Sembawang GRC Ong Ye Kung criticises SDP for downplaying role of PAP MPs in transforming town

He also explains why opposition party's policy proposals not feasible or realistic

- Deepanraj Ganesan

Sembawang would not have transformed into the town it is today, if not for the role played by PAP MPs past and present, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.

He was refuting claims made by the opposition Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) that it does not matter who the MP on the ground is, as long as the PAP forms the Government.

Speaking at a rally near Sun Plaza in Sembawang on April 28, Mr Ong said the SDP was making sweeping statements.

He said: "One of the parties, SDP... They have a lot to say, but one thing they say, I think, is disingenuous. They say all these plans are going to happen anyway because the PAP will be the Government.

"Whoever is the MP... all these things that I just mentioned, will still happen. Really ah? I don't think they can come here for one month and make all these sweeping statements."

Mr Ong ran through a list of completed projects, including the Bukit Canberra integrated sports and community hub, the Yusof Ishak Mosque, the Woodlands Health hospital and the Sembawang Hot Spring Park.

Upcoming ones he named included the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link and the Woodlands North Coast precinct.

Each project required extensive discussions with the authorities, he added.

Said Mr Ong: "I spoke to the Defence Ministry and asked, can you give us some land to build the hot spring park? Mindef agreed, that's why today we have a hot spring park.