Business as usual in first MPS after David Ong’s resignation

It was business as usual yesterday at the Meet-the-People Session (MPS) held at Bukit Batok — the first following news over the weekend that Mr David Ong had resigned as Member of Parliament (MP) over an alleged extramarital relationship.

Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) MP Ang Wei Neng stood in for Senior Minister of State (National Development and Home Affairs) Desmond Lee who was away on an official trip.

Mr Lee will be the caretaker MP until a by-election is held.

About 30 residents turned up for the MPS yesterday. Those interviewed by TODAY said the size of the turnout was usual and they were aware that there would be stand-in MP to meet them.

While many said they were surprised by the resignation of Mr Ong, they were confident that their needs will continue to be taken care of.

Mr Soh Bok Yam, 53, said Mr Ong came across as a friendly MP but he was hoping that the stand-in MP could help him resolve an outstanding issue which he has with the authorities over his hawker stall.

“It will be good to have a new MP so that residents can continue to seek help for their problems,” he said.

Mr Hon Hock Tek, 65, a Bukit Batok resident for three decades, was seeking help for financial issues.

“I am pretty satisfied with the estate,” he said. “I am not too concerned whether there is an MP as I am sure there’s someone we can seek help from at the MPS.”

Mr Ang told reporters that residents whom he met had asked about Mr Ong and was aware of what happened. Nevertheless, they still sought assistance “because they have faith in the party”, he added. Residents also praised Mr Ong for doing a good job in the constituency, he said.

Ng JING YNG