Bukit Batok MP David Ong resigns from PAP, by-election 'in due course'
SINGAPORE — Bukit Batok Member of Parliament David Ong has resigned as an MP and from the People’s Action Party with immediate effect.
SINGAPORE — Bukit Batok Member of Parliament David Ong has resigned as an MP and from the People’s Action Party with immediate effect.
In a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong dated March 12, he said he did so “for personal reasons and with a heavy heart.”
PM Lee accepted his resignation and paid tribute to the work he did in Bukit Batok. The Prime Minister's Office also issued a statement that a by-election for Bukit Batok will be held "in due course".
Mr Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, will take care of Bukit Batok residents before the by-election, said the statement.
In his letter, Mr David Ong did not elaborate on the reasons for his resignation. He thanked the residents of Bukit Batok for the opportunity to serve them, adding: "I have done my best to perform my responsibilities and deeply apologise for having to step down prematurely."
In response, PM Lee noted that Mr Ong worked diligently as an MP and spoke up in Parliament regularly on issues that affected the elderly.
"However, having considering the matter carefully, I believe that your decision to resign is in the best interests of your constituents, the Party, your family and yourself."