My Journey Thus Far...

‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ I thought to myself. Finally I got to vote!
It was 27th April 2006 (Nomination Day).

For the first 25 years of my life, I was residing in Lorong Lew Lian. If you were wondering where this place is? Well, it is opposite the former Braddell Heights Community Centre, along Upper Serangoon Road and now about a 5 minutes walk from Serangoon MRT station. Before my 21st birthday, that area was under Aljunied GRC. Ironically when I turned 21, the area came under Marine Parade GRC! I was bewildered, how in the world did we end up under Marine Parade?

3 years ago, my family and I shifted to Buangkok Crescent. Again you may wonder where is that? It’s right next to the Institute of Mental health and opposite Hougang Street 91. By the way, it’s under Ang Mo Kio GRC.

On 27th April 2006, I was determined to find out more about the alternative party that I could cast my vote on. Know about the candidates that were contesting and how they can make a difference to our lives before deciding which party should get my ‘virgin vote’.

After attending several rallies and having spoken to the candidates personally, I realized the lack of information and wrong perceptions the public have with regards to having another alternative party in Singapore. I saw the way volunteers, members, candidates, election agents, etc working so hard with their heart and soul. And on 4th May 2006, 2 days before the GE, I expressed my interest to volunteer as both polling and counting agent for the party. My parents could not understand why I am doing all these nevertheless they supported my decision and trusted me.

On 6th May 2006, I was at the polling station at 8am to witness the empty polling boxes being carried into the polling station. And at 8pm, we got to witness the sealing of the boxes after which I made my way to the counting station. By the way, I was both polling and counting agent for Aljunied GCR. It was filled with intense excitement and I felt really great that I was part of this unforgettable experience. My only regret was why didn’t I volunteer my services earlier? I could have experience even more excitement!

After the GE, everyone who had helped out during the GE was cordially invited by Workers party to a ‘Thank you Dinner’. Yes! Everyone who had helped out, that includes the aunties, ah mas, ah peks, ah cheks, etc. During the dinner, I got to meet Mr. Low Thia Khiang and Perry Tong. After a short discussion with Perry, I went to one of the Open House and made up my mind on the spot to join as a member of The Workers’ Party.

The first activity that I involved in as a member was the sales of the ‘Hammer’, which you are holding onto. We have a great turn out of about 30 members to assist in the sales. How wonderful! I thought. These people from as far as Queenstown, Clementi and even some Bukit Batok, took the public transport to reach Hougang, 8am to participate in the sales! I was amazed by the commitment and responsibility they have towards the party’s activities.
The Hammer sales is an on-going activity which takes place every Sunday morning. We will go to different areas to sell our Hammer newsletter and it also gave us the opportunity to reach out to the public. Both Mr. Low and Sylvia are involved in the sales too.

Slowly, I got myself more and more interested in the events and ideas that the party has. Very soon I see myself being very involved. The next thing I know I was nominated as a Youth Wing executive committee. There were a total of 9 nominees. 6 will be elected from there. My campaign speech was by far the shortest, probably about 2 minutes or so.

My objective: Create greater political awareness among the women.
Women are contributing more and more to the society and are playing a fundamental role in our country’s economy. Therefore, we should have a say in politics, express our views, have our thoughts and ideas heard! We must increase the number of female members in the party! With that, I was elected into the Youth Wing Exco.

Our first activity was the Hari Raya Collection. We collected old clothes and Baju Kurong from Malay families in Opera Estate and donated them to the Malays orphanages. I would like to take this chance to thank the residents of Opera Estate. A Bowling session was organized whereby all members and friends were invited. It was a heart-warming session with very positive feedback that we should have this on a semi-annual basis! We have 2 other upcoming projects. They are the Breast cancer Awareness forum and movie screening, both to be held in October. We will also be planning a BBQ at the end of the year. Exciting huh? We would not be able to do it alone without the help and participation of the members.

Our Youth Wing President, Perry Tong, gave us lots of freedom and space to organize our activities. However, he also pointed out that we can have all the fun for the next 2 years, after which we would be doing ground-work for the next General Elections! Due to the fact that I missed it the last time, I am looking forward to the next one to help out in the ground-work. I know it’s going to be something fresh, interesting, fun and tiring.

I would like to take this opportunity to urge and welcome anyone who is interested to find out more about Workers’ Party, The Youth Wing, our goals and our activities to come down to our weekly Open house on Monday from 8 to 9.30pm. Location of open house (http://www.wp.sg/contact/contact.htm)

To all new members: WELCOME ONBOARD!