Latest news with #KakiBukit
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
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
WP MP-elect Fadli Fawzi pays tribute to Faisal Manap, holds first MPS at Kaki Bukit
SINGAPORE: Fadli Fawzi, who is part of The Workers' Party's (WP) slate that won at Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC) on May 3, recently took to social media to reflect on his first Meet-the-People Session (MPS) and pay tribute to Faisal Manap, whose former ward in Aljunied, Kaki Bukit, he is now overseeing. Mr Faisal, well-loved in the Malay Muslim community, served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Aljunied GRC for three terms from 2011 to 2020. In the recent General Election (GE), he headed the team of WP candidates at Tampines GRC, which lost by a small margin to the ruling People's Action Party slate led by Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli. About his first MPS, Mr Fadli wrote that a 'bumper crowd' of around 30 residents attended, attributing the large number to the backlog caused by the recent GE. 'MPS is an important platform where we understand more about the lived experiences of ordinary Singaporeans in relation to the laws and policies of the land. It makes me proud to think we are continuing the legacy of David Marshall, who started the practice when he was with the Labour Front,' the MP-elect wrote, thanking the volunteers helping him transition into his new role. He also gave a sneak peek of what these volunteers, whom he called unsung heroes, do, from arranging the venue for the sessions to writing up cases and drafting letters. Mr Fadli also wrote that he had done his share of case writing at Eunos, the ward under WP chief Pritam Singh, during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a recent post, he posted photos from his lunch with Mr Faisal at Tampines before the two headed to Ghufran mosque for Friday prayers. Mr Fadli, who has known the former Aljunied MP for 13 years, wrote, 'There is much to admire about him. His genuine humility, sincerity, and compassion makes him a model of servant leadership.' He called Mr Faisal a 'trailblazer,' adding that he will go down in history as Singapore's first Malay-Muslim opposition MP. 'During his tenure, he was steadfast in his commitment to give voice to the poor, the struggling, and the marginalised in Parliament. As a respected mentor and senior leader of the Workers' Party, he has also been generous in sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with the younger members of the party, including myself,' he added. He wrote that he has benefited from Mr Faisal's service at Kaki Bukit, adding that the residents he meets during house visits and walkabouts speak well of the former MP and that the grassroots team the latter left behind is 'effective and well-oiled'. 'This is a testament to Faisal's hard work over the past three terms. During the lunch, we discussed how I can continue to effectively serve the needs of Kaki Bukit residents. His advice and insights are valuable in these early days of learning the ropes to be an MP. Being entrusted to build on what Faisal has accomplished for Kaki Bukit and Singapore is an enormous task. I am very glad and grateful that I can count on the backing and support of the man himself!' he wrote. /TISG Read also: 'The man of the day,' Faisal Manap is touched by warm welcome at Tampines
