DPM Tharman apologises to Bukit Batok residents

SINGAPORE – Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has apologised to the residents of Bukit Batok on behalf of the People's Action Party for the unexpected resignation of their Member of Parliament David Ong, and assured them that their needs would continue to be met.

"I want to say to Bukit Batok residents on behalf of the party that we are deeply sorry that this has happened," he told reporters on Saturday afternoon, shortly after Mr Ong's unexpected resignation.

He added: "Our first priority is that Bukit Batok is in good hands until the by-elections. Please don't worry, we will take care of Bukit Batok."

Mr Tharman noted that even though Bukit Batok was not part of Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC), it was still part of the Jurong family. He announced that Jurong GRC MP, Mr Ang Wei Neng, will take over Mr Ong as chairman of Bukit Batok Town Council with immediate effect.

Mr Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development and MP for Jurong GRC, said that his priority was to "ensure that the residents of Bukit Batok continue to be very well taken care of".

He said he was already in very close touch with community leaders and volunteers, and that he was also in the process of taking over the duties and the responsibilities of the MP of Bukit Batok, such as conducting the Meet-the-People sessions.

"My parliamentary colleagues in Jurong GRC will, when necessary, provide all the support, to ensure that residents interests come first," Mr Lee added.