PM Wong backs David Neo & Dinesh Vasu Dash as future ministers
At a People’s Action Party (PAP) rally for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC on 24 Apr, Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong spotlighted two of the party’s new faces, David Neo and Dinesh Vasu Dash, praising their key roles during the COVID-19 crisis and their potential to take on political office and not just serve in Parliament.
Source: People’s Action Party on Facebook
“These are two very good men whom I am glad have agreed to step forward,” PM Wong said to a cheering crowd at Woodlands Stadium.
“If they are elected, they will have the potential to be more than backbenchers. They will have the potential to take on office in government.”
David Neo: Took charge of handling Covid-19 outbreak at dormitories
PM Wong recounted how David Neo, the former Chief of Army, led Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) operations when the migrant worker dormitory outbreak spiralled out of control in 2020.
Image courtesy of MINDEF
“The task force had to ask the SAF to come in to help… David was the SAF commander who helped to oversee the COVID operations in the dorms,” said PM Wong.
“He directed the operations within the SAF and also ensured close coordination with other government agencies. I saw him up close in action, and I know he is someone who will serve with courage and honour.”
Mr Neo is standing in Tampines GRC this election, where the PAP faces a four-cornered contest against the Workers’ Party (WP), National Solidarity Party (NSP), and People’s Power Party (PPP).
Source: PAP website
The WP team is led by former Aljunied GRC MP Muhamad Faisal Manap.
Dinesh Vasu Dash: Architect of Singapore’s vaccination rollout
PM Wong also singled out Dinesh Vasu Dash, who led Singapore’s COVID-19 vaccination operations as a key public sector official.
Source: Hazlina Abdul Halim on Facebook
“Dinesh is the man in charge of our vaccination operations… He worked out the plans, he briefed the Cabinet, got our approval, and then implemented them effectively on the ground,” PM Wong said.
He added that while many countries had vaccine access, few managed rollouts as efficiently as Singapore, crediting Mr Dinesh’s “leadership” for the success.
Mr Dinesh is standing in East Coast GRC, where the PAP team, led by Ministe Edwin Tong, faces a head-to-head contest against the WP slate helmed by former Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong.
Source: PAP website
David Neo and Dinesh Vasu Dash will help “take Singapore forward… for 20 years”
PM Wong urged voters to support both candidates in their respective constituencies:
“Singaporeans will end up with a stronger team to serve you — a stronger team that will take Singapore forward not just for the next five years, but for the next 10, 15, 20 years.”
Source: People’s Action Party on Facebook
Both Mr Neo and Mr Dinesh are facing fierce electoral battles, but are backed by their crisis-tested credentials and endorsements from the Prime Minister.
“I hope Singaporeans will support them and their teams because they will help strengthen the PAP team significantly,” PM Wong said.
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Featured image adapted from Dinesh Vasu Dash on Facebook and David Neo on Facebook.
