In a heartfelt Facebook post, People’s Action Party (PAP) MP Cheryl Chan revealed her decision to retire from politics after serving two terms. She described the decision as difficult and made after careful consideration. Chan shared that following her father’s illness in 2022, she decided to prioritize spending more time with her family. She expressed her gratitude towards the residents of Fengshan and East Coast for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging their care, feedback, and support that contributed to the betterment of the community.
Reflecting on her entry into politics during the 2015 General Election, Chan recalled being asked to contest in the new Fengshan SMC by then-MP Raymond Lim. Despite initially feeling stunned, she accepted the challenge. She dedicated herself to serving the residents through grassroots events, Meet-the-People Sessions, and house visits. Chan highlighted the valuable life lessons she learned during her political journey, shaping her into a better person today.
As she bids farewell to politics, Chan, currently serving as the group chief strategy and sustainability officer at ST Engineering, expressed gratitude for the meaningful experiences and growth she gained in serving the community. Her decision to retire marks the end of an era for her contributions to East Coast GRC as part of the PAP’s team, which included prominent members such as Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Dr. Maliki Osman.
The retirement of Chan brings anticipation for the upcoming General Election in 2025, particularly in East Coast GRC, where the PAP is yet to reveal its slate of candidates. With Dr. Maliki stepping down from the GRC and new face Hazlina Abdul Halim set to replace him, the political landscape on the East Coast is evolving. The previous election in 2020 witnessed a close contest between the PAP and the Workers’ Party, signifying a shifting dynamic in the GRC’s electoral outcomes.
As the political scene gears up for GE2025, both parties are strategizing their candidate line-ups and campaign efforts for what promises to be another intense battle in East Coast GRC. The retirement of seasoned MPs like Chan paves the way for new faces to step up and take on the challenge of serving the residents, ensuring continued growth and development in the constituency.
