Latest news with #NCMP
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.
Online Citizen
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Yeoh Lian Chuan questions if PM Wong will repudiate foreign blogger's racial remarks
Singapore law practitioner Yeoh Lian Chuan has publicly urged Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to take a definitive stand against controversial remarks made by Polish blogger Michael Petraeus, also known as 'Critical Spectator'. In a Facebook post published on 22 May 2025, Yeoh questioned whether Wong and his People's Action Party (PAP) Government would repudiate Petraeus's statements, which have been widely criticised as racially and religiously insensitive. Petraeus, a foreign commentator with a significant online following in Singapore, published a post commenting on the Workers' Party's (WP) recent Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) appointments. He alleged that WP had 'abandoned' Muslim voters in favour of appealing to Mandarin-speaking constituents. The blogger pointed specifically to the appointment of Eileen Chong, a new party member who joined WP in December 2024, as an NCMP following the 2025 General Election. Petraeus claimed that this strategic shift was influenced by Terry Xu of The Online Citizen (TOC), who had previously advocated for greater outreach to older Chinese-speaking voters and new citizens from China. In his op-ed, Xu argued that the WP would benefit more from appointing Chong as an NCMP, given the current lack of a strong Mandarin speaker among the party's parliamentary representatives and the opportunity to further its efforts toward gender diversity. Adding to the controversy, Petraeus's post attracted a 'like' from Ho Ching, spouse of former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, further amplifying its reach and raising eyebrows. Yeoh challenges Government's silence on foreign interference Yeoh, in his own Facebook post, directly challenged the Government's position. 'Will the PAP Government stand for this?' he asked, referring to the apparent use of race and religion in Petraeus's analysis. Yeoh expressed dissatisfaction with Wong's earlier remarks on the matter, made during a press conference on 26 April. Wong had emphasised the importance of rejecting identity politics and keeping race and religion out of Singapore's political discourse. He added that while foreigners are allowed to write about elections, taking sides on local issues—particularly those involving race and religion—crosses a line. 'Our rules are clear. The principle is that the outcome of elections are for Singaporeans only to decide… We have laws to uphold this principle,' Wong stated. 'When foreigners take a position on an issue or a candidate—especially when it is about race and religion—that crosses the line,' he added. Despite these statements, Yeoh argued that Wong's response lacked clarity and conviction. He also revealed that his comment on Wong's Facebook page, asking for a clearer stance, was hidden. Furthering his case, Yeoh said he had written to his Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Member of Parliament, Minister of State Alvin Tan, urging the Government to adopt a 'principled and consistent stance.' 'I have written to an MP in my GRC, MOS Alvin Tan, as a resident of the GRC, to invite the PAP Government to take a principled and consistent stance and to make clear that political comments clearly aimed at Singaporeans by CS, and favouring or disfavouring one political party, are not welcome,' Yeoh wrote. Online backlash over racially charged claims Petraeus's comments have also sparked criticism online. On Critical Spectator's Facebook post, several netizens criticised the article for sowing division along racial lines and undermining social cohesion. One Facebook user tagged the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Law, and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, calling attention to Petraeus's remarks and signalling a call for governmental oversight. While some defended the WP's decision, arguing that political representation should not be reduced to ethnic tokens, others accused Petraeus of using the 'race card' irresponsibly. Netizens also pointed to the broader issue of identity politics, noting that the GRC system itself necessitates considerations of race in electoral strategy. One user wrote: 'WP can represent Muslims as a party, not just Faisal. It's a move for the future.' Others defended WP's choice, arguing that Chong's bilingualism and Mandarin fluency filled a strategic gap. Petraeus, for his part, doubled down on his position, stating that the WP had effectively removed a seasoned Malay leader from Parliament in favour of less experienced candidates. He described the newly appointed Malay MPs as 'token' representatives, lacking significant party standing or track records. Petraeus argued that instead of elevating a prominent Muslim leader, WP had chosen 'a girl who joined the party six months ago and her main asset is Mandarin fluency.' Singaporean commentator denounces Petraeus as 'imported propaganda' Notably, an earlier Facebook post by Singaporean commentator Adrian Ang, which was widely shared online, sharply criticised Petraeus. Ang described him as 'imported propaganda,' accusing him of posing as a neutral observer while consistently defending the ruling PAP and mocking Singaporeans. Ang alleged that Petraeus invalidates the lived struggles of local citizens—particularly regarding the cost of living—through the use of insensitive and racially charged rhetoric. He further claimed that despite having no genuine stake in Singapore, Petraeus is amplified by influential figures such as Ho Ching and shielded from the scrutiny typically faced by local activists. Ang also questioned why Petraeus is regarded as 'foreign talent,' arguing that he offers no meaningful contribution to the lives of ordinary Singaporeans. Ang denounced him as a mouthpiece for the powerful, unworthy of the platform he continues to occupy. No action taken after reports of alleged foreign interference by Petraeus during GE2020 In July 2020, TOC editor Terry Xu filed a police report against Critical Spectator over posts allegedly constituting foreign interference during the 2020 General Election. Xu argued that Petraeus, as a foreigner, should not be permitted to influence Singapore's political discourse—particularly by publishing content that praised the ruling PAP while attacking opposition parties. He cited Section 83(1)(d) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which states: 'No person who is not a citizen of Singapore shall take part in any election activity.' Xu also referenced an Elections Department (ELD) advisory issued on 20 April 2020, which instructed political parties to 'lodge a police report immediately' and inform the ELD if they detected any signs of foreign interference in the election. Separately, a Singaporean named Ng raised similar concerns to the ELD, questioning whether Petraeus' activities breached election rules. While the ELD acknowledged that foreigners are prohibited from engaging in election activities and stated that it would look into the matter, no public action was subsequently taken in response to the complaints against Petraeus. His Facebook page was briefly taken down in July 2020 but was later reinstated following the conclusion of the General Election.
Online Citizen
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Online Citizen
Yee Jenn Jong slams Critical Spectator's ‘ignorant' post, defends WP's NCMP choices as inclusive
On 23 May 2025, former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Yee Jenn Jong from the Workers' Party issued a pointed rebuttal to an article by Polish blogger Michael Petraeus, widely known as 'Critical Spectator'. The article, published on 19 May, accused the Workers' Party (WP) of 'abandoning Muslim voters' in its selection of NCMPs following the 2025 General Election. Petraeus alleged that WP sidelined its vice-chairman and three-time Member of Parliament, Faisal Manap, who had contested in Tampines GRC. He framed this decision as evidence of identity politics within the party. He further claimed that WP was refocusing its efforts on Mandarin-speaking constituencies, citing the appointment of Eileen Chong—who joined the party in December 2024—as a shift in strategy. Petraeus claimed that this was influenced by Terry Xu of The Online Citizen (TOC), who had previously advocated for greater outreach to older Chinese-speaking voters and new citizens from China. In his op-ed, Xu argued that the WP would benefit more from appointing Chong as an NCMP, given the current lack of a strong Mandarin speaker among the party's parliamentary representatives and the opportunity to further its efforts toward gender diversity. Adding to the controversy, Petraeus's post attracted a 'like' from Ho Ching, spouse of former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, further amplifying its reach and raising eyebrows. On the same day, WP confirmed the appointment of Andre Low and Eileen Chong as NCMPs. The party reaffirmed its commitment to represent all Singaporeans, hold the Government accountable, and engage in reasoned parliamentary debate. 'Many senior WP members have historically declined NCMP appointments' Yee, who led the WP team in East Coast GRC during GE2025, responded to Petraeus's commentary via Facebook, calling the article 'trash'. He said he 'could not believe what [he] was reading', and described Petraeus's writing as ignorant and lacking proper analysis. Yee expressed frustration with so-called political observers who presume insight into the opposition landscape without insider knowledge. He clarified that it was likely Faisal Manap had declined the NCMP post, as other senior WP members had done in the past. Yee cited historical precedent, noting that Gerald Giam, Lee Li Lian, and Low Thia Khiang had either declined NCMP roles or expressed views on how they would have passed them on. Yee noted that when Lee rejected the NCMP appointment, it was offered to Daniel Goh, following a rather 'unpleasant parliamentary debate in which the PAP attempted to gain political mileage from the situation'. He added that even Tan Cheng Bock, after GE2020, declined the post, and it was passed to another team member. Yee argued there was no need for a senior WP figure to take the NCMP role when strong candidates are available, especially in a Group Representation Constituency (GRC). 'Nothing about race or religion' – Yee affirms inclusivity Yee firmly rejected Petraeus's racial insinuations, saying: 'Nothing about race or religion as alleged in this ignorant post, not even by a Singaporean.' He expressed confidence in Chong's ability to represent all Singaporeans, and emphasised Faisal's legacy as a well-loved MP serving residents of all races in Kaki Bukit. Yee pointed out widespread misconceptions about how NCMP appointments are handled. He explained that if a team declines an NCMP post, the seat does not automatically go to the next highest-losing team. Instead, a parliamentary motion must be raised and passed to appoint another candidate. He cautioned that public calls for Tampines GRC to reject the position would not necessarily result in a reassignment, and could instead lead to the seat being left vacant—as occurred in 1984. Yee criticised external attempts to dictate WP's internal decisions, asserting the party's autonomy. He also reiterated his broader stance against the NCMP scheme, which he and political researcher Loke Hoe Yeong argue should be abolished in favour of deeper democratic reforms. Petraeus responds with more criticism Following Yee's statement, Petraeus escalated the exchange by accusing him of breaking his word about retiring from politics after 2020. He interpreted Yee's return as evidence of a 'very limited pool' within WP. Petraeus further claimed WP publicly criticises the NCMP scheme while privately benefiting from it, referencing the party's historical use of NCMP seats since 1984. He also accused WP leader Pritam Singh of 'hypocrisy', citing Singh's allegations of gerrymandering while supposedly benefiting from constituency changes. Lawyer Yeoh Lian Chuan questions if PM Wong will repudiate foreign blogger's racial remarks On 22 May, a day before Yee's statement, Singaporean lawyer Yeoh Lian Chuan called on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to address Petraeus's comments. Yeoh asked whether Wong and the People's Action Party (PAP) would repudiate the statements, which many criticised as racially and religiously insensitive. His call added to the growing pressure on the Government to confront divisive political rhetoric circulating online. Edit: A clarification has been made regarding Yee's quote about the transfer of the NCMP seat to Daniel Goh, after Lee Li Lian declined her NCMP seat following the conclusion of GE2015.
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
- Politics
- AsiaOne
'I will serve with conviction and integrity': WP's Eileen Chong and Andre Low on being elected NCMPs, Singapore News
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, in statements on their respective Facebook pages on Monday (May 19). Expressing her gratitude to her WP Tampines GRC teammates Faisal Manap, Michael Thng, Jimmy Tan and Dr Ong Lue Ping, the 33-year-old Chong also addressed Singaporeans, thanking them for their support. The Tampines GRC team had determined among themselves that Chong would be the one declared elected as NCMP, submitting their decision to the Returning Officer Han Kok Juan on Sunday (May 18). "To my fellow Singaporeans, I hope to continue listening to your concerns, struggles and hopes for a better Singapore in the months and years ahead," she said in her Facebook post. "I will serve with conviction and integrity, and work hard to earn your trust." Chong added that she looks forward to representing Singaporeans in Parliament in order to "build a fairer, more compassionate and inclusive Singapore". Her team, led by Manap, received the second highest percentage of votes (47.37 per cent) amongst the unelected opposition candidates, but ultimately lost the four-cornered fight against the People's Action Party (PAP). Low, who contested Jalan Kayu SMC against the PAP's Ng Chee Meng, shared that he is "humbled" by the opportunity to become an NCMP. He also thanked volunteers for their time, energy and hard work during the GE2025 campaign. "My pledge to all Singaporeans is that I will use my platform to continue to advocate for a more balanced and diverse political system," Low, 34, stated. Together, he and Chong will be able to bring fresh perspectives to important national conversations, build bridges and contribute constructively to policy discussions, he also said. Low also addressed residents of Jalan Kayu, saying that he "will be back on the ground very soon". He added: "The journey continues. My WP colleagues and I will continue to ask the hard questions to hold our leaders to account. "But as always we are Singaporeans first and foremost, and we remain committed to working collaboratively across the aisle when the occasion calls for it, to build a Singapore that works for everyone." In his battle against the PAP's Ng Chee Meng in Jalan Kayu SMC, he lost, but received the highest percentage of votes (48.53 per cent) amongst the unelected opposition candidates. WP takes 12 seats in 15th Parliament In a statement released on Monday, the WP confirmed that they have accepted the two NCMP seats for the 15th Parliament, bringing the total number of seats held by the WP to 12. Prior to the confirmation of NCMP seats, the WP held 10 seats in Parliament. They consist: Party secretary-general Pritam Singh, party chair Sylvia Lim, Gerald Giam, Kenneth Tiong and Fadli Fauzi for Aljunied GRC; He Ting Ru, Louis Chua, Jamus Lim and Abdul Muhaimin for Sengkang GRC and Dennis Tan for Hougang SMC. The party declared that they would remain steadfast in working for Singapore, and that all WP MPs will "carry forward" the party's mission. In doing so, the MPs aim to "represent the interests of all Singaporeans, hold the Government to account, and advance reasoned, principled debate in Parliament". [[nid:718036]] khooyihang@
