Punggol East MP Charles Chong on 8 weeks' medical leave after medical procedure

SINGAPORE — Punggol East Member of Parliament Charles Chong underwent a "planned medical procedure" on Thursday (Dec 1) and his condition is currently stable, said the People's Action Party (PAP) in a press release on Friday.

Mr Chong, who defeated former incumbent Lee Li Lian of the Workers’ Party in last year’s General Election, has been placed on eight weeks’ medical leave.

During his absence, MPs from the neigbouring Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC will be taking care of Mr Chong’s constituency, including supporting his Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS).

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, the GRC’s anchor minister, said: “We’ve always worked together as a team and we will continue to make sure that our Punggol East residents are well looked after. We all wish Charles a full and speedy recovery!”

Mr Teo added on Facebook that he had visited Mr Chong on Friday morning and "he gave me a hearty thumbs up with his usual cheery smile".

Mr Chong, 63, is expected to gradually resume his constituency activities fully after his medical leave is over, although his doctors have advised him to limit physical exertion and contact with the public during his recovery, said the PAP.

The MPS in Punggol East will continue as usual every Monday, except on public holidays and 5th Mondays, along with other constituency activities.

Mr Zainal Sapari, another MP from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, said Mr Teo will help to cover Mr Chong’s MPS on Mondays whenever he is available, since the MPs from the GRC also have their MPS on Mondays. 

These MPs will also try to attend any upcoming constituency events in Mr Chong’s place if they are free, Mr Zainal added.

Punggol East residents can also continue to raise any issues they have with their town council, as Punggol East, a single-member constituency, falls under the Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council, Mr Zainal said.