There’s a big update for East Coast GRC ahead of the next General Election. Dr Maliki Osman, one of the current Members of Parliament for East Coast, has announced that he will not be contesting in East Coast GRC for GE2025. But he is not retiring from politics — he says he will continue to serve in a different way, though the details haven’t been revealed yet.
Taking his place is Hazlina Abdul Halim, a new face from the People’s Action Party (PAP). You might recognise her — she used to be a news presenter and editor. She also led PPIS (Singapore Muslim Women’s Association), helping women, children, and families in need through various community programmes.
Hazlina is the second former TV personality to enter politics, following Darryl David’s entry in 2015.
This change comes as East Coast GRC prepares for what may be another hot contest. In the 2020 General Election, the PAP team led by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat won 53.4% of the vote, narrowly defeating the Workers’ Party (WP). It was one of the most closely fought battles of that election.
And the playing field will be slightly different this time. According to the latest Electoral Boundaries Review Committee report, East Coast GRC will be expanded to include Chai Chee HDB estates and Siglap private estates from Marine Parade GRC. Despite the boundary shift, the constituency will remain a five-MP ward.
The announcement was made during a walkabout in Bedok North, where Dr Maliki introduced Hazlina to residents. The rest of the East Coast team — DPM Heng, Jessica Tan, Cheryl Chan, and Tan Kiat How — were also there to show support. Also spotted during the visit were Minister Edwin Tong from Marine Parade GRC, and new PAP candidate Goh Pei Ming. Their presence has sparked talk of even more reshuffling within the PAP teams ahead of GE2025.
With these changes, PAP looks to be refreshing its East Coast team while gearing up for another tough fight.
In addition to these changes, a new political contender has emerged. Chia Yun Kai, a 32-year-old restaurant owner and longtime Bedok resident, has announced plans to form his own political party, the Most Valuable Party (MVP), with the intention to contest in East Coast GRC.
Although MVP is not yet officially registered, Chia is actively seeking volunteers and candidates to form a five-person team to contest in the next General Election.
