Singapore: Dr Koh Poh Koon, a 40-year-old colorectal surgeon, is being tipped as PAP's candidate for Punggol East.

Intentionally or not, the party dropped a giant clue when Dr Koh showed up in the ward on Tuesday night for a Meet-the-People Session. He helped Mr Teo Ser Luck distribute food rations to the needy and then accompanied the Minister of State for Trade and Industry to meet residents.

Though Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has not indicated whether he will call a by-election or not, the appearance of a possible candidate on the ground has heightened speculation that polls are imminent.

Dr Koh said he was there as a volunteer and when asked if he was the ruling party's candidate, he shrugged it off with a smile.