The excitement of last September’s General Election has died down, and the new Members of Parliament have settled into a rhythm of visiting residents in their homes, attending community events and running weekly Meet-the-People Sessions.

They have also made their parliamentary debut at the opening of the 13th Parliament on issues close to their hearts.

For instance, Tampines GRC MP Desmond Choo, 38, suggested a more family-friendly flexible work arrangement for mothers, while Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Saktiandi Supaat, 42, highlighted the need to raise awareness of SkillsFuture initiatives in the Malay-Muslim community.

All this was on top of their day jobs, which are no less demanding.

But what do they make of their performance and their political journey so far?

The Sunday Times quizzed all the new MPs on their biggest gaffes in the last six months, the loss of their political innocence and which Harry Potter House they would put themselves in.

Is it the just and loyal house of Hufflepuff, or that of Gryffindor, reserved only for the bravest?

As the MPs, often thought of as strait-laced political figures, reflect on the past six months, their responses to the somewhat cheeky questions provide a glimpse into their personalities.

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Sun Xueling, 36, once visited 160 households in her ward wearing high-heeled shoes, while Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Yee Chia Hsing, 44, wishes he was Sun Wukong, the speedy mythological monkey god who can create several clones of himself.

Several new MPs did not respond, or declined to respond, to the questions.

The latter include Acting Education Ministers, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Ng Chee Meng, 47, and Sembawang GRC MP Ong Ye Kung, 46, as well as Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Chee Hong Tat, 42, Minister of State for Communications and Information and Health.

Fengshan MP Cheryl Chan, 39, who has been media-shy since the elections last year, said via her branch secretary she could not take part due to her hectic schedule.

Her election opponent Dennis Tan, 45, one of three Workers’ Party (WP) Non-Constituency MPs, declined to respond. So did his WP colleague Leon Perera, 45.

Photo: PAP HQ

TAN WU MENG, 40

MP for Jurong GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

In politics you have to be innocent, yet worldly – being able to believe in and bring out the best in people while knowing some folk may have selfish or even harmful intentions. I remember an old lady with cancer. She sold her HDB flat and transferred the proceeds to her daughter for safe keeping and moved in with her. Her condition improved. But the daughter evicted her the first day of Chinese New Year. When family members do not treat each other with basic decency, it’s heartbreaking.

My biggest gaffe was…

On the first night of Chingay, we all got drenched despite the ponchos, including my four-year old daughter. Her spare clothes were wet. I should have put them in a Ziploc bag.

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

Wearing my heart on my sleeve.

The most surprising thing about politics I have found out is…

How you start to live, breathe, sleep, thinking about Singapore all the time – it’s a tone our leaders set. Experiences at work can provide perspectives on how to make Singapore better: looking after patients, listening to the challenges doctors and nurses face.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

Gryffindor.

If you could turn back the clock on the campaign last year, what would you do differently?

I prefer to focus on shaping our “Days of Present Futures” (to paraphrase from X-Men).

Photo: The Straits Times

AMRIN AMIN, 37

MP for Sembawang GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

It’s more a gradual process. I started involving myself with grassroots work in 2003. I had a bit of time to learn and settle in.

My biggest gaffe was…

It’s been good so far. People have been very kind and encouraging.

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

Being part of an awesome Sembawang GRC “boyband” team. (The five MPs are all men, aged 37 to 63.)

The most surprising thing about politics I have found out is…

It is full of surprises, pleasant and not so pleasant, and you have to greet both with grace. I remember these lines from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If: “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, And treat those imposters just the same… If you can fill the unforgiving minute, With 60 seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth…”

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

Hufflepuff. I identify with their values of hard work, patience and dedication.

If you could turn back the clock on the campaign last year, what would you do differently?

I try my best at each stage and move on from there.

Photo: Berita Harian

YEE CHIA HSING, 44

MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

I still believe that I have managed to hold on my political innocence.

My biggest gaffe was…

Thankfully, nothing big. But I started my Facebook presence with both profile and page, so now I have to maintain both accounts.

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

I hope residents remember me as a friendly and hardworking MP. In my maiden speech, I spoke about the difficult market conditions local small and medium enterprises are facing. Some residents who run small businesses thanked me for speaking up for them.

The most surprising thing about politics I have found out is…

Residents are very welcoming. Not only during house visits, but when we appear unexpectedly, like handing out oranges during Chinese New Year at a bus stop. A resident driving past stopped to say “hi”.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

I can’t really tell which House is which. Given that it is the Year of the Monkey, I wish I was Sun Wukong, the Monkey God who can call on multiple clones of himself. On Valentine’s Day, I had five Chinese New Year community events and was out all day.

If you could turn back the clock on the campaign last year, what would you do differently?

Nothing much. Think our campaign went smoothly.

Photo: The Straits Times

DANIEL GOH, 42

Non-Constituency MP

I lost my political innocence when…

I witnessed egos clashing between opposition party figures and the way too many of us treated the voters like ground to be fought over rather than people we should be engaging.

My biggest gaffe was…

Not waving back to someone who recognised me and waved, and waving back to someone who was actually waving to someone else, thinking she recognised me.

What do you think people remember you for after the last six months?

The professor who would be the willing duckweed in Parliament. (Workers’ Party chief Low Thia Khiang said in January that NCMPs have difficulty sinking political roots in a constituency and were like “duckweed on the water of a pond”.)

The most surprising thing about politics I found out was…

We have so many political pundits concerned with the winning and losing of elections rather than thinker-doers who would listen more, reflect on ways to advance our democracy and act to do so.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

Ravenclaw, according to my friends. I am no Potterite, but am a Trekkie, and I admire Spock, for his wisdom is derived from the tension of logical reasoning and being in touch with one’s emotions, all in the service of humanity.

If you could turn back the clock on the campaign, what would you do differently?

Smile a lot more – I tend to retreat into deep thought with a resting wizard face.

Photo: Berita Harian

RAHAYU MAHZAM, 35

MP for Jurong GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

I haven’t lost my political innocence. I believe in our political process, I believe that people can come together despite differences and make a decision in the best interests of Singapore and I believe I can make a difference.

My biggest gaffe was…

I came late for one event once as I was engaged at an earlier event. I sat down beside an elderly lady and had a conversation with her. She was not from my constituency and came because my residents had invited her. After we spoke for quite a bit, she said: “Is the MP in the area not coming?” I told her I was the MP and learnt that I need to start conversations by properly introducing myself.

What do you think people remember you for after the last six months?

I hope people remember the warm conversations we have had, and that I care. I think my residents will remember me for my broken Mandarin. Still working on it. Wo chai shuer (Wo zai xue – I’m learning).

The most surprising thing about politics I found out was…

It makes you push yourself and stretch your physical and mental limits. You think about the interests of the country and your residents all the time. It is exhausting but also exhilarating and meaningful.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

Gryffindor. Hermione is from that house and I want to be like her when I grow up.

Photo: The Straits Times

SUN XUELING, 36

MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

I went for two block visits right after work and had not brought walking shoes. So I visited about 160 housing units in high-heels. I am not sure about losing my political innocence, but I sure lost all feeling in my feet that night.

My biggest gaffe was…

There was an important meeting at the Istana, but I had mixed up the dates. I was having chicken wings with my volunteers after doing a walkabout in Punggol when I received a phone call:

Caller: Where are you?

Me: In Punggol

Caller: Are you coming to the Istana?

Me: Err… for what?

Caller: There is a meeting in the Cabinet room. We are all waiting for you.

Me: Huh? Who are you?

Caller: Gan Kim Yong (Health Minister).

Photo: The Straits Times

HENRY KWEK, 39

MP for Nee Soon GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

Not in the last six months, but in the 2011 GE. I was helping Law Minister K. Shanmugam then and got to see how intense elections are. They’re emotional affairs and you can’t win by logic alone.

My biggest gaffe was…

Touch wood. So far so good.

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

Different people will remember different things. I have programmes relating to welfare, more infrastructure for the elderly, boosting employability, etc.

The most surprising thing about politics I have found out is…

How much kopi I had to drink!

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

Hufflepuff. When it comes to taking care of Kebun Baru’s residents, there’s no substitute for hard work and persistence.

If you could turn back the clock on the campaign last year, what would you do differently?

I prefer to look forward. When we look back, we can always see what we could have done better, but the important thing is whether we have learnt anything for the future.

Photo: The Straits Times

KOH POH KOON, 43

MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

I danced the cha-cha on stage in the town centre and realised it made people happy.

My biggest gaffe was…

Subconsciously referring to a “resident” as a “patient” in a speech. (Dr Koh was a colorectal surgeon before he became Minister of State.)

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

Being responsive to their needs, but also willing to take time to explain why what they are asking for may not always be in their best interest.

The most surprising thing about politics I have found out…

Is that sometimes, it is the little things we do for people that makes the most impact in their lives.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

Gryffindor, whose values are bravery, daring, nerve and chivalry. I danced on stage and sang karaoke (need I say more?)

If you could turn back the clock on the campaign last year, what would you do differently?

Ask my helpers to wear better running shoes to reduce blisters, when they had to run with me from house to house to cover 100 per cent of the blocks and private houses in my estate.

Photo: The Straits Times

JOAN PEREIRA, 48

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

An elderly resident came to my Meet-the-People session and told me to persuade her son to find a girlfriend and get married. I was her last hope for the family line to carry on.

My biggest gaffe was…

Singing a Hokkien song off-key. But my residents were most forgiving and continued to cheer me on.

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

My love and concern for the elderly. I feel most for the elderly, especially those who are isolated and stay alone in their homes.

The most surprising thing about politics I have found out is…

It gives you more energy than it takes out of you. Even after a full day’s work in the office, I enjoy going to meet my residents.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

For MPs, we deal with real-life situations. When issues arise, I use my experience and community resources to address and solve them.

If you could turn back the clock on the campaign last year, what would you do differently?

I would still take the same path. I care for my residents and will do my best to serve them.

Photo: The Straits Times

LOUIS NG, 37

MP for Nee Soon GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

Still haven’t lost it! As an activist for the past 15 years, I’m stubborn, naive and optimistic. Stubborn, because I never accept no as an answer, naive because I believe anything is possible, and optimistic that changes can happen within my lifetime.

My biggest gaffe was…

Experiencing what it was like to be a driver – I took the passenger to the wrong destination. Thankfully, she thought it was funny, and I did get her to the right destination and she wasn’t late.

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

Someone who is always on the ground serving and caring with his heart. But probably more of the guy with the 1960s centre-parting always wearing the white shirt and khaki pants and with the same smile.

The most surprising thing about politics I have found out is…

The magnitude of the difficulty of making decisions, and finding a solution that can address everyone’s concerns. Sometimes it is close to impossible. During our house visits, a resident provided feedback that as his house was on the top floor, the water from the tank was too hot and he couldn’t shower. I then visited his neighbour who told me “shiok” free hot water, don’t do anything about it!

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

I have never watched Harry Potter movies. But probably the house that is the more vocal one.

Photo: The Straits Times

CHONG KEE HIONG, 49

MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

I came to realise an MP’s ability to reach out is largely due to the volunteers who give up much time and effort to do their part to make a difference.

My biggest gaffe was…

Walking in the way of the many cameras in Parliament.

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

My maiden speech in Parliament, which touched on the subject of the difficulties faced by Singaporean workers.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

Hufflepuff. I hope to continuously live up to these values.

If you could turn back the clock on the campaign last year, what would you do differently?

I should have done more physical training so that I could have run faster and covered even more ground.

Photo: The Straits Times

SAKTIANDI SUPAAT, 42

MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

I learnt there are many ramifications when parents divorce, especially those with young children. They are innocent victims and oblivious to how much the mother has to cope with to keep them in school, and feed and clothe them. I teared during a house visit when I met a very young boy who was home alone and cooking packet noodles for lunch.

The most surprising thing about politics I have found out is…

Always expect the unexpected. Keep an open mind as there are often many facets to a problem. Residents can be passionate about certain issues. As a politician, one must try to understand why they are so affected.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

I am hard-pressed to choose between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. The former is defined by love of family, care for people and practicality, while the latter is defined by curiosity and love of learning, and seeks knowledge. I would choose a hybrid of both. However, I certainly don’t think we are living in a fantasy world of magic and wizards. Our economy is facing headwinds and I serve on the Committee on the Future Economy. In our ward, we are bracing ourselves to help for the medium term, with opportunities to equip residents with new skills and help them find new jobs.

If you could turn back the clock on the campaign, what would you do differently?

Use more anecdotes, examples and simple stories to make points about economic and policy-related issues, as some residents are not able to follow these in much detail.

Photo: The Straits Times

MELVIN YONG, 44

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

I conducted my first Meet-the-People Session on the Monday after the General Election. Although I had been helping then Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew at his sessions, the feeling of holding your own is different.

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

I devoted my entire maiden speech to tripartism. It is a key economic competitive advantage that we cannot take for granted. Union leaders tell me that they appreciate the reminder and that it is important for our future generations to understand the values of mutual trust and respect, of teamwork and collaboration.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

Hufflepuff. The people there are dedicated, kind, patient, loyal and fair. These are the same qualities of our pioneer generation and our union leaders in the NTUC, qualities that I hold close to my heart.

Photo: The Straits Times

DESMOND CHOO, 38

MP for Tampines GRC

I lost my political innocence when…

I lost 4kg since GE2015. While campaigning was naturally tough, consistent groundwork takes industry to new dimensions. One- hundred-hour work-weeks are the norm.

My biggest gaffe was…

As a sporting but mostly inept dancer during onstage community dancing events.

What in the last six months do you think people remember you for?

Near-obsession with house visits, and an almost radical idea of legislating 16+8 weeks of flexiwork arrangement for mothers.

Which Harry Potter House are you in?

Not enough of a Harry Potter fan, but working with my millennials reminds me of (teacher) John Keating in Dead Poets’ Society. There is so much beauty in the community if we only take time to serve and appreciate.

This article was first published on March 13, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong yesterday described Dr Tan Cheng Bock’s recent decision to announce his bid for the presidency as a “calculated political gambit” that is open to interpretation.

Mr Goh added that by making his statement as a Constitutional Commission is reviewing the process, Dr Tan runs the risk of being seen as trying to influence the panel’s work and politicising the system.

His comments came a day after Dr Tan, a former People’s Action Party MP, said he was making a second bid for the presidency.

Dr Tan lost the 2011 presidential election to President Tony Tan Keng Yam by 7,382 votes, comprising 0.35 percentage point, in a four- way race. The next election must be held by August next year.

Mr Goh told The Sunday Times: “His move was a calculated political gambit and, of course, it is open to many interpretations or even misinterpretations. One could interpret his move as coming from someone who is ambitious, as making a move to be president, or it could be to discourage others from coming in.

“Last time, there were four candidates and he nearly won, (he) lost by a small margin. So if you can discourage others from coming in, it’s a straight fight, then you will have a better chance.”

The 2011 presidential election was also contested by Mr Tan Jee Say and Mr Tan Kin Lian.

Mr Goh said a second view could be that Dr Tan is “rallying the ground to support him”. He added: “Once the ground supports him, it may make it more difficult, he thinks, for the Constitutional Commission to come up with criteria that may disqualify him. This is speculative, of course.”

A nine-member commission led by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon is reviewing the eligibility criteria for candidates, the role of the Council of Presidential Advisers, and steps to ensure minority candidates can be elected from time to time.

Mr Goh said what Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was seeking through the review was “correct”.

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The Straits Times

“I know how the Government thinks, we plan ahead to ensure there will be a stable, fair and contestable system that will stand Singapore in good stead. And the system must enable good candidates to contest for president,” he said.

“But the commission is still reviewing the process. By coming out now and risking being misunderstood that you are trying to influence the commission’s working, in a way, he has been politicising the process.”

He also said that he was not surprised by Dr Tan’s announcement.

“Indeed, he is an old friend,” said Mr Goh. “I’ve known him for over 55 years. What he did was in keeping with his character. Once he has decided to do something, (he) will do all he can to achieve that goal.”

Asked if Mr Tan had consulted him about the move, Mr Goh said: “In the past, we would have spoken to one another. But after the last presidential election, he was and will be on his own.

“We are still very good friends, still go out with each other, but I will not try to influence him… I will just wish him good luck.”

Mr Goh was at a film screening in Marine Terrace. Nine short films about Marine Parade and its history – produced by Temasek Polytechnic students over four months – were screened for residents.

rachelay@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on March 13, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Muslims will each have to pay $1 to $10 more in monthly contributions to the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF) from June 1.

This is expected to increase annual contributions to the fund by $6 million, bringing the net contribution annually to $26.2 million.

First introduced in 1975, the MBMF funds the construction and upgrading of mosques in Singapore. It also supports educational and social programmes by self-help group Mendaki and religious education initiatives for Muslims.

Under the revision, contributions will become more progressive, with four tiers introduced for those earning $4,000 to $10,000 monthly.

Those earning between $4,000 and $6,000 a month will pay $19.50, a $3.50 increase each month. Those earning more than $10,000 a month will contribute an additional $10, bringing their monthly total to $26.

Workers earning $1,000 or less a month will contribute $1 more, bringing their monthly contribution $3. Those earning $1,000 to $2,000 a month will pay $4.50 instead of $3.50 before.

“This will go a long way to improving the socio-religious life of our community,” said Minister-in- charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim yesterday at the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore’s (Muis) Workplan Seminar held at the Singapore Islamic Hub in Braddell Road.

The previous revision of contribution rates to the fund, which all Muslim working adults contribute to, was made in 2009.

Muis chief executive Abdul Razak Maricar said that with rising construction costs, the current contribution rates will not be able to support the construction and upgrading of mosques. He cited the examples of Muhajirin Mosque in Toa Payoh, the first to be built under the Mosque Building Fund at a cost of $1.2 million when it was completed in 1976, and Al-Islah Mosque in Punggol, which was completed last year at a cost of $16.5 million.

“Some of our earlier mosques are in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt and equipped with new facilities,” said Mr Abdul Razak.

There are currently 69 mosques in Singapore, 24 of which were built using the fund. Two new ones, Yusof Ishak Mosque in Woodlands and Maarof Mosque in Jurong West, are expected to be completed by the year end. Another mosque in Tampines North is expected to start construction in 2018.

The increased contributions to the fund will also help to enhance madrasah education here, allowing new initiatives to be introduced. These include the International Baccalaureate programme for Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah, expected to be introduced in 2019.

It also represents a boost in funding for Mendaki, which has been dipping into its reserves since 2013.

Mr Abdul Razak said that of those who opted to give more to the fund, 75 per cent earned less than $2,000.

While the revisions are necessary, an eye is being kept on making sure that the increases are affordable for lower-wage workers.

“We don’t want to increase the burden on our community,” said Dr Yaacob, who is also Minister for Communications and Information.

Muslims interviewed at the seminar were glad that the fund would continue to support the upgrading of mosques and creation of more prayer spaces for the community.

“Now, more Muslims can pray more easily,” said Mr Mohamed Jaafar, secretary of the Singapore Tenkasi Muslim Welfare Society.

azhaki@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on March 13, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

MR ARUL RAJA, a manager at a heavy equipment manufacturing company, about his daughter. Mr Ong had written a letter to appeal to a nearby school to take his daughter in, so she could go to a school close to home.

Bukit Batok residents yesterday said they were shocked and saddened by the news that their MP David Ong had resigned, saying it was a pity to see him leave.

They said he had done a good job of running their estate as the chairman of the Jurong-Clementi Town Council, and was always on the ground helping residents.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced yesterday afternoon that Mr Ong had stepped down as MP and quit the People’s Action Party (PAP), where he had been a longtime member before being fielded to contest the 2011 General Election.

Shortly after his resignation was made public, Mr Ong admitted that it was over “a personal indiscretion on my part which I deeply regret”.

The dozen residents The Sunday Times spoke to yesterday were surprised at the news that he had quit.

Taxi driver Thomas Lim said: “Who doesn’t make mistakes? He shouldn’t have to quit. He should just apologise and stay on.”

His sentiment was shared by several other residents, such as clerical worker Lim Soon Hiang, 59, who said: “I am not very concerned about his personal life. He is a very good MP and has helped my family a few times. I will still support him if he stays.”

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The Straits Times, Berita Harian

Some, like retiree Leow Leong Hai, 90, were however concerned about their MP quitting just months into his term, and having to vote again so soon after the general election.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that a by-election will be called “in due course”.

Others were concerned their estate would be affected.

Asked a 45-year-old resident, who wanted to be known only as Mr Lim: “Are our toilet upgrading programmes and neighbourhood renewal programmes going to continue? Will there be changes?”

The PAP said yesterday that Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Desmond Lee, an MP for Jurong GRC, will take over Mr Ong’s Meet-the-People Sessions. Jurong GRC MP Ang Wei Neng will take over Mr Ong’s role as Jurong-Clementi Town Council chairman.

Mr Ong, 54, has been an MP for the area since 2011, when Bukit Batok was a ward in Jurong GRC. It was made a single seat last year.

But most residents painted a picture of a hard-working MP who was friendly and approachable.

Madam Lim said that although her family moved to the area only seven months ago, she would often see Mr Ong around her block. “He’s very hard-working. His Meet-the- People Sessions end very late, and I see him walking around again early in the morning,” she said. “During Chinese New Year, he was greeting residents at the market at 6am.”

Mr Arul Raja, 39, is among the residents whom Mr Ong has helped. The manager at a heavy equipment manufacturing company said Mr Ong wrote a letter to appeal to a nearby school to take his daughter in, so she could go to a school close to home.

“She was sent to a school in Jurong and was carsick on the school bus every day. Mr Ong helped us and she was transferred after one month,” he said. “I have three other friends he has helped,” he added.

Retired cleaner Tan Nan Hiang, 71, said Mr Ong was obliging and quick to respond to residents. “He was very willing to solve our problems and listen to our suggestions. When we asked him to fix this or that, he will always do it,” she said.

Many of the residents noted that Mr Ong won over 70 per cent of the vote in a three-way fight last year.

Said pre-school principal Catherine Wong, 43: “Let’s hope we choose the right MP again.”

rachelay@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on March 13, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

The Bukit Batok by-election to fill the seat vacated by Mr David Ong could be held as early as May, soon after Parliament completes its debate on the Budget on April 15.

But observers doubt the People’s Action Party (PAP) will be in such a rush, even as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he will call for one “in due course”.

Institute of Policy Studies deputy director for research Gillian Koh said the ruling party “may even take some time to ensure that no local issues pop up to make things more difficult for them”.

National University of Singapore political scientist Bilveer Singh said this “classic case of moral deficit” – Mr Ong resigned citing an affair – comes at a bad time “for a party that talks so much about ethics, cleanliness, uprightness, leadership”.

He expects the PAP to allow some “cooling down” time first.

Although Mr Ong won 73 per cent of the vote in last year’s general election, this by-election will likely see a closer fight, said observers.

The single seat has not always been a safe bet for the ruling party.

Prior to GE2015, the last time Bukit Batok was contested as a single seat, in 1991, the margin was slimmer. PAP candidate Ong Chit Chung defended his seat with 52 per cent of the vote against the SDP’s Kwan Yue Keng.

Ahead of GE1997, the seat was absorbed into Bukit Timah GRC, and later became part of Jurong GRC.

Dr Ong died in 2008, sparking a debate on whether a by-election had to be held. As the ward was part of Jurong GRC, the conclusion was that there was no need for one.

This time, there will be one, and the SDP intends to contest it.

The likely result will depend on who is fielded and how many players enter the fray, said Associate Professor Eugene Tan of the Singapore Management University. Of the SDP’s choice, he said: “I think it will boil down either to Dr Paul Tambyah or Dr Chee Soon Juan.”

Both were in the SDP’s four-man team in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC in GE2015, where the SDP had its best showing with 33 per cent.

Political observer Derek da Cunha said on Facebook the by-election is a chance for Dr Chee to aim for Parliament, but said “it will be more of a referendum on his relative popularity instead of anything else”.

Experts noted that Bukit Batok’s western location puts it outside traditional Workers’ Party territory. WP did not say what its plans were.

People’s Power Party leader Goh Meng Seng said he will discuss with the SDP whether to contest. The Singapore Democratic Alliance, National Solidarity Party and Reform Party all said they had yet to decide.

Said Dr Singh: “I don’t think the PAP is in danger of losing the seat.”

Prof Tan said the upcoming by-election will be a “very different scenario” from the 2013 Punggol East by-election, which PAP lost to WP candidate Lee Li Lian amid residual anti-PAP sentiment from GE2011. Dr Koh said Ms Lee was helped by unhappiness over local issues such as incomplete renovations of a wet market and shopping mall and a lack of childcare.

Public housing accounts for 95.7 per cent of Bukit Batok households, with four-room flats the most common. Voters will “be mindful” of the fact that their ward will no longer come under Jurong-Clementi Town Council if the PAP lose, said Prof Tan. The SDP has not run a town council since the 1990s.

Bukit Batok’s history as part of Jurong GRC could be to the PAP’s advantage, said Dr Koh. “Perhaps the PAP can ride some way on the strength of political capital that Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Speaker Madam Halimah (Yacob) have built up over the years in that area,” she said.

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The Straits Times, Berita Harian

The past two by-elections:

The last two by-elections were both prompted by MPs stepping down due to personal indiscretions.

Hougang

Late January, 2012: Rumours of an extramarital affair between first-term Workers’ Party MP Yaw Shin Leong and a fellow WP member begin to spread online.

Feb 14: WP expels Mr Yaw, who had won the Hougang seat in the 2011 General Election, rendering the seat vacant.

May 9: Writ of election issued.

May 16: Nomination Day May 26: By-election held. WP candidate Png Eng Huat wins with 62.1 per cent of the vote against PAP’s Desmond Choo.

Punggol East

Dec 12, 2012: People’s Action Party MP Michael Palmer, who was then Speaker of Parliament, resigns after admitting to an extramarital affair with a People’s Association constituency director.

Jan 9, 2013: Writ of election issued. Jan 16: Nomination Day Jan 26: By-election held. In a four-way fight, WP candidate Lee Li Lian wins with 54.5 per cent of the vote.

PAP candidate Koh Poh Koon garners 43.7 per cent of the vote, while Reform Party candidate Kenneth Jeyaretnam receives 1.2 per cent and Singapore Democratic Alliance candidate Desmond Lim gets 0.6 per cent.

janiceh@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on March 13, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Mr David Ong had just begun his second term as an MP when he resigned. But his time in the grassroots movement goes back to the late 1990s, when he was a grassroots leader in Kreta Ayer.

First fielded in Jurong GRC at age 50, he was the second-oldest of the People’s Action Party’s new faces in the 2011 General Election.

Mr Ong is managing director of RedDot Publishing, which produces publications for the tourism industry. But his grassroots background drew more attention when he was a new candidate.

He was then chairman of the Citizens Consultative Committee in Jalan Besar GRC’s Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng ward.

His three sons – then aged 12, 14 and 16 – occasionally accompanied him to community events, he revealed in an interview ahead of the 2011 elections.

Mr Ong’s dedication to residents as their MP was commended by PAP leaders yesterday.

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The Straits Times, Berita Harian

Said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam: “Mr David Ong has worked extremely hard for Bukit Batok.

“He’s a really hard-working MP. He spends four to five times a week in Bukit Batok – weekends, weekdays, nights.”

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, replying to Mr Ong’s letter of resignation, noted that he had “served diligently as an MP” in Jurong GRC and after his ward was carved out as a single seat last year.

“As an MP, you worked hard to strengthen the Bukit Batok community, building up a team of volunteers and community partners to help residents in need,” he said.

He cited programmes that Mr Ong introduced to help needy families with groceries, provide job and healthcare support, and give a fresh start to individuals with repeated problems.

Mr Lee also noted how Mr Ong spoke up for the elderly in his parliamentary speeches – on issues such as the retirement age and Central Provident Fund policy.

Back in 2011, Mr Ong was chairman of the People’s Association’s Active Ageing Council.

Mr Lee also noted Mr Ong’s contributions outside his MP duties, such as being involved in organising the annual River Hongbao Festival – something he had been doing even before joining politics.

This article was first published on March 13, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.