PSP unveils line-up for Chua Chu Kang, Bukit Gombak

Ex-chief of S'pore Manufacturing Federation, trio with polls experience make up GRC team

- Osmond Chia and Tay Hong Yi

The opposition PSP on April 19 unveiled its line-up of candidates for Chua Chu Kang GRC, which includes the former secretary-general of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Mr Lawrence Pek.

The four-member PSP team also includes three candidates with political experience.

Technology lawyer Wendy Low, 48, and PSP second vice-chairman and business consultant A'bas Kasmani, 71, contested Tanjong Pagar GRC in the 2020 General Election.

Investment specialist S. Nallakaruppan, 60, who was a PSP candidate in Nee Soon GRC in GE2020, rounds out the party's slate for Chua Chu Kang GRC.

Mr Pek, 55, is a political new face who, as former leader of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, stands out among the PSP's newcomers as having one of the most notable backgrounds. He was the secretary-general of the federation between 2020 and 2023.

The PSP also said it will be fielding its former central executive committee member Harish Pillay in Bukit Gombak SMC. Mr Pillay, 65, contested Tanjong Pagar GRC in GE2020. He is a tech veteran whose past roles include growing software company Red Hat in Singapore from a one-man set-up to having more than 450 staff over two decades.

Introducing the team during a walkabout at Teck Whye Square, party chairman Tan Cheng Bock, 84, said: "We are bringing in talent, and when they get into Parliament, their views will definitely resonate among many Singaporeans."

He added that the candidates were chosen not just for their achievements but also for their ability to take the heat of political debate, as well as their sincerity in connecting with residents.