In Bukit Panjang SMC, Dr Paul of the SDP achieved a total of 38.59% versus incumbent PAP’s Liang Eng Hwa who achieved 67.4 %.
Effects of Walking the Ground
Mr Liang has walked the Ground and have claimed credit to his works and initiatives. Props to him for walking the ground unlike other PAP MPs.
Paul Tambyah speech made a point on how projects happening within the constituencies are funded by the tax payer and statutory boards.
Mr Liang has claimed to work with the Civil service in providing feedback on projects from residents and giving different ideas to stat boards which ultimately helps improves the lives of citizens.
During the Election, Dr Tambyah was unable to convince voters that projects and programmes helmed by Mr Liang (like the $1 Meal). Dr Paul’s lack of grassroot traction hindered his ability to convince swing voters.
Dr Tambyah’s campaign strategy was focused on healthcare and affordability. Usually aiming his policy rebuttals against current Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. This in theory should be a topic that resonate dearly with older voters.
Dr Paul’s approach to mainly focus on policy intricacies did not really fit the platform of a rally and his focus on Ong Ye Kung would most probably have shifted in favour of the opposition in Sembawang GRC but did not really have any effect within Bukit Panjang SMC.
TLDR : To Win the Election as the opposition, you need to be able to walk the ground and talk about local issues.
