Constituencies in Central Singapore

IF I were the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee

When you look at the GRCs in Central Singapore, almost all of them are sprawling, and group together locations that could be better off apart; like Buona Vista and Tanjong Pagar in Tanjong Pagar GRC, Moulmein and Kallang in Moulmein - Kallang, and parts of Seng Kang and Upper Thompson in Ang Mo Kio GRC.

Moulmein - Kallang seems to be unnecessarily unwieldy, sprawling over 4 highways (PIE, CTE, ECP and KPE), and requiring a 16 min drive on the PIE to get from Aljunied Road (at one end) to Eng Neo Avenue (on the other end).

The 2 SMCs (Radin Mas and Whampoa) also have a strange feature of putting together 2 areas separated by an expressway (CTE running through Whampoa, and AYE separating the 2 halves in Radin Mas).

Telok Blangah SMC

Single Member Constituency (SMC)

I have a bachelor friend that lives at Telok Blangah way. One year, for Chinese New Year, we decided to celebrate CNY with a steamboat at his house. Upon reaching his place, we realized that as a bachelor living alone, his kitchen was bereft of common kitchen utensils, including vegetable peeler/ shredder needed to prepare yu sheng. So I hopped into another friend's car, and we drove down the street trying to find a market or a neighbourhood shop where we can purchase one. We eventually found one at a market 5 mins away, at Telok Blangah Drive. To me, this is the essence of what makes a good constituency; easy to travel within it, and sharing amenities that the surrounding area uses.

Looking at the current electoral boundaries, I found it incredible strange that the Telok Blangah Drive/ Heights area is a different constituency from Telok Blangah Way/ Rise area, and even more that the latter is in the same SMC as the Bukit Merah estate across the AYE. Even transportation wise, the Bukit Merah estate might find it better to be serviced by the Redhill and Tiong Bahru MRT stations, while the Telok Blangah Way/ Rise area use Harbourfront MRT and Bus Interchange.

I then decided to create a very straightforward SMC: Telok Blangah, bounded by the AYE/ Keppel Viaduct to the north, and Alexandra Road to the west. The main transportation and retail centre would be the Harbourfront area, which includes the MRT station, Bus Interchange, Harbourfront and Vivocity shopping centre, among others.

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Possible. No strong reason against the formation of this SMC. The PAP can continue to field Sam Tan, who is the incumbent in Radin Mas SMC, and expect to win by a large margin. Since the NSP contested Radin Mas in 2011, it is possible that they will do so here.

Pasir Panjang SMC

Single Member Constituency (SMC)

Comprising of part of Telok Blangah Consitiuency in the east, and West Coast in the West, Pasir Panjang can possibly be an new SMC. Although Pasir Panjang does not have much infrastructure to work with currently, there is potential for development along Pasir Panjang road, especially between Pasir Panjang and Labrador MRT, where such development would also benefit the commercial buildings like the massive Mapletree Business City.

The northern and eastern boundaries would be the AYE and Alexandra Road respectively. the western boundary would be an imaginary running from South Buona Vista road to the sea. excluding Haw Par Villa and Haw Par Villa MRT from this SMC, and including the residential areas around Pasir Panjang Road/ Pasir Panjang Hill/ Zehnder Road

How Likely will we see the formation of this SMC in GE 2015/2016

50/50 Chance. If the West Coast GRC breaks up, there is no reason why this SMC would not form. The PAP candidate here could be S Iswaran, the previous MP for Telok Blangah. Additionally as a minister in the PMO, as well as being the 2nd minister for both Home Affairs and Trade and Industry, He would very likely be elected over a possible RP opponent.

Downtown GRC

5 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

One of the sacred cows in Singapore's Politics is to revere all things Lee Kwan Yew. This includes the Tanjong Pagar GRC, which the late Mr Lee had represented since 1955. Hence, the breakup of this GRC is slaying one of the Sacred Cowss, which the EBRC is highly unlikely to do. Thankfully, this is a mental exercise, and as an anonymous voice on the internet, I can kill as many cows as I can (as long as there is good reason for it).

The old Tanjong Pagar GRC, as well as the old Moulmein - Kallang GRC were too large and unwieldy. However, when I chose to ignore pre-existing boundaries for a moment, and just focus at the area at hand, I saw the potential to create a cohesive and relative compact GRC.

Bounded by the Kallang river to the east, the CTE to the north-west, and the keppel viaduct to the south, I created a GRC, with the various historical districts at its core. (Note: the the small estate around York Hill, Jalan Minyak and Jalan Kukoh is included in the GRC despite being west of the CTE, and the small area bounded by Jalan Bukit Merah, Kampung Bahru Road, AYE and CTE are considered not part of this GRC)

The 5 constituencies I created are Kampong Glam (previously from Moulmein - Kallang), Chinatown (taking over most of the previous Kreta Ayer - Kim Seng Constituency), Little India (stretching from Fort Canning to Farrer Park), Tanjong Pagar (previously from Tanjong Pagar GRC) and Boon Keng (all areas north of Balestier Road/ Lavender Street).

Despite having no specific centre/hub, this area has a common identity of being part of the  the various historical districts, and have the second role as the central commercial area of Singapore (previously known as the CBD). Additionally, if I'm not wrong, these areas comprise of much older estates. Hence MPs here have the common goal of upgrading old estates and preserving historical elements of Singapore, among their many duties.

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Highly unlikely. The EBRC is unlikely to breakup Tanjong Pagar GRC. If this GRC appears though, it is unlikely to contain the Tanjong Pagar  constituency. We can possibly see the PAP team led by Yaacob Ibrahim going up against the WP, who had a strong showing in 2011 with 41.44% of the votes in Moulmein - Kallang GRC. However this is contingent on the absence of three-cornered fights, which almost happened in 2011 when the NSP also expressed interest in contesting Moulmein - Kallang.

Commonwealth - Tiong Bahru GRC

3- Member Group Constituency (GRC)

With Tanjong Pagar and most of Kreta Ayer- Kim Seng going to the Downtown GRC, Tanglin - Cairnhill to Dunearn - Bukit Timah GRC, and Part of Buona Vista to Clementi GRC, the remaining area can be rearranged into 3 constituencies; Commonwealth, Queenstown and Tiong Bahru; each named for the MRT station that service each area. Although this remaining area is originally made up of 1 3/4 original constituencies, I believe that the bulk of voters in the previous Tanjong Pagar GRC came from this area, and unless proven through more accurate numbers (that the real EBRC would have access to), I believe that this area would contain more than 60,000 voters, enough to justify a 3-member GRC.

Despite not having a central hub to service as a transportation hub or a commercial centre, this GRC's relative small size coupled with the MRT line running through this GRC, makes it a slightly better GRC configuration, than most of the current GRCs we gained in 2011

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Very unlikely. The formation of this GRC is dependant on too many unlikely factors: the re-introduction of 3-membered GRCs, the breakup of Tanjong Pagar GRC and the creation of a HDB estate-focused GRC without an affluent constituency (like Tanglin - Cairnhill) added to it. With a walkover here in the past 5 election, It is difficult to assess which way the voters here will lean, an additional reason why the PAP will not favor such a GRC. On the other hand, there is very little opposition presence in this area.

Balestier SMC

Single Member Constituency (SMC)

Similar to Radin Mas SMC, Whampoa has a strange characteristic of grouping 2 estates divided by a highway. To make it easier to manage, I decided to remove the portion south of the CTE, and instead add the area east of Thompson Road.

This new SMC would have the clear boundaries of the PIE, the CTE and Thompson Road. With this new configuration, I felt it was better to rename it Balestier SMC, to better reflect Balestier Road running through this SMC.

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Possible. Although the incumbent MP, Heng Chee How, should be able to win here with a comfortable margin. His opponent sould be NSP's Ken Sun, who had contested in Whampoa twice; once in 2011 and in 1988.

Bishan - Toa Payoh GRC

5 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

Among all the GRCs in the 2011 Election, I felt that only 2 of them made any sense. Bishan - Toa Payoh was one of them, being relatively compact with obvious boundaries, and having a primary in Bishan Central (A train and bus interchange, with a major Shopping mall, Junction 8) and other facilities, and secondary centre in Toa Payoh Central (with an MRT station and a retail/service hub)

Although this is made of clearly 2 self-contained areas (Bishan and Toa Payoh), both of them enjoy geographical proximity: it is very easy to travel from one hub to another via MRT, and both of them are separated by a single road (Bradell road). By comparison Pasir Ris and Punggol, although being in the same GRC, are geographically far (5km apart), and require at least a 6 minute drive on the TPE to get from the 2 nearest points. Furthermore, as one would have to rely on buses, it is not as easy to travel from Pasir Ris to Punggol.

With the execption of 2 minor additions, the boundaries of this GRC is relatively unchanged. The 2 additions include the Mount Pleasant area (bounded by Lornie Road, PIE and Thompson Road), and the small sliver of land west of the CTE, that previously belonged to Potong Pasir SMC.

The updated  Bishan - Toa Payoh GRC as a whole still have clear boundaries; Bishan Park/ Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 to the north, the CTE to the East, the PIE to the south and Lornie Road/Upper Thompson Road to the west (although this GRC includes the Thomson area west/below Upper Thompson Road).

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Very likely. As a GRC in the 2011 GE, there is no reason why we will not see it this election. The PAP should see a victory here, even though their result here in 2011 is slightly lower than PAP's national average. The current team is led by Dr Ng Eng Hen. In the previous election, we saw the SPP, led by ex-MP Chiam See Tong contest here. However, due to Chiam See Tong's current frail condition, and the absence of any other strong candidates in the SPP after Benjamin Pwee's departure, leave the prospect of the SPP contesting this GRC in the upcoming GE rather uncertain.

Ang Mo Kio GRC

5 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

Looking at this area of Singapore, I can easily see clear boundaries for this GRC; SLE to the north, CTE to the east, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 to the south, and Upper Thompson Road to the west. 

Previously I felt that Ang Mo Kio unnecessarily included parts of Seng Kang, Hougang and Serangoon in the form of the Jalan Kayu constituency and parts of  and the Cheng San - Seletar Constituency. With these new boundaries, the Jalan Kayu constituency is taken out, as well as the Seletar portion of the Cheng San - Seletar Constituency, leaving us with a Cheng San ward. 

This leaves us with a more compact (and manageable) GRC with Ang Mo Kio MRT, Bus Interchange and AMK Hub at the centre.

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Very very unikely. The PAP will be unhappy with the configuration of this GRC for 2 main reasons; firstly, it is said that the PAP use the larger GRCs to protect key people. (The larger the GRC, the harder it is for the opposition to assemble a team with that many strong candidates to contest that GRC). Since the current Prime Minister is fielded here, any configuration other than a 6 - member GRC is unfavorable. Secondly, Lee Hsein Loong is a strong candidate, and is able to pull in votes from undecided and the neutral voters, and even winning over some opposition supporters. Hence the PAP would want to see the GRC he is in to take districts or even constituencies from the opposition-leaning areas of Hougang, Seng Kang and Serangoon. So to create such a GRC, would be to slaughter a sacred cow that the EBRC is sure not to touch.

In this configuration, the PAP team should be led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and is expected to win an overwhelming victory here. This GRC was contested by the Reform Party in 2011.

Constituencies in Northern Singapore

IF I were the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee

As I mentioned previously, I found it really strange that the previous EBRC had chose to split up Sembawang and give it to the other two GRCs surrounding it. Furthermore, this divide is not some simple "the left part goes one way, and the right portion the other", but (IMO) a really disruptive one with the middle of Sembawang (new town) going to Nee Soon GRC, and the areas on both sides going to Sembawang GRC. (Equally ironic is that Sembawang MRT is not part of Sembawang GRC.)

Also mentioned previously, when we look at many of the Single-Member Constituencies in the 2011 Election, you can see that they are awkwardly carved out of another GRC. When the EBRC seeks to create a SMC, I feel that they should choose areas that have clear boundaries, and is self-containing with a transportation hub (In the form of a MRT station and a bus interchange), a commercial centre (like shopping centre), areas of recreation and parkland, as well as other amenities like a library, a polyclinic or a hospital and religious places of worship like mosques, temples and churches. 

Sembawang SMC

Single Member Constituency (SMC)

I find it really curious that since 1984, Sembawang was never made into an SMC. When I look at the map of Singapore, only 3 areas stand out to me as textbook SMC quality, and Sembawang is one of them.

The Sembawang SMC I am proposing has very clear boundaries; Sungei Sembawang to the west, Gambas Ave to the south-west, and the man-made canal to the east. It has a transportation hub in the form of Sembawang MRT, and the adjacent Sembawang Bus Interchange. Sembawang has a small commercial in Sun Plaza, which contains a public library, and all over Sembawang are numerous greens and parks, with Sembawang Park being the largest. 

How Likely will we see the formation of this SMC in GE 2015/2016

Highly Possible. There is no reason why this SMC should not be formed. The PAP can field Khaw Boon Wan and expect to win comfortablly. Following historical precendence, we can expect the SDP to contest here. 

Yishun GRC

5 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

Except for the removal of the Canberra Constituency, my proposed Yishun GRC is still very similar to the previous Nee Soon GRC. Yishun GRC also has very clear boundaries; The Man-made canal to the north, followed by the south-east perimeter of the Sembawang Airbase, which then joins to the SLE to the south, and Lower Seletar reservoir to the east.

The most obvious item I would have to address is the change of the name from Nee Soon GRC to Yishun GRC. I believe that the naming of the various constituencies must be done to reflect the area it is representing, and it should be recognizable to most Singaporeans. Ask the average Singaporean, and I believe most would have difficulties identifying where in Singapore is Nee Soon, while Yishun is far more recognizable. Furthermore, most of the main roads in this area contain Yishun, with barely a trace of Nee Soon being seen. 

With Nee Soon GRC (with Canberra Constituency) being a 5-membered GRC, shouldn't I create Yishun GRC as a 4-membered GRC? Firstly, Nee Soon GRC was estimated to be the 5th largest GRC in Singapore, with an estimated 148,168 voters in 2011. Even without Canberra Constituency, there would still be more voters than the smaller GRCs like West Coast (120,956) and East Coast (120,207). Furthermore, we should take into account future developments in the Lentor/Springleaf area. Hence I believe that it would be better a 5-membered GRC.

In keeping to my policy of naming SMC/GRCs to better reflect the areas they represent, my 5 constituencies of the Yishun GRC are: Chong Pang (Remains as the same), Yishun North, Yishun East, Kathib and Springleaf.

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Very Likely. Whether named as Nee Soon GRC or Yishun GRC, we would definitely see this GRC this upcoming GE. The exact boundaries would remain to be determined though. The PAP, led by the highly regarded K Shanmugan should expect to win by a large margin. We can expect the WP to continue to contest here. 

Woodlands GRC

5 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

As with the Yishun GRC, except for the removal of the Sembawang Constituency, my proposed Woodlands GRC has otherwise the same boundaries as the previous Sembawang GRC; Sungei Sembawang and the end of Gambas Avenue to the east, followed by the south-east perimeter of the Sembawang Airbase, which then joins to Mandai Road to the south, and the canal (running somewhat parallel to woodlands road) to the west.

The previous Sembawang GRC was also one of the larger ones, with an estimated 142,351 voters. Hence I am once again proposing a 5-membered GRC, comprising of Admiralty, Woodlands Central (new), Woodlands North (new), Marsling and Woodgrove.

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Very Likely. Whether named as Sembawang GRC or Woodlands GRC, we should see this GRC this upcoming GE. With Khaw Boon Wan being fielded in Sembawang SMC, PAP would need to parachute in a new minister to lead the PAP team here. PAP would in this ward with a larger margin compared to the national average in the 2011 GE, the PAP should expect to win here again this coming election. Unless there are big changes to the line-up fielded in 2011, we should expect to see the SDP contesting here once again, with possible candidate James Gomez.

Constituencies in Western Singapore

IF I were the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee

What I dislike about the current electoral boundaries can be easily summarized into 2 points: Most of the GRCs/SMCs either breakup areas that should be grouped together (logically and intuitively), or group together areas that should not be together. And the constituencies in the Westen part of Singapore shows us GRCs/SMCs that are guilty of one or the other, and for some, guilty of both simultaneously.

Hong Kah North attempts to group together 2 estates, one in Bukit Batok, and one at Jalan Boon Lay. To travel from one to the other, one would need to drive 16 minutes on the PIE, or take 50 minutes by bus. Similarly, the Nanyang Constituency in Choa Chu Kang Constituency would feel woefully separate from the rest of the GRC (16 min drive in the KJE/PIE, and 40 mins by bus/train is needed to travel from Choa Chu Kang MRT to Nanyang Community Centre).

Among all the GRCs in Singapore, I feel that West Coast GRC is one of the worst conceived, and I feel for the ministers (and the Town Council) in this GRC, because it seems like it simply lumped all the remaining constituencies in this area into one GRC. It takes more than a 20 min drive on the AYE, and up to 70 minutes on public transport to travel from Telok Blangah to Boon Lay. I believe that all members of a GRCs should have the same identity, experience similar living conditions due to the shared use of the same infrastructure like transportation, recreational and commercial spaces. Other than West Coast and Clementi, I believe that none of the constituencies have any common identity, common infrastructure and facilities. It is entirely possible that a resident of Boon Lay has never set foot in Ayer Rajah, West Coast and vice versa.

As for dividing up places that should logically and intuitively be grouped together, Jurong and Yuhua is a good example of this. Yuhua seems to be haphazardly carved out from the middle of Jurong GRC. This can also be seen in Pioneer SMC and West Coast GRC, as well as in Bukit Panjang SMC and Holland - Bukit Timah GRC. I understand that these pairs of SMC and GRC currently have a shared Town council, share many facilities and organize joint grassroots activities. If that is so, why have them separate to begin with. Furthermore these boundaries assume the same political party winning  both members of the pair (which might be the political reason for such boundaries if gerrymandering rumors are to be believed). Because if different parties won either of them, it would simply be logistically and operationally (and unnecessarily) difficult to manage each constituents.

The (residential) area to the west of Corporation Road annoys me greatly. It is not a very large area, yet the previous EBRC managed to carve it into 4 different portions; Pioneer SMC, Part of Hong Kah North SMC, Nanyang constituency from Choa Chu Kang GRC and Boon Lay from West Coast GRC. Why can't they just make this into one GRC?

Likewise, I suffer the same annoyance when I look at the area around the Bukit Panjang LRT. A logical person would group this area together, and not divide it up into 3 parts (Choa Chu Kang GRC, Holland- Bukit Timah GRC and Bukit Panjang GRC). Instead, the constituencies around the LRT (Cashew and Zhenghua) is grouped with constituencies like Bukit Timah, which are a distance away.

Boon Lay GRC

3 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

As mentioned above, it seem completely irrational not to group all the residential areas to the west of Corporation Road together in one GRC. While not containing residential areas, due to geographical proximity and current roads, it would be logical to add the Joo Koon/Tuas industrial area, and the Lim Chu Kang forested area to this GRC. Hence the boundaries for this GRC would be Kranji Reservoir, KJE, PIE, Jurong West Ave 2, Corporation Road, Jurong Port road, Jalan Buroh and Jurong River.  

I feel that this is a much better grouping than West Coast GRC by far. Almost all the residents here would need to pass through Boon Lay MRT or Boon Lay Bus Interchange, and Jurong Point serves as the primary shopping centre/area for this region.

Since Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned that his instructions to the EBRC is to have smaller GRC, I am interpreting this as the possible revival of the 3-member GRCs. Since this GRC would now comprise of 3 1/3 of previous wards (Boon Lay from West Coast, Nanyang from Choa Chu Kang, Pioneer SMC, and 1/3 of Hong Kah North), I think it would be better to position this as a 3 member GRC. 

Although I would keep the original constituency names: Boon Lay, Pioneer and Nanyang, I would like to rearrange the individual constituencies' boundaries:

- Boon Lay: All the residential areas east of Jalan Bahar/Jalan Boon Lay

- Pioneer: All residential areas west of Jalan Boon Lay, and south of Jurong West 4

- Nanyang: All residential areas west of Jalan Bahar and north of Jurong West Ave 4

How Likely will we see the formation of this SMC in GE 2015/2016

50/50 Chance. It is strange that this area is butchered to this extent. The PAP poll very well in this area. (All four areas poll higher than PAP national average, with Choa Chu Kang polling 5% higher than the national average, and Hong Kah North a whopping 10% higher than the national average.) The PAP team here can be led by Lawrence Wong, and their likely opponents would be the NSP, most likely led by previous NCMP Steve Chia.

Jurong GRC

5 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

Generally speaking, I believe that Expressways and waterways should be natural boundaries. So when it came to looking at Jurong as a GRC, it was very easy to identify the PIE as the northern border, and Sungei Pandan as the eastern boundary. However, when it came to the Ayer Rajah Constituency, I felt that I should make an exception to this rule.

Ayer Rajah is a tiny constituency, comprising of 50+ blocks divided in 2 estates. Although they are separated from Jurong by the AYE, Jurong remains its nearest transportation hub  and shopping area (A 4 min drive via Jurong Town hall road).

As I mentioned above, I would include Yuhua as part of the Jurong GRC. Bukit Batok  on the other hand, seems rather out of place. They are geographically separate (divided by the PIE), and have their own transportation hub and commercial centre. Hence I removed  Bukit Batok and Bukit Batok east from Jurong, ending with a 5 ward GRC.

The boundaries for Jurong GRC thus would be the PIE to the north, Sungei Pandan to the east, and Jurong West Ave 2 and Corporation Road to the west

Ayer Rajah can remain as a constituency, but I feel inclined to re arrange the rest of Jurong, and to rename them based on the MRT station that service them. The new constituencies would be Jurong East (All areas east of Jurong Town Hall road), Chinese Gardens (Areas between Jurong Town Hall road and Jurong River), Lakeside (Previously Taman Jurong) and Jurong West (Areas North  of Boon Lay way and west of Jurong River)

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Very Likely. With my re-arrangement, we now see 2 possible team leader in Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Grace Fu. It is possible that one of them would be parachuted into a newly created SMC, or to lead a team in a newly formed GRC. The PAP, should continue to to win here, winning more than 66% of the votes last election. Their opponents should be the NSP, although the SDP contested Yuhua previously.

Bukit Batok SMC

Single Member Constituency (SMC)

As mentioned before, Bukit Batok has a transportation hub, a central shopping centre (West Mall) and various amenities like a polyclinic, a community hospital, a library and various parks. This makes it a good candidate to be an SMC.

The boundaries for Bukit Batok is KJE, Brickland Road and Bukit Batok Road to the north-west, PIE to the south, Bukit Batok East Ave 2 and Bukit Batok Street 25 to the east, and Bukit Batok Central, Bukit Batok East Ave 2 and Bukit Batok Street 52/  Bukit Batok  East Ave 5 to the north. 

When determining the between Bukit Batok and Bukit Gombak, Hillgrove Gardens estate at Bukit Batok East Ave 2/ Bukit Batok Street 52  came up for discussion. Ultimately, I felt that they would identify more with being in Bukit Batok due to proximity and ease of public transportation to the MRT.

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Likely. If the EBRC intend to carve out new SMCS, this should be one of its top candidates. Furthermore, with Halimah Bte Yacob, the current speaker of Parliment, and the incumbent, the PAP should have no difficulty in maintaining its high polling numbers here. We would potentially see NSP or SDP contesting here. The NSP previously contested Jurong GRC in 2011, of which Bukit Batok was previously a part of.

Bukit Gombak SMC

Single Member Constituency (SMC)

Unlike Bukit Batok to the south, Bukit Gombak is a very weak candidate for being an SMC. Although it has an MRT station, it does not have a bus interchange, a central shopping centre/area, and amenities like libraries or medical facilities.

I had 2 options with Bukit Gombak: make it a constituent under Choa Chu Kang GRC, or believe in its potential to grow into a self-sustaining SMC. I chose to go with the latter, although I acknowledge that if this happens, the MP would have an uphill task in developing this area.

The original Bukit Gombak constituency is made up of 2 areas: the area south of the MRT station, and the residential area around Hillview avenue. Additionally, the bulk of Hong Kah North SMC is just above the Bukit Gombak MRT. For this SMC, I decided to combine both areas north and south of the MRT, and choose to give the Hillview area to Choa Chu Kang GRC.

The Boundaries for this SMC is Bukit Batok Road to the north, Bukit Batok West Ave 2 to the west, Bukit Batok Central and Bukit Batok Street 52 to the south, and an imaginary line through the forested area, from Bukit Batok East Avenue 5 to Bukit Batok Road

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Very unlikely. However, if this SMC do surface, we should expect to see the very popular Amy Khor to run here, and either maintain or increase the 70.6% of votes last election. As for opposition parties, we could see the SPP or the NSP running here. 

Yew Tee SMC

Single Member Constituency (SMC)

Together with Sembawang and Simei, Yew Tee is an ideal candidate for being an SMC; Clear Boundaries (Kranji Reservoir to the west, KJE to the south and the rail corridor/Canal to the east), A transport hub (Yew Tee MRT), a central shopping area (Yew Tee Square, Yew Tee Shopping centre, Market, etc...) and amenities like a polyclinic, a sports complex/stadium and various parks.

Although it does not have a bus interchange, buses can be taken at the bus stop just next to the MRT station the ply the whole area.

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Possible. Although the incumbent MP for Yew Tee is a PAP Backbencher, Alex Yam is the executive director for the PAP HQ, and is an advisor to NTUC. He may be a one of the very few backbencher running in a SMC. Although the NSP previously contested Choa Chu Kang in 2011, of which Yew Tee was a part of, it is most likely that Yew Tee will also be of strong interest to the SDP, who have shown strong activity in this area. The PAP should have no problems in retaining this area though.

Choa Chu Kang GRC

5 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

When you look at the areas serviced by the Bukit Panjang LRT, namely the Choa Chu Kang, Keat Hong, Cashew, Zhenghua and Pasir Panjang Constituencies, it is obvious that they should be in the same GRC. All 5 are serviced by the same transportation infrastructure, with the hub being Choa Chu Kang MRT and bus interchange. 

Because it is servicing the hub, most of these residents would also use Lot 1, although each constituentcy have their own shopping centres like Junction 10, Hillion Mall, Bukit Panjang Plaza and Fajar Shopping Centre/Market. Furthermore, since all these shopping centres are along the LRT line, it is also very easy for any residents to visit any of these malls.

Although this new GRC will service 5 1/2 constituencies (including the Hillview area from Bukit Gombak), and Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang was previously the largest SMC and GRC with an estimated 33,035 and 158,552 voters respectively, I feel very reluctant to make it a 6-membered GRC. As per the PM's request, I want to make GRC stay as small as far as possible. If I were the real Electoral Boundaries Review Committee, I would base my decision on the number of registered voters in this area. If there are more than 165,000 voters (The smallest 6-membered GRC in 2011 had an estimated 168,834 voters), I would make it a 6-membered GRC. Till then, it would remain as a 5-membered GRC

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Very Unlikely. With the exception of Bukit Panjang, the PAP's track record in this area is around the national average (60.1% in Holland Bukit Timah, and 61.2% in Choa Chu Kang). It is unlikely that the PAP would want to rock the boat by making any drastic changes in this area. Furthermore, the SDP has been contesting Bukit Panjang since 1988 (even though their poll results never see them poll higher than 35%), removing this SMC might results in claims of gerrymandering. The SDP tend to be one of the most vocal opposition parties in Singapore.

In the very unlikely situation of Choa Chu Kang GRC having this new configuration, we can see a PAP team led by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong. The NSP and the SDP would want to contest this GRC. The NSP team could be led by Secretary General Hazel Poa, with her Husband Tony, or by the President Sebastian Teo, all three having contested previously in Choa Chu Kang GRC in 2011. 

Dunearn - Bukit Timah GRC

4 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

Just below the Central Catchment area, I had 4 constituencies: Half of Bukit Batok East from Jurong GRC, Half of Ulu Pandan and Bukit Timah, previously from the Holland- Bukit Timah GRC, Tanglin- Cairnhill from Tanjong Pagar GRC, and Moulmein from the Moulmein - Kallang GRC.

It seemed easy to lump them together and form a GRC, but I was very reluctant to do so. I did not want to create another West Coast GRC, lumping 4 constituencies next together together, without any common identity or common infrastructure used.

Upon further consideration, I decided that there are 3 uniting factors: Firstly, all these areas are serviced by the parallel Bukit Timah Road/ Dunearn Road which runs the entire length of all 4 constituencies, secondly, they will be serviced by the soon-to-be-ready Downtown Line, with stations situated along Bukit Timah Road/ Dunearn Road. Thirdly (but controversially), the vast majority of residents all all these area live in landed properties or in private apartments, making them all similar in social class and income range. Being in the higher income bracket is also a consideration I took in downplaying the size (length) of this GRC as residents here are likely to own their own transportation and are less dependent on public transportation.

Some people might find my last point elitist, and unnecessarily segregating of Singaporeans. In my opinion, sometimes grouping people of the same income bracket/ social class together might be better as it means that these people would have similar problems/ concerns, and they can seek an MP that more accurately attend to their needs.

Adding the Central Catchment area to this GRC, we see a four - member GRC formed with the previous Bukit Timah and Tanglin- Cairnhill constituencies intact. Moulmein Constituency is reduced with the area north of the PIE given to Bishan - Toa Payoh GRC, The area east of the CTE given to a GRC I have newly created, and all area above /east of Thompson road to Whampoa SMC. Parts of Bukit Batok east and Ulu Pandan, namely the area north of the PIE, west of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, South of Bukit Batok nature park, and west of Bukit Batok St 25/ Bukit Batok Ave 3.

Since this GRC contain 2 greatly reduced constituencies, I considered making this a 3-member GRC, instead of a 4-member GRC. However, taking into consideration the relative size of the constituencies, I decided to temporarily leave it at 4 members. However, If I were the real Electoral Boundaries Review Committee, I would change this to a 3 -member GRC if there are less than 75,000 voters here. (4-member GRC Moulmein - Kallang had an estimated 87,498 voters in 2011. The average SMC has 25,000 voters)

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

Very unikely. It is commonly said that the higher income bracket tend to be pro-PAP. It is unlikely that the PAP will be happy with a GRC comprising mostly of these voters, when they could be distributed to other adjacent GRCs/ SMCs to increase the percentage of PAP votes in those areas.

If such a GRC should surface, we would see a PAP team possibly led by Vivian Balakrishnan (Minister of the Environment and Water Resources), or by Lui Tuck Yew (Minister for Transport and 2nd Minister for Defence). There are no clear forerunners among the opposition parties in these areas, although SDP contested Holland Bukit Timah in 2011, and WP contested Moulmein- Kallang. I would expect to see an overwhelming victory here for the PAP.

Clementi GRC

4 - Member Group Constituency (GRC)

As a former NUS student that stayed on campus for 4 years, I experience how Clementi serves as the central transportation hub for its surrounding areas, specifically the West Coast, Sunset way area, and the Dover area. 

In addition to the MRT station and bus interchange, Clementi Central also boast several shopping centres, a polyclinic, a library, a wet market, several coffee shops/ shops and a sports complex/ swimming complex. For residents of Buona Vista and Ghim moh, Clementi would be the most convenient place for shopping and accessing its other facilities.

While all four constituencies would (more or less) remain the same, I would change the name of Ulu - Pandan to Sunset - Ghim Moh, To better reflect the 2 area it comprise of. Clementi, West Coast and Buona Vista will continue to retain their names.

The boundaries for this Clementi GRC would be Pandan River to the west, clementi Avenue 6, PIE, Clementi Road, Ulu Pandan Road/ Holland Road to the north, and North Buona Vista Road/ South Buona Vista Road to the east, as well as an imaginary running from South Buona Vista road to the sea. keeping Haw Par Villa and Haw Par Villa MRT within the GRC, but not including the residential areas arounf Pasir Panjang Road/ Pasir Panjang Hill/ Zehnder Road.

How Likely will we see the formation of this GRC in GE 2015/2016

50/50. The possibility of this GRC forming is contingent wholly on whether the West Coast GRC will be dissolved. The PAP team could be led by Minister in PMO (and Secretary General of NTUC) Chan Chun Sing. The Reform party can be expected to run here, led by their Secretary-General Kenneth Jeyaretnam. The PAP should be expected to win comfortably.

The Extreme East - (Singapore Electoral Boundaries)

When people talk to me about Politics in Singapore, I will invariably mention how annoyed I am with the electoral boundaries. While I intend to write more about this in the coming weeks, I thought a good starting point was a note I wrote on FaceBook back in 2011, just before the 2011 Singapore Elections.

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I have lived in Pasir Ris for most of my life (17 out of 24 years). My seconday school, JC, and even my church is in Pasir Ris, so you might say I'm a pasir-risan (for lack of a better term) through and through. Anytime people unfamilar with the geography of Singapore (namely my foreign university mates) ask me where I live, I just tell them I live at the easternmost MRT station on the green line.

Living in Pasir Ris is fun! I remember hanging out with friends at white sands after school, simply because it was the biggest shopping centre with a direct bus from school, skipping remedial classes to go play at the Downtown East arcade (I racked up so much points on my tapz card that I became a VIP member), taking MCs from the polyclinic (at Drive 4), going to Elias Mall or West Plaza when we had 6 hour breaks between classes (my JC timetable was pretty messed up), and even cycling at Pasir Ris park in the middle of the night (just because it's just there).

Me and my fellow pasir-risans are the ones friends call when they have chalets at Downtown East or Costa Sands, and they do not know how to get there from the MRT station, or when they are lost in Pasir Ris park trying to find their friends' BBQ pit.

I have a friend that lives in Punggol. The first time that he set foot in Pasir Ris was when he had to report for BMT. When I go to his place, I have to take a 15min bus ride. It takes me 15 mins to walk from Elias Mall to Downtown East. It takes me 15 mins to cycle from one end of pasir ris to the other. It takes me half an hour or more to cycle from the westernmost part of Pasir Ris to Punggol (via old Tampines road as we are unable to cycle on the TPE).

So this is the question I really want to ask; why are we in the same GRC? There is no common identity, and are separated by geography (I take 30 mins to walk to Tampines MRT from White Sands, so by comparison Punggol to me is really far away). My Punggol friends and my Pasir Ris friends have never felt like the lived in the same area.

Forgive my ignorance for I'm just a simple student that don't really follow Singapore politics, or understand how the electoral boundaries review committee work, but won't it be better to create a Sengkang-Punggol GRC and a Pasir Ris GRC, instead of this Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Punggol East SMC & Sengkang West SMC? People from Punggol; east, west, north, south or central are more likely to have a common identity and share the same public facilities & amenities than any Punggolites (again for lack of a better word) than pasir-risans. I would find it weird if I lived at Punggol east, and suddenly my neighbours across the street from me are no longer in my constituency, but belonged to a constituency with people several km away.

Even if Pasir Ris was too big to be a SMC and too small to be a four-membered GRC, or if Punggol and Sengkang was too large to be a six-membered GRC, I still feel it would be better (and would make more sense) to have a four-membered Punggol GRC, a four-membered Sengkang GRC, a Pasir Ris East SMC & a Pasir Ris West SMC. Don't this configuration seem more logical?

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Re-reading this note, I started to think; what If I were the committee determining the electoral boundaries in Singapore, what changes would I make? How would I create better SMCs and GRCs that what we currently have?. Maybe I'll take the next couple of weeks/months coming up with my "ideal" constituencies.