Gillman Barracks, Sunset Way plans not fixed as government weighs competing needs: Alvin Tan

WHAT TO RETAIN AND CONSERVE?

In a supplementary question, MP Christopher de Souza (PAP-Holland-Bukit Timah) asked if the authorities could look at alternative sites close to Maju Forest, including a large worksite for the Cross Island Line at Clementi Avenue 5.

“Taking a leaf out of Dover Forest, and the debate I had some years ago, we managed to find alternative housing sites that preserved half of Dover Forest and it was a win-win situation. So I invite the good minister to look at this as a blank sheet of paper to see whether we can achieve such a win-win,” he said.

Mr Tan said the site would be considered for residential development after the MRT line is complete.

“We do our best to optimise the land use and to tap the vacant land and brownfield sites where possible, but there are no other suitable sites to meet the near-term demand in the vicinity,” he said.

MP Kenneth Tiong (WP-Aljunied) pointed out that the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) has designated 2026 as the year of climate adaptation, signalling it as a national priority, and asked why the ministry has “not been seen leading and advocating” for Maju Forest.

Mr Tan said he disagreed with the characterisation. “The government makes decisions across different ministries – we speak to MSE, MSE gives us the feedback. But at the end of the day, we have to make decisions based on the best interest of Singapore and Singaporeans.”

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said that suggesting her ministry take a different position from the Ministry of National Development is “not how we work as a government”.

“For any one of us standing in front of here presenting a position to government, the rest of us are in support. So I think if a WP member is hoping for a fight between ministers, I think they will be disappointed,” she said.