hazlina, the former chief executive of Make-A-Wish Singapore, started her career as a radio presenter for Mediacorp's Ria 89.7FM. She later transitioned into television, and was at one point an assignments editor on CNA's Singapore desk.

The three-hour walkabout covered three coffee shops in the Siglap estate. Residents said Mr Tong had introduced Mr Dinesh as someone that could be joining the team.

The Siglap area, which Mr Tong oversees, has been absorbed into East Coast GRC for this upcoming election.

Besides Mr Tong and DPM Heng, incumbent East Coast GRC MPs Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jessica Tan were also present.