PAP to field lawyer Marshall Lim in Hougang SMC

Criminal lawyer Marshall Lim will contest Hougang SMC under the PAP's banner at the upcoming general election.

- Kok Yufeng

Mr Lim, 38, was officially introduced to the media on April 13 as an electoral candidate for the ruling party in the opposition WP's stronghold.

"It has been a privilege to serve Singapore and Singaporeans as a lawyer in private practice and as a public servant.

"I now ask Singaporeans, and especially Hougang residents, to give me an opportunity to fight for you, your family and our Hougang community as your Member of Parliament," he told reporters.

While the WP has yet to announce its slate of candidates for the 2025 polls, Mr Lim will likely face off against incumbent MP and shipping lawyer Dennis Tan, 54, who retained the Hougang seat for the opposition party in 2020 with 61.21 per cent of the vote.

Hougang SMC is the longest-held opposition constituency in Singapore's electoral history, and has been in WP hands since former party chief Low Thia Khiang won it in 1991.

Asked about the PAP's electoral track record in Hougang and what he will bring to the table as a new face for the ruling party, Mr Lim said he is mindful of the history in the constituency.

"But I am not held back or shackled by it," he said.

"My focus has always been about serving the residents in a sincere way," he added. "At every election, the slate is wiped clean and every candidate, from whichever party, has to step forward and present their plans."