In a surprising turn of events, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is set to retire from politics and will not contest in the upcoming General Election, made a notable appearance in Aljunied GRC, a stronghold of the Workers' Party, on Friday morning.

Teo appeared alongside the People’s Action Party (PAP) candidates during a media interview, praising them as a ‘young strong team’ ready to serve the community. The PAP’s lineup features Chan Hui Yuh, 48, unionist Jagathishwaran Rajo, 37, urban planning consultant Daniel Liu, 40, company director Adrian Ang, 41, and dental surgeon Faisal Abdul Aziz, 37.

Highlighting their diverse backgrounds, Teo remarked, "They want to represent you in parliament. They are focused on proposing constructive ideas and are eager to roll up their sleeves for the residents." When asked about his support, he expressed his happiness to help as he believes in the candidates' dedication and hard work.

The PAP's presence in Aljunied has shifted since the 2020 election, now boasting four fresh faces on their roster. Acknowledging the formidable competition from the incumbent WP team led by Pritam Singh, Jagathishwaran emphasized that they are approaching the election with a realistic mindset.

"This is not a popularity contest; our priority is the people," he stated, underlining their commitment to actionable policies and local initiatives.

The morning included an interactive session where Teo and the candidates engaged with residents during breakfast at Bedok 538 Market & Food Centre. Pelting the crowd with cheerful banter was Dr. Faisal, who distributed toothbrushes emblazoned with his image and the PAP logo, which raised eyebrows online.

In response to criticism over the timing of such giveaways amidst rising GST concerns, Faisal explained that the toothbrushes were a light-hearted gesture meant to connect with the community. He reiterated, "Politics is serious business... I aimed to offer something both practical and useful, like a toothbrush. But let's focus on the crucial issues."

Teo further reinforced the PAP's commitment to field credible candidates across Singapore, ensuring voters have choices in every constituency. Reflecting on his decision to step back from politics at 70, he emphasized the importance of self-renewal in leadership, stating, "Our experiences should guide the new generation, injecting fresh energy and ideas into Singapore's future."