Singapore – Members of the newly minted Progress Singapore Party took their ground operations to Geylang Serai market on Sunday the 1st of December 2019. There were about 40 member strong, including Dr Tan Cheng Bock and Mr Abdul Rahman, CEC member representing the Malay community.
“We organised this walkabout in Geylang Serai to target the Malay community and to send them our love and wishes,” said Nur Indah, organiser of last Sunday’s walkabout.
“Geylang Serai is nostalgic to me, said Abdul Rahman. Although I’ve never resided there, I was a frequent visitor to the marketplace that sold Malay kuehs, savouries and other delectable foods like Nasi Padang. The wet-market has fresh herbs and vegetables as well as the wide choice of fish and meat.
Geyland Serai draws members from the other communities as well. The culturally rich enthnic enclave is also frequented by Chinese, Indians and Others.
Geylang Serai has undergone several changes with the old market having been torn down and replaced by a single huge building that accommodates retail shops, food stalls and the wet market.
Geylang Serai vicinity was also home to one and 2-room HDB flat dwellers, until recently.
Today, Geylang Serai is gentrified with newer flats and links to Joo Chiat area through a link-bridge.
Geylan Serai draws a huge crowd during the Ramadan month with a bustling bazaar serving the wants of the Malay and Indian muslim community.
Temporary sheds are set up to bring in festive cheer and it is also an opportunity for our businesses to engage the Malay community. Various items such as household goods, clothing, and other knickknacks that make for a pleasant Hari Raya shopping experience are available here.
“When Dr Tan Cheng Bock and our PSP team visited Geylang Serai last Sunday, the reception was overwhelming. Many recognized him instantly and took the moment’s opportunity for small-chat with him. Most Malays who once lived in the constituency during the days when Dr Tan was MP for Ayer Rajah would have remembered him as being a dedicated and passionate politician with much interest towards the needy and under-privileged, said Abdul Rahman.
When asked about whether they were contesting in that district, they said they are here to serve all Singaporeans; regardless of race, language, or religion. -/TISG