Singapore People’s Party and Anwar Ibrahim

TODAYonline News Alert for February 28, 2009Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:06:18 +0800THE WOMAN BEHIND THE MANTHE next General Election might just see another member from the Chiam family standing as a candidate. With her husband set to lead a GRC team, speculation is rife that Lina, 59, is in line to defend his seat in Potong Pasir.Mr Chiam all but confirmed it by giving his wife a ringing endorsement:"She’s acting like an MP already ... in much of the Town Council’s work.The residents know her very well."On her part, Mrs Chiam would only say that she is one of "a few"candidates the party is considering to put up at Potong Pasir, which fellunder Opposition rule in 1984 when Mr Chiam defeated Mr Mah Bow Tan, thena fresh face for the ruling People’s Action Party.Still, she conceded: "I’ve been thinking about it."Mrs Chiam - who studied nursing in Britain where she met Mr Chiam at aChinese New Year party - has always been spotted at her husband’s sideduring previous hustings.The full-time homemaker was recently re-elected to the Singapore People’sParty Central Executive Committee, an appointment she last held during2002 to 2004.With two members of the household potentially joining the political fray,what are the chances of a third?Mr Chiam need look no further than across the Causeway for reference: Thewife and daughter have followed Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahimin throwing their hats into the political ring, and subsequently wonelections.Mr Chiam said his daughter, who is in her early 30s and works as a PRdirector for a hotel here, has shown no inclination so far towards joiningpolitics.He added: "I may encourage her if she shows an interest.

" LOH CHEE KONG