by Ng Jing Yng
Updated 10:19 AM Apr 27, 2011
Despite setbacks, several Opposition members who are eyeing the Tanjong Pagar GRC were engaged last night in a last-ditch attempt to get themselves ready for Nomination Day - with a little help from two actresses.
Actresses Selena Tan and Pamela Oei yesterday appealed for funds on their Facebook pages to help the aspiring candidates.
The posting on Ms Oei's Facebook page read: "They need $48k in the next two hours…before bank closes for them to buy bank drafts. (Mr Nazem) assures us that if they are unable to run for any reason, they will return the money to everyone who has transferred money to them."
Ms Tan told Today that she had posted messages for help on her Facebook page but declined to comment further if she had contributed funds. "I only wish for all constituencies to be contested," said Ms Tan.
The men hoping to stand against Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and his team in Tanjong Pagar include Socialist Front (SF) chairman Ng Teck Siong and Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) assistant secretary-general Nazem Suki.
Mr Nazem, who is also secretary-general of the Singapore Malay National Organisation (PKMS), wrote on his Facebook page that his team was still short of 40 per cent of the funds needed.
Raising funds at such short notice is not the two men's only problem; they have yet to obtain their parties' blessings.
The PKMS, an SDA component party, issued a statement yesterday saying that party members could face permanent expulsion if they decided to stand with another team in Tanjong Pagar.
The Socialist Front had said earlier that Mr Ng would be asked to resign if he decided to stand there.
126PM: DPM and PAP MP Wong Kan Seng @ Deyi Secondary School addresses crowd on SPP contest at Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC:"You know what we have done for the last five years. I know you will choose wisely." Crowd chants "Mas Selamat... Mas Selamat."
SPP's Chiam See Tong on contesting Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC: "Vote for SPP and the SPP will get the PAP to be more accountable... If you want the credit, you must be able to take the fall."