Why Vote for Me

By Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss, SPP Candidate for Mountbatten SMC

And so this lap of my journey for Mountbatten’s nearly complete. Today is the last day of campaigning, and tomorrow is cooling off day. It has been physically and mentally draining but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Mountbatten and I go way back. I grew up in Jalan Sedap and I have happy memories of my childhood spent there. When I got married, our first matrimonial home was at Meyer Road where I bore three out of my four children. As a child, I played at Katong Park. When I had my kids, I brought them there to play too.

Over the course of the campaign, I’ve reconnected with family friends and neighbours from my childhood and early marriage days. Just last week, one of my mum’s friends came up to me while I was giving out pamphlets at Dakota MRT and cheered me on. I’ve lost count of the friendships from GE2011 which I’ve re-kindled and the new ones I’ve made.

From my previous experience in 2011, I knew running a campaign in an SMC against an entrenched incumbent was never going to be easy. So, I’m proud to say I’ve run my campaign to the fullest of my ability with the help of a dedicated core of volunteers and the backing of the Singapore People’s Party (“SPP”).

This is a summary for why I would like you to give me a chance to serve you in Parliament.

 

My Mountbatten Manifesto

The centrepiece of my campaign is “My Mountbatten Manifesto”, a detailed document which I sent to residents in Mountbatten, and have made available online. The Straits Times described it as a “masterplan for the area”.

“My Mountbatten Manifesto” is crafted with a ear to the ground: it specifically addresses issues of Town Council management and handover (I promise to work with the incumbent to ensure this is done smoothly) as well as assuring residents that I will continue to fight for their community care assistance.

“My Mountbatten Manifesto” highlights practical improvements that need to be made around the constituency such as a lift at the overhead bridge outside Kampong Arang, and the importance of securing greater transport connectivity by internal shuttle services in Mountbatten.

However, more than that, “My Mountbatten Manifesto” is an invitation to the residents of Mountbatten to build a home for the heart with me. And, I don’t mean that as just a slogan.

“My Mountbatten Manifesto” details realistic and specific plans I have for the partial conservation of Dakota Crescent, and recommends turning it into a mixed commercial-heritage development which will house a community museum and integrated design, creative and heritage space where small business can co-exist with community projects. It also details plans for keeping prices of hawker food at Mountbatten’s hawker centres affordable.

“My Mountbatten Manifesto” also sets out the course I will chart in Parliament, and my plans to hold the Government accountable, if elected. This is the primary function of an MP: to speak up for residents in Parliament and to put the constituency on the national stage.

To me, “My Mountbatten Manifesto” is an opportunity for Mountbatten residents to reimagine the community, and a call-to-action to achieve these ideals together. Many of the proposals are small ones, but grounded ones. They have the potential to better the lives of Mountbatten residents with regard to local and national challenges ahead.

Executing My Plans

I am confident of my ability to to make “My Mountbatten Manifesto” happen.

As a corporate lawyer for 26 years who has built her own legal practice, I have the necessary attention to detail and an eye for compliance to execute my plans.

In estate matters, I have served several terms on the management committee of condominium in Siglap with aroud 1,000 units, and was Chairperson for two terms. I have dealt extensively with issues relating to third party contractors, vendors and suppliers, common property maintenance and management and sinking funds.

I promise to be a responsive MP: I will constantly interact with you to find out how I can improve to serve you better.

If elected, I will work twice as hard to ensure that your trust in me is not squandered. I will take pains to ensure that all Town Council matters are properly handed over within 30 days. My current campaign team, which will also form the nucleus of my transition team, includes a lawyer and an accountant.

Over the last four years, I have sought to retain my presence in Mountbatten within the constraints of my personal resources and time. I hope you will assess me based on the merits of my plans for Mountbatten and my personal attributes and credentials. If you give me a chance to serve you, you will not be disappointed.

Regardless of the outcome on polling day, thank you for the unforgettable experience of being able to run for office for Mountbatten.

As tomorrow is cooling off day, I will not be able to update my internet platforms. To assist you in finding out more about me, please see the following material to get to know me better:

MY INTERNET MATERIAL

My YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpPxGGSWIMG84hCTVQwL3cg

My Nomination Day Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhj7Th28qXU

My Campaign Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rIu6Y90B2U

My Rally Highlights Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AONfhjKk6Yg

My Rally Speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVNPCx8V7k4

My hubby’s rally speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k42HliaAngU

My Supporters’ Rally speeches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt4LsUhPeOohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP0VLiHbnPE

My blog
http://jeannettechongaruldoss.blogspot.sg/

My Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/jeannetteformountbatten

MEDIA MATERIALS ON ME

From The Straits Times:
http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/ge2015-singapore-peoples-party-candidate-jeannette-chong-aruldoss-unveils-manifesto-for
http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/condo-voters-hold-court-as-lawyers-face-off-a-second-time

From Today:
http://www.todayonline.com/ge2015/chong-aruldoss-work-architects-preserve-dakota-crescent
http://www.todayonline.com/ge2015/chong-aruldoss-highly-unsatisfied-elds-response-pms-photos
http://www.todayonline.com/ge2015/spps-chong-aruldoss-plans-make-managing-town-council-her-priority
http://www.todayonline.com/ge2015/mps-real-value-fight-residents-says-chong-aruldoss

From Yahoonews.sg
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ge2015--jeannette-chong-aruldoss-of-the-singapore-people-s-party-080034134.html?linkId=16882062

From The Online Citizen
http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2015/09/welcome-to-battlefield-mountbatten-jeannette-chong-aruldoss-strives-to-swing-voters-her-way/
http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2015/08/jeannette-chong-aruldoss-launches-mountbatten-manifesto/

From The Mothership.sg
http://mothership.sg/2015/09/nicole-seah-interviews-spps-jeannette-chong-aruldoss-why-contest-in-mountbatten-smc-again/

Mountbatten SMC SPP Rally on 6 Sep 2015 (Highlight Reel)

Highlight reel of the evening's proceedings at the Open Field at Stadium Boulevard. Featuring Mr Bryan Long, Mr Abdillah Zamzuri, Dr Ting Choon Meng, Mr James Aruldoss, Mrs Lina Chiam, Mr Choo Zheng Xi, and Ms Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss. Special guests for the evening were Mr Chiam See Tong and Mr Tan Cheng Bock.

Mountbatten SMC SPP Rally - Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss' Speech

The video of my speech from the Mountbatten SPP rally.

Mountbatten SMC SPP Rally - James Aruldoss' Speech in Teochew and Malay

My husband, my rock, and my personal translator who speaks multiple languages.

Mountbatten SMC SPP Rally - Benjamin Pwee's Speech

Benjamin Pwee, SPP candidate for Bishan Toa-Payoh, speaking at the Mountbatten SMC rally on Sunday night.

Mountbatten SMC SPP Rally - Choo Zheng Xi's Speech

One of my campaign volunteers, 30 year old lawyer Choo Zheng Xi, explaining why he joined my campaign team.

Mountbatten SMC SPP Rally - Dr Ting Choon Meng's Speech

A resident of Mountbatten and a friend of mine, Dr Ting Choon Meng explains why he's supporting me. Thank you Dr Ting.

Mountbatten SMC SPP Rally - Bryan Long's Speech

Bryan Long, the from the SPP team for Bishan Toa-Payoh, speaking for me at the SPP Mountbatten Rally. Thanks Bryan!

Official "Jeannette For Mountbatten" Campaign Video 2015

Jeannette Chong Aruldoss - Nomination Day

TRANSCRIPT OF SPEECH DELIVERED ON NOMINATION DAY – 1ST SEPTEMBER 2015:

Mountbatten voters, 4 years ago I stood before you and told you of my desire to serve you. Four years have now passed, but my desire to serve you has only grown more intense, and more urgent.

We need to close the gap between what our government is delivering - and what we deserve. We need to close the gap between the system we now have - and the society we want.

Let me speak-up for you, because my opponent sometimes cannot speak, for fear of the party whip. Let me stand up for you, to fight for your entitlements, because our leaders sometimes do not hear our voices.

Mountbatten voters, come polling day, vote for me. I will be your tireless MP in Mountbatten, and your fearless fighter in Parliament.

My Mountbatten Manifesto

Dear friends, do take a look at my manifesto for Mountbatten below. Many of the plans have been inspired by consultations with residents, and they address many of the heartfelt concerns of those who desire for Mountbatten to grow and thrive as a community.

A BURIED FORT - THE SPIRIT OF KATONG AWAITS RELEASE

In 2004, over 1000 volunteers worked to uncover Fort Tanjong Katong in Katong Park and, in the process, recovered and fortified their community ties.

A dry season in 2001 uncovered an outline of a bastion wall, capturing the attention of Mountbatten resident, Jack Sim, who urged authorities to investigate the site. In 2004, archaeologists were commissioned to excavate the buried Fort. The initiative grew at a rapid pace and in space of four weeks, $200,000 had been raised to fund the excavation.

Archaeologists and volunteers worked tirelessly to uncover a military structure so intact that experts were quick to call it Singapore’s only ‘true fort’. It was hailed as one of Singapore’s most important archaeological finds.

The uncovering of the Fort created an atmosphere of euphoria as more than 1000 volunteers, ranging from students to working professionals, came together to assist archaeologists. Lim Chen Sian, archaeologist and Head Project Manager of the 2004 Fort Tanjong Katong excavation, marvelled the project’s effect on the local community:

“It triggered something in themselves and their environment [because] it’s more than just ‘My school teacher told me this’ or ‘My textbook taught me that’. It became something organic.” – Lim Chen Sian

(Source - http://www.goingplacessingapore.sg/heritage/2014/FortTanjongKatong.aspx)

The Fort stirred a fierce spirit within the residents of Mountbatten. The discovery of history and the reappearance of a remnant of a different era created a sense of ownership among the people. They united with a new spirit – bersatu dengan semangat yang baru – to uncover and perhaps even recover something they could call their own. Something unique to their neighbourhood; a landmark they could be proud of.

The restoration of the Fort represented a similar re-building of a spirit of community buried in the hearts of Mountbatten’s residents. As the Fort was increasingly revealed, so were the ties of community. The Fort became an important symbol of the neighbourhood’s identity, something not immediately obvious, but clearly felt by the hundreds who volunteered in that period.

Unfortunately, efforts to uncover the Fort have run into obstacles over the years as the government cited costs of excavation and maintenance, and problems arising from the fact that the Fort extends into state land. It is a shame that local government organizations like the People’s Association did not push for initiatives like these to be completed. It is disappointing that Mountbatten’s political leaders did not seize this momentous opportunity to listen to its community and work with them to rediscover heritage and strengthen communal ties. This is certainly a let-down for the community at large. The Fort not only possesses a historical significance, but it also could have also served as a symbol of pride and identity for Mountbatten residents and for Singaporeans at large.

As the over a century-old Fort is reburied into the ground, the atmosphere of community excitement surrounding it has also died down. The hundreds of volunteers have since fragmented and moved on with their own lives – perhaps wistfully holding on to the memory of a time when Mountbatten came together uncover a piece of history they could claim as their own. In short, a golden opportunity for community-building has been squandered.

But the short excavation gave us a glimpse of Mountbatten’s potential. A fort is a defensive structure that allows a group of people to defend and fight as a stronger unit.  It is designed to turn away foes and to strengthen a community of people. It surrounds, it protects, and it inspires. It is a physical symbol of the courage and resilience of a people, because it sends the message, “We are here; we are in this together; and we are staying.”

But a fort does not need to be standing to draw a community together. Its metaphorical walls also can remind people of their unity and spirit.

In 2004, the Fort allowed a community to be greater than the sum of its parts.  The gathering of 1000 enthusiastic volunteers shows that the community can be strong and vigorous when it is united for a cause.

I believe that this is but a tantalising taste of what Mountbatten as a community is capable of when it is able to come together. I only hope that the community will be given another opportunity to rediscover its identity and be proud of its heritage.

If elected, I would fight for the well-being of the Mountbatten community, defend its heritage and champion its unity of spirit.