Braddell Heights

Coming back home, spending hours in front of the computer, getting acquainted with all the news I've missed during the past week. So the elections will be conducted next weekend and the NSP is contesting against the ruling party in my area (Braddell Heights, Marine Parade GRC). With all due respect, it takes courage and conviction to run on the side of the opposition fence, but it feels like NSP is "parachuting" especially since I've never seen any one from NSP in all the years I've lived here, until a news video I saw on Youtube.

Incumbent Seah Kian Peng of the ruling party deserved to return to parliament, though he did benefited from the advantage of SM Goh's presence and a walkover in 2006's elections. When he first became MP of this ward, he wasted no time in introducing weather-proof shelters and disabled walkways.

An empty plot of land along Serangoon Avenue 1 has been for years screaming for condominium developers but it remains free for recreational activities like kite-flying and football with a proper goalposts (not makeshift). Similarly, other empty plots, like the one below along Sunshine Terrace, became parks and active corners for the residents. Not money-making land sales.


Amenities aside, this is one MP who had woken up in the wee hours of a Saturday morning to send a group of old folks off to their weekend getaway to Malaysia. He didn't have to care, these were elderly residents from the lower-income group without much influence, but it is a small gesture that speaks volumes.

The NEL, Circle Line and the opening of Nexx Mall have benefited residents of the town. It would not be fair to have someone else jumping in and then claim credit.