SINGAPORE – Xie Yao Quan, the current Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC, has expressed his desire to represent the newly established Jurong Central Single Member Constituency (SMC) in the upcoming general elections. Since his election in 2020, Mr. Xie has focused on serving the residents of Jurong Central and is eager to continue this commitment.

During a recent walkabout in Jurong West, Mr. Xie emphasized the initiatives and programs he has rolled out thus far, stating, “We have implemented several projects in the last few years, but in our minds, we’ve only just begun.” He acknowledged that the final decision regarding his candidacy would ultimately rest with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

The new Jurong Central SMC will comprise approximately 29,620 voters, with the majority coming from the Jurong GRC and the remainder from the dissolved Yuhua SMC. Current Yuhua MP Grace Fu has already informed residents about the changes and addressed their concerns regarding the transition to a single constituency.

In line with ongoing municipal matters, Mr. Xie mentioned plans for Jurong Central to form a town council in conjunction with the Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, ensuring that residents receive consistent and effective representation.

In an interesting turn of events, the opposition party Red Dot United (RDU) has announced its intention to contest in Jurong Central SMC. Mr. Xie welcomed the competition, stating, “It is going to be good for residents to have a chance to exercise their democratic right and to make a choice that’s in their best interest.”

Jurong GRC has historically been a stronghold for the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), bolstered by the long-standing presence of former MP Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who stepped down in 2023 to pursue the presidential election. Addressing concerns about his prospects without Mr. Tharman, Mr. Xie confidently noted, “My mantra is, we take good care of residents, and we let the rest take care of itself.”

Local resident Madam Ng Choon Khim, 62, who has lived in the area for over four decades, shared her thoughts on the transition to a single-seat constituency. "I’m confident in Mr. Xie. He’s usually on the ground and is very approachable," she said, reflecting the sentiments of many residents who hope for sustained engagement from their elected representatives.

As the upcoming elections approach, the Jurong Central SMC is poised to be an intriguing battleground, emphasizing the importance of responsive governance and the local residents’ voice. Will Mr. Xie secure his place in history as the first MP of Jurong Central SMC, or will the opposition make significant inroads? Only time will tell!