PAP member pens open letter urging Ng Chee Meng to address Income-Allianz deal, reaffirm mission

Online Citizen​

06-05-2025

On 26 April 2025, David Leong, a former branch secretary of the People's Action Party (PAP) Thomson division, published an open letter addressed to Ng Chee Meng, the PAP candidate for Jalan Kayu Single Member Constituency (SMC).
In a Facebook post, Leong urged Ng to publicly address concerns regarding two major controversies: the failed sale of NTUC Income to Allianz, and the use of 1 Marina Boulevard, a prime asset intended to benefit workers.
Leong's open letter closely followed a similar call by Tan Suee Chieh, former CEO of NTUC Income.
Tan had earlier urged Jalan Kayu voters to question Ng's leadership, emphasising the importance of accountability, governance, and citizen responsibility.
Both letters reflect increasing pressure on Ng to clarify his role in decisions affecting workers' welfare and public trust.
Concerns over failed NTUC Income-Allianz deal
In his letter, Leong questioned why Ng had held back from clarifying his position regarding the controversial sale of NTUC Income to Allianz. He criticised Ng's silence during the critical period, stating that constituents were left craving strong, decisive leadership.
Leong stressed that Ng's leadership clarity was vital to restoring public trust ahead of the upcoming election.
Ng earlier defends actions amid mounting scrutiny
Earlier on 26 April, responding to media queries, Ng defended his involvement in the Income-Allianz deal. He stated that the proposed sale had been conducted in good faith.
Ng explained that a review had been initiated following the government's decision to halt the sale, aimed at learning lessons from the episode. 'We will learn the proper lesson out of this episode and see how we can do better,' Ng told reporters during a media interview.
He emphasised that the review would help guide future improvements, better meeting business needs and responding to public feedback.
Reflection on Ng's electoral deployment
Leong suggested that Ng's candidacy in Jalan Kayu SMC, rather than in a Group Representation Constituency (GRC), reflected both his resilience and the significant challenge ahead.
He noted Ng's loss in Sengkang GRC in 2020 and speculated that carrying him again in a GRC team could strain party dynamics. Jalan Kayu, carved from volatile blocs near Sengkang and Punggol, now represents Ng's new political battleground.
Drawing comparisons to historical battles, Leong highlighted Ng's military background as a former lieutenant-general in the Singapore Armed Forces. He argued that while Ng understood the principles of battlefield strategy, he had yet to fully apply them in the political arena.
Using examples such as the Battle of Stalingrad and Wellington at Waterloo, Leong urged Ng to better anticipate alternative parties' narratives and to actively engage Jalan Kayu residents with a compelling vision.
Leong described Ng's opponent, Andre Low of the Workers' Party, as relatively untested and less formidable compared to more seasoned alternative party candidates. However, he cautioned that silence could allow Low's narrative to dominate.
He advised Ng to leverage his NTUC leadership experience, warning that these advantages would be meaningless without vocal engagement and public reassurance.
Risks posed by NTUC Income's social mission shift
Leong further criticised the proposed sale of NTUC Income to Allianz, suggesting it risked undermining Income's mission as a social enterprise supporting vulnerable communities.
He urged Ng to acknowledge any misjudgement, reaffirm NTUC Income's social commitment, and transparently outline how future actions would better serve policyholders and workers.
1 Marina Boulevard asset use under spotlight
Leong also raised concerns about 1 Marina Boulevard, a prestigious Grade A office property intended to serve worker welfare initiatives.
Instead, it now houses NTUC leadership offices, sparking criticism that it is detached from workers' needs.
'This prime asset, granted to the Singapore Labour Foundation to advance workers' welfare, has become a symbol of disconnect, ' Leong said.
Leong questioned why such a valuable asset was not leased out to fund worker retraining and support programmes.
'Why reside in such an exclusive enclave when those funds could uplift the needy? Why not lease it and channel the proceeds to retraining initiatives or financial aid?'
Leong warned that Ng's silence could have wider political consequences.
With Sengkang led by Lam Pin Min and Punggol GRC closely contested, he cautioned that any further erosion of public trust could consolidate alternative parties' hold in these key areas.
He described Jalan Kayu as a critical extension of the battleground, where strong leadership and transparency were urgently needed.
Concluding his letter, Leong offered Ng a series of strategic recommendations:
Issue a public statement addressing the NTUC Income-Allianz controversy, acknowledging concerns and reaffirming commitment to Income's social mission. Recommit publicly to NTUC's founding purpose and consider revising policies to prioritise social objectives. Review the use of 1 Marina Boulevard, exploring leasing options to fund welfare programmes. Engage directly with Jalan Kayu residents through town halls and door-to-door outreach. Support allied efforts in Sengkang and Punggol to bolster the broader electoral front.