Latest news with #EileenChong
Independent Singapore
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Yee Jenn Jong responds to NCMP criticism, clarifies Workers' Party position
SINGAPORE: Former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) and Workers' Party (WP) member Yee Jenn Jong has issued a public response on Facebook to what he described as 'ignorant' and 'bad analysis' circulating online regarding the WP's internal decisions and the NCMP scheme. In the post published on May 23, Yee addressed recent online claims related to WP member Faisal's decision not to take up the NCMP position following the 2025 General Election. Yee stated that he had 'no doubt' Faisal would decline the offer, citing precedent and internal party discussions during past elections. He referenced prior instances, such as Gerald Giam turning down the NCMP role after the 2015 General Election, leading to Leon Perera's appointment and former MP Lee Li Lian's decision to decline the position, which subsequently went to Daniel Goh after a parliamentary debate. Yee also noted that prominent opposition figures, including Low Thia Khiang and Tan Cheng Bock, had previously declined NCMP positions. He emphasised that the decision not to accept the seat had nothing to do with race or religion, countering allegations made in a recent post by a non-Singaporean commentator. Yee reiterated that Eileen Chong had been appointed to the NCMP seat and expressed confidence in her ability to represent Singaporeans. He stated that Faisal had been 'well loved by residents of all races' during his time as MP for Kaki Bukit. Yee referenced his two books — Journey in Blue and Non-Constituency Members of Parliament: What's Next for the Scheme? — for those seeking a deeper understanding of WP internal processes and the historical context of the NCMP arrangement. He reiterated his and co-author Loke Hoe Yeong's call to abolish the scheme, describing it as ambiguous and proposing broader democratic reforms instead. In a follow-up note, Yee clarified that: Candidates do not enter general elections seeking to be NCMPs; the role is only considered after results are known. The NCMP scheme is a PAP initiative, with its origins and rationale discussed in his publications. WP's candidate selection process involves internal team consensus or a Central Executive Committee vote if necessary. Early involvement in the party should not disqualify newer candidates from taking up NCMP positions. His post was intended to provide insights and context, not to prolong the public debate. He further explained the procedural aspects of the NCMP scheme, clarifying that if an NCMP seat is declined, it does not automatically transfer to the next highest-scoring losing candidate or team. A parliamentary motion is required for the seat to be reassigned, and a majority of MPs must grant approval. If not passed, the seat is left vacant, as in 1984.
Independent Singapore
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Andre Low, Eileen Chong say they're ‘humbled' and ‘honoured' to serve as NCMPs
SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) announced on Monday evening (May 19) that it had accepted the two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) seats in the 15th Parliament of Singapore. Importantly, the WP said Andre Low and Eileen Chong will take the NCMP seats. In the May 3 polls, Mr Low, who had run at Jalan Kayu Single Member Constituency (SMC), had the highest percentage of votes among the unelected opposition candidates. The WP slate at Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC) had the second-highest percentage of votes. Ms Chong, together with former Aljunied GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Faisal Manap, Michael Thng, Jimmy Tan, and Ong Lue Ping, had formed the party's team. 'The Elections Department has also declared that in accordance with Section 52 of the Parliamentary Elections Act 1954, Mr Low and Ms Chong have been elected as NCMPs,' said the WP, adding that it 'remains steadfast in our mission of working for Singapore, and all WP Members of Parliament (MPs) will carry forward the Workers' Party's longstanding mission to represent the interests of all Singaporeans, hold the Government to account, and advance reasoned, principled debate in Parliament.' As well-wishes and congratulations have poured in online toward Mr Low and Ms Chong, the incoming NCMPs have responded to their appointment on their social media accounts. 'I am humbled to be given this opportunity. My pledge to all Singaporeans is that I will use my platform to continue to advocate for a more balanced and diverse political system,' wrote Mr Low. He also expressed that he was looking forward to working alongside Ms Chong. 'I could not have asked for a better NCMP-mate! Together, we hope to build bridges and contribute constructively to policy discussions that affect all Singaporeans.' Mr Low also pledged to continue his work on the ground at Jalan Kayu. For her part, Ms Chong wrote that she is 'honoured to serve as NCMP' with Mr Low and thanked the WP team at Tampines, the party's volunteers, and the residents 'for making this possible.' She also wrote that she 'will serve with conviction and integrity, and work hard to earn your trust,' and she looks 'forward to being your voice in Parliament while journeying alongside you to build a fairer, more compassionate and inclusive Singapore.' The response online to Mr Low's and Ms Chong's appointments has been positive. Many Singaporeans expressed confidence that the incoming NCMPs would do a good job in Parliament. Some people had kind words for Mr Manap, who remains popular with many Singaporeans. 'Thank you, Mr Faisal Manap, for giving up your seat to the younger generation. Your sacrifice is much appreciated. Hope to see you again in Tampines in the next election,' wrote one netizen. /TISG Read also: Commenters call WP's Eileen Chong 'another star catch' and 'most electable new candidate across the board'
AsiaOne
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: Poultry supply in Singapore not affected by bird flu outbreak in Brazil, supermarkets say — and other top stories today, Singapore News
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Poultry supply in Singapore not affected by bird flu outbreak in Brazil, supermarkets say Poultry supply remains stable despite Brazil reporting its first bird flu outbreak at a commercial farm last week, supermarkets in Singapore said on Tuesday (May 20)... » READ MORE 2. 'I will serve with conviction and integrity': WP's Eileen Chong and Andre Low on being elected NCMPs After being elected as Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs), the Workers' Party's (WP) Eileen Chong and Andre Low have promised to take Singapore further... » READ MORE 3. Singapore's beef kway teow ranks 18th in best stir-fried dishes list, Indonesia's sambal goreng takes crown Our local cuisine has once again made us proud by having not one, not two, but four dishes ranked on a list by experiential travel online guide TasteAtlas... » READ MORE 4. 'I told him not to be too ruthless': Mark Lee responds to Addy Lee's fallout with Quan Yi Fong Veteran local actor Mark Lee has spoken up on former celebrity hairstylist Addy Lee's fallout with local host Quan Yi Fong, after Addy brought him up multiple times in his livestreams and a Facebook post recently..... » READ MORE editor@
CNA
19-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
WP's Andre Low and Eileen Chong to take up Non-Constituency MP seats
The Workers' Party's Andre Low and Eileen Chong will be taking up the two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament seats in Singapore's 15th Parliament. Mr Low and Ms Chong were both newcomers in the recent General Election and earned the "best losses". Mr Low contested in Jalan Kayu SMC, where he clinched about 48.5% of the votes. Ms Chong was part of the five-person WP team fielded in Tampines GRC that won about 47.4% of the votes.
South China Morning Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Singapore election: Workers' Party's Andre Low and Eileen Chong chosen as NCMPs
The Workers' Party (WP), Singapore 's main opposition party, has announced that its members Andre Low and Eileen Chong will take up the two Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMP) seats given to the 'best losers' in an election. In a statement on Monday after the announcement by the city state's election authorities, the WP said it remained 'steadfast in our mission of working for Singapore'. 'All WP Members of Parliament will carry forward the Workers' Party's long-standing mission to represent the interests of all Singaporeans, hold the government to account, and advance reasoned, principled debate in Parliament,' it added. Chong, who was from the five-member WP team that contested the multi-seat ward of Tampines, will be taking the position instead of teammate and party veteran Faisal Manap, formerly an MP for Aljunied since 2011. The team lost to the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) in a rare four-cornered fight, clinching 47.37 per cent of the vote. It was the second-closest margin at the May 3 election. Low, who contested in the single-seat Jalan Kayu constituency, lost narrowly to the PAP's Ng Chee Meng, a labour chief and a former cabinet minister. The WP member received the highest percentage of votes among unelected opposition candidates, garnering 48.53 per cent of the vote.
