PAP Stalwart Heng Chee How to Step Down From Jalan Besar GRC

MP Who Oversaw Whampoa Ward for 27 Years Will Be Succeeded by Shawn Loh

- Chin Soo Fang

PAP stalwart Heng Chee How is stepping down from Jalan Besar GRC after 27 years serving the Whampoa ward in the GRC. He will be succeeded by former Ministry of Finance director Shawn Loh, 38, at the upcoming general election.

Mrs Josephine Teo, who helms the group representation constituency, announced this at a media conference held by the PAP at Whampoa Park on April 16.

Mrs Teo, who is Minister for Digital Development and Information, thanked Mr Heng, 63, for serving with dedication and distinction in the GRC all these years.

She said that she knew him from their time in the labour movement, and that he has a heart for workers, particularly the senior ones. She also said that he has "a great sense of humour".

"Chee How is the elder brother I have never had. He is a complete gentleman, fully honourable. You can try, but you will never find a nasty bone in him," Mrs Teo told reporters, while also announcing the new Jalan Besar slate for the election.

She added that Mr Heng is well loved by the residents, and they are going to miss him terribly.

When asked if Mr Heng was going to retire from politics or be fielded in another ward, Mrs Teo said that everything is still open, and it is for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to decide.

"It means that up to Nomination Day (on April 23), you can never say for certainty who is running and who is not running," she said.

Mr Heng, who is Senior Minister of State for Defence, started out as a grassroots adviser in Whampoa before he became the MP serving the ward following the 2001 General Election.