Roy Ngerng: Voters should look past personalities, focus on national issues
Roy Ngerng says standing against PM Lee in Ang Mo Kio GRC a 'challenge'.
He may be a new face at this general election, but Mr Roy Ngerng is well known as an activist blogger.
Mr Ngerng, 34, who is Reform Party's candidate for Ang Mo Kio GRC, spoke to The New Paper yesterday ahead of the party's first rally at Yio Chu Kang Stadium last night.
He said he hopes to champion social issues such as the need for a minimum wage and more transparency in the CPF system.
"My heart goes out whenever I see elderly citizens collecting cardboard on the streets or seniors cleaning toilets. These are jobs that younger Singaporeans do not want to take up as the wages are not high enough.
"I hope to speak up for Singaporeans for better social safety nets and policies for a better Singapore."
PROFILE
WHO: Roy Ngerng Yi Ling
WHAT: Blogger, Reform Party's Ang Mo Kio GRC candidate
FAMILY: Single
POLITICAL CAREER SO FAR: 2015: Joined Reform Party
"My heart goes out whenever I see elderly citizens collecting cardboard on the streets or seniors cleaning toilets. These are jobs that younger Singaporeans do not want to take up as the wages are not high enough."
- Mr Roy Ngerng, Reform Party candidate for Ang Mo Kio GRC
Mr Roy Ngerng On...
GOING INTO POLITICS
Mr Ngerng, who has been speaking and blogging about socio-economic issues for the past three years, said that entering politics was a "natural progression" for him.
He also said the Government has not been proactive in listening to residents' needs and feedback.
"As a Singaporean citizen, I feel it is our responsibility to go into government, to speak up, fight for change and enact policies that will better protect Singaporeans."
CHOICE OF ANG MO KIO
Having lived in rental flats in Ang Mo Kio for over 20 years, Mr Ngerng is no stranger to the area.
His father owns a carrot cake stall at Block 107, Ang Mo Kio.
"This is my hometown where I grew up. It's a special place for me," he said.
But ultimately, it was a decision that was made by the party's Central Executive Committee, said Mr Ngerng.
CHALLENGING PM LEE IN HIS WARD
Mr Ngerng said it was a challenge to go up against Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who successfully sued him for defamation earlier this year, but he hoped that residents would look past the personalities and focus on the championing of national issues.
"We hope voters will look at more urgent issues that the Reform Party (RP) is highlighting, such as the high housing prices and the need to reduce education costs.
"Ang Mo Kio is a big place, but we will try our best to cover the ground and convince residents," he said.
RESPONSE FROM RESIDENTS SO FAR
Some refused to take his fliers and some even questioned his party, but Mr Ngerng said he did not take it personally.
"For those who turned down our fliers, I understand and respect that. Everyone has a right to have their own views and that's good," he said.
But then there were those who praised him and his teammates for not giving up and said they would support RP in the general election.
"It's heartening to know that there are people who understand what we stand for. It keeps me going and I hope to be able to go into Parliament to speak up for Singaporeans," he said.
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