SINGAPORE — Grinning like she had just won first prize in the NTUC FairPrice lucky draw, 61-year-old Mdm Lee Siew Lan was reportedly overjoyed Sunday morning after spotting her Member of Parliament at the Jurong West wet market — the first confirmed sighting since the 2020 General Elections.

“I thought he retire already!” exclaimed Mdm Lee, clutching her trolley full of chye sim and frozen dumplings. “Last time only see his face on poster. Now, wah, see the real one, in the flesh!”

Eyewitnesses say the MP, dressed in a crisp white polo shirt and surrounded by a small entourage of photographers and interns awkwardly holding reusable tote bags, was shaking hands vigorously with anyone who made eye contact for longer than three seconds.

“It’s very heartwarming,” Mdm Lee said. “Five years never see, but today he ask me if I happy living here. I say yes. Then he nod and give me tissue packet.”

Market stallholders reported a 300% increase in greetings like “Aunty, how are you?” and “Uncle, you must give feedback!” compared to any regular Sunday.

Mdm Lee could not calm her furiously beating heart. “The last time so excited was when I ran with the crowd to catch a PokemonGo Snorlax in the middle of the road during a red light pause.”

At press time, Mdm Lee was overheard telling her friend that if she’s lucky, she might even get a photo — and possibly a promise for a new sheltered walkway that will materialize by 2030.