The recent appearance of Labour chief Ng Chee Meng at a family carnival in Fernvale has sparked speculation about his electoral plans for the upcoming general election.
When asked if he would run in Ang Mo Kio GRC or the new Jalan Kayu SMC, he told reporters: “You’ll find out, I’m sure, in good time. You’ll see what the Prime Minister decides.”
Ng, who also serves as the secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said he attends constituency events in parts of Bukit Batok, Ang Mo Kio, and Sengkang about once a quarter, sometimes coinciding with FairPrice’s community collaborations. In this instance, Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Gan Thiam Poh, who represents Fernvale, had invited him.
He also said he is familiar with and lived near the area, and used to attend a junior flying club in the vicinity.
In a Facebook post, he shared that he is familiar with the Seletar, Jalan Kayu and Fernvale areas. “Seletar Hills had been home to my family and (me) for 20-odd years. I also ‘grew up’ here when I flew with the Singapore Youth Flying Club during junior college and later with the air force,” he added.
Reportedly, Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Gan Thiam Poh said he had invited Ng to the carnival as the labour movement has been a firm supporter of efforts to help Fernvale residents who are in need.
Ng was seen attending the Chill Lah Fernvale Family Carnival on March 16 alongside Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the anchor minister for Ang Mo Kio GRC, and MP Gan Thiam Poh. The event took place at an open space between Block 466A and Block 469C Fernvale Link, as well as the hard court beside Thanggam LRT station. Mr Ng was seen engaging with residents, shaking hands, and taking wefies.
The carnival, which drew around 3,000 residents, featured entertainment and community activities such as food stalls, a crafts market, a movie screening, a carousel ride, and face painting. Mr Ng also posed for photos with residents, SM Lee, and Mr Gan at an ice sculpture unveiled to mark SG60, celebrating Singapore’s 60th year of independence.
Who is Ng Chee Meng?
Ng Chee Meng is a former fighter pilot and Chief of Defence Force who entered politics in 2015 as part of a five-member PAP team in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.
He was appointed Education Minister for Schools and Second Minister for Transport in 2016 and became NTUC chief in 2018 while also serving as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
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In the 2020 General Election, he led the PAP team in Sengkang GRC but was voted out after losing to the Workers’ Party. Despite this, he retained his role as NTUC chief and has continued engaging with the community in Sengkang.
He has expressed willingness to contest in the next general election, expected by mid-2025. In early February this year, he told The Straits Times that he would be prepared to contest again in the general election, if asked, and that “it is on the table”.
He also added then that he has never stopped walking the ground in Sengkang, as part of his NTUC role, and that he still keeps in touch with grassroots friends.
