Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has offered himself to be the “resource man” in Cabinet for Potong Pasir if the PAP’s Sitoh Yih Pin is elected to Parliament.

This means if Mr Sitoh has plans for Potong Pasir that Mr Goh agrees with, Mr Goh will push for them on his behalf.

Speaking to reporters on 27 March outside the PAP Potong Pasir branch, Mr Goh said: “Even after the election, he’s a backbencher – who is going to push for him? But having been asked by the Prime Minister to help him recover Potong Pasir, I will be his resource person in Cabinet.”

Referring to 71-year-old Mr Chiam See Tong, who is the incumbent MP, Mr Goh described him as a veteran past his peak.

“I should know because I’m a veteran and I’ve passed my peak,” said Mr Goh, 64, as he showed his mettle as a witty and seasoned politician. “But the veteran still has a lot of experience and, I believe, a bag of tricks. So I came here to share my experience with Sitoh Yih Pin.”

However, Mr Goh stressed that he would be in Potong Pasir only to help Mr Sitoh, who should be the man under the spotlight.

       SM Goh arrives at Potong Pasir                        SM Goh with Mr Sitoh 

Mr Goh also referred to the idea he floated last Sunday when he visited the other opposition-held ward in Hougang where he suggested lifting the whip for Mr Sitoh and Mr Eric Low if they were elected. He explained:

“Let’s be clear. They are PAP MPs, they are not quite the same as opposition MPs. But what I hope Eric Low and Sitoh Yih Pin will do, regardless of whether the whip is lifted or not, is to speak their minds frankly. Whatever the views they have, even if they disagree with the Government and the party, they must voice them in Parliament. That’s important.”