Latest news with #Non-Constituency
Online Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- Online Citizen
Leong Mun Wai says PSP push ‘paid off' as Chee Hong Tat announces review of BTO age limit for singles
On 11 August 2025, Leong Mun Wai, Secretary-General of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament, said the party's advocacy has 'paid off' after the government announced a review of Build-to-Order (BTO) eligibility rules for singles. Leong's comments came a day after National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, in his first in-depth media interview since taking office in May, revealed that the government is studying potential changes to two public housing policies. Chee said the review covers the age at which singles can apply for BTO flats — currently 35 years — and the income ceiling for BTO applicants, presently set at S$14,000 for families. He added that any adjustments would be made 'at an appropriate time' and would depend on whether housing supply could meet potential increases in demand. According to Chee, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has already recovered from COVID-19 construction delays and surpassed its earlier target of 100,000 new flats from 2021 to 2025, launching 102,300 units in that period. To meet strong demand, the government will launch around 55,000 BTO flats between 2025 and 2027, a 10 per cent increase from the earlier projection of 50,000 units over three years. Chee cautions that lowering singles' age limit could drive surge in housing demand Chee said lowering the singles' age limit or raising the income ceiling would make more people eligible for public housing, inevitably increasing demand. 'It's important for us to create the right conditions to be able to make these policy moves at the appropriate time,' he noted. In his Facebook post, Leong said that he and fellow former NCMP Hazel Poa have repeatedly called in Parliament for singles to be allowed to buy BTO flats from the age of 28, with eligibility for three-room units. These proposals, he said, were central to the PSP's General Election manifesto, aimed at promoting fairness for younger Singaporeans seeking independence. Leong urged the government to implement the change promptly, describing it as 'a significant step forward'. Currently, single citizens aged 35 and older can only apply for 2-room Flexi BTO flats, though they may receive up to S$60,000 in Enhanced CPF Housing Grant. Alternatively, they may buy resale flats from the open market. Leong urges quick release of VERS details Leong also welcomed Chee's announcement that the government will work out details of the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) within the current term, saying this has been another long-standing PSP concern. He warned that the absence of a clear plan for lease expiry disadvantages low-income homeowners and pressed for quick release of VERS details to provide certainty and compensation. Chee explained that VERS, unlike the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), will be voluntary and offered to precincts when flats reach about 70 years old. Residents will vote on whether to proceed, similar to the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). Compensation terms are likely to be less generous than SERS because the flats will be older. VERS was first announced in 2018 by then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, with the aim of redeveloping older HDB towns over 20–30 years. Chee reiterated this week that the scheme would be staged progressively to avoid mass relocation in the 2070s and 2080s when many 99-year leases would otherwise expire. The government aims to identify pilot VERS sites before September 2030, with implementation likely from the first half of the next decade. Chee confirmed there are currently no plans for new SERS projects, with resources focused on VERS. The last SERS project was in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, announced in April 2022. Supporting residents outside VERS Chee said residents who choose not to take up VERS will still be able to remain in their flats until leases expire. They will be supported by programmes such as the Silver Upgrading Programme and HIP II, which offers all flats a second upgrade at 60–70 years of age. HIP II will include more extensive works than the original programme, with corrosion-resistant repairs for spalling concrete and microwave scanning to detect hidden damage or water seepage. These technologies have been tested in complex cases and are intended to make flats durable until the end of their leases.
India Today
05-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
All about Pritam Singh, the Indian-origin Leader of Opposition in Singapore
The South Asian nation of Singapore just concluded its 2025 general elections. While PM Lawrence Wong's People's Action Party (PAP) registered a resounding victory, winning 87 seats, the Indian-origin Pritam Singh-led Workers' Party (WP) won ten seats in the house of 97 elected members. Singh, whose WP bettered its 2020 vote share by 3.78 percentage points, was named the Leader of the Opposition by PM the announcement of the results of the general election on Saturday, WP's Secretary-General Pritam Singh was named for the top post in the Singapore Parliament."Singh will continue as Leader of the Opposition, with staff and resources to perform his duties," Wong wrote on Facebook. "The WP fielded a strong slate of candidates and put up a tough fight in this election. They have consolidated and increased their presence in parliament – with 10 elected seats and 2 more NCMP (Non-Constituency Member of Parliament) seats," Channel News Asia (CNA) quoted Wong as development came after Singh told reporters on Sunday that he was unsure whether he would remain in the IS SINGAPORE LOP PRITAM SINGH?Pritam Singh, who is WP chief, was also appointed the Leader of the Opposition after the 2020 48-year-old leader of Indian-origin has been serving as Secretary-General of WP since 2018. He is also an author and Singh became Singapore's first official Leader of the Opposition in 2020, as his party, the WP, secured 10 parliamentary seats. This was the most number of seats an opposition party in Singapore had ever the PAP, which has dominated politics in Singapore, it was the party's 14th consecutive win in the general LOP PRITAM SINGH HAS ROOTS IN PUNJABPritam Singh, who was born in Singapore, is of Punjabi a strong academic foundation, Singh earned his Bachelor's degree in History from the National University of Singapore in 2000. He further advanced his education with a Master's degree in War Studies from King's College London, courtesy of a Chevening educational background also includes a Juris Doctor degree from Singapore Management pre-political career involved working at Donaldson & Burkinshaw, Singapore's esteemed law firm, where he focused on dispute resolution and his parliamentary election in 2011, Singh's influence within the Workers' Party grew steadily, culminating in his ascension to leadership, succeeding Low Thia Khiang, a seasoned opposition is married to Loveleen Kaur Walia, a Singaporean citizen, and they together have two SINGH FOUND GUILTY OF LYING TO PARLIAMENTadvertisementPritam Singh was found guilty in February this year on two counts of lying to a parliamentary to media reports, the ruling, which is still ongoing, could impact his political Singh was found guilty by Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan of providing false evidence to the Committee of Privileges in 2021, during an investigation into a misleading statement made in Parliament by former MP Raeesah Khan.
Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
PM Wong looks forward to constructive, robust debates in Parliament; WP put up a ‘tough fight'
PM Lawrence Wong noted that the WP had fielded a strong lineup of candidates and had many young people with a 'desire to contribute and serve'. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO PM Wong looks forward to constructive, robust debates in Parliament; WP put up a 'tough fight' Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – The WP gave the PAP a tough fight as expected and will now have an increased and continued strong presence in Parliament, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. This will also give the WP the opportunity to refresh some members in its slate, he added, noting that the opposition party had fielded a strong lineup of candidates and had many young people with a 'desire to contribute and serve'. The WP will have 10 elected seats and two Non-Constituency MP seats if they choose to accept them, PM Wong said at a post-election press conference in the early hours of May 4. This means they will have 12 MPs in the 15th term of Parliament, up from 10 now. The WP retained Aljunied and Sengkang GRCs, as well as Hougang SMC. Its candidates in Jalan Kayu SMC and Tampines GRC were also the losers with the highest percentage of votes, earning them the two NCMP seats. PM Wong added that he respects the opposition presence in Parliament. 'I have always taken their suggestions and views seriously, and I will continue to do so,' he said. 'So I look forward to the contributions of opposition members in Parliament, because Parliament is where key national issues are discussed, and I am sure we will have constructive and robust debates there.' On some issues, the PAP and the opposition may have to agree to disagree, he said. But at the same time they must – where critical national issues are concerned – uphold a shared responsibility to come together and to advance Singapore's interests together, he added. PM Wong, who led the PAP to a win with 65.57 of the vote, said the desire for more opposition MPs and alternative voices in Parliament was one issue that came up in this election. He said he respects Singaporeans with these views, and understands the sentiments. 'I would also ask that they consider the merits of the perspective of having a good, strong team in government to work effectively for you,' he added. 'Because, in the end, the key is to have effective governance that can take Singapore forward.' PM Wong also highlighted the PAP teams contesting constituencies held by the WP. 'They did not win, but they fought hard and made their mark,' he said. 'And I thank them for stepping forward and giving Singaporeans in these constituencies a real choice.' In Aljunied GRC, the losing PAP slate got 40.32 per cent of the vote. The team was led by second-time candidate Chan Hui Yuh, 48, and included four new faces - Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz, 37; Dr Adrian Ang, 42; Mr Jagathishwaran Rajo, 37; and Mr Daniel Liu, 40. PAP newcomer Marshall Lim, 38, secured 37.83 per cent of the vote in Hougang SMC, while in Sengkang a refreshed PAP slate – led by eye doctor Lam Pin Min, 55 – scored 43.69 per cent of the vote. Its other members are political newcomers Elmie Nekmat, 43; Bernadette Giam, 38, and Theodora Lai, 39. PM Wong added that the PAP will continue to work hard in these areas. 'We will not give up. We will continue to engage, serve and strive to win over residents,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
‘I have never left': Yee Jenn Jong on his ‘one last' return as WP's East Coast candidate in GE2025
Former Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong, leader of the WP's East Coast GRC team, during a walkabout at Pasar 216 Bedok Central on April 24. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI 'I have never left': Yee Jenn Jong on his 'one last' return as WP's East Coast candidate in GE2025 Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – Former Non-Constituency MP Yee Jenn Jong has stepped into the political ring for the fourth time in a general election, for what he says is his final charge. The 60-year-old, who is part of the WP team contesting in East Coast GRC, lost in Joo Chiat SMC by 388 votes in the watershed 2011 election, describes his 2025 bid as an 'old soldier' returning to the battleground. He had publicly announced his retirement from electoral politics in 2021. He drew a parallel to the late American general Douglas MacArthur who had to retire twice, after being recalled to active duty in 1941 when the US was dragged into war again. Quoting a saying by the US general that goes 'Old soldiers never die. They simply fade away', Mr Yee said: 'I've never left. I stepped up when called upon.' He was part of the WP team that contested in Marine Parade GRC in the last general election and lost, with 42.26 per cent of the vote. While the four-time candidate was not entrenched in the WP's outreach efforts there following its 2020 defeat, he said he 'remained a soldier with fire still burning'. Two years ago, when WP chief Pritam Singh asked if he could help prepare the ground in Punggol West SMC, and possibly the whole of Punggol, for the 2025 General Election, Mr Yee said yes. But he also made it known to the party that he need not run as a candidate. Speaking to The Straits Times in an interview at The Marketplace@58 in Bedok, Mr Yee said Mr Singh had already suspected back then that Punggol's population growth would necessitate the creation of a new group representation constituency. Punggol GRC came to pass with the redrawing of electoral boundaries on March 11. Mr Yee had led a small team to walk the ground there once a week, then twice a week – many a time with potential candidates the party sent his way to mentor and observe. Two of them are now his running mates in East Coast GRC – lawyer Sufyan Mikhail Putra, 33, a former associate director at Abdul Rahman Law Corporation, and former US Navy security administrator Paris V. Parameswari, 51. Another is now one of the party's candidates in Tampines GRC, 48-year-old Ong Lue Ping, a senior principal child psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). All three passed with flying colours – even putting aside their careers to fly the opposition flag, he noted. Dr Ong, who was director of allied health at IMH, stepped down from senior leadership at the hospital in late 2024 to prepare for his candidacy. Mr Sufyan quit his law firm due to its non-partisan policy. Ms Paris resigned from the US Navy to contest as well. Mr Yee has encouraged Mr Sufyan and Ms Paris to join him in becoming full-time MPs if they are elected. Mr Yee said Mr Singh asked him to lead the party's East Coast GRC team, given his familiarity with the Joo Chiat ward, which was absorbed into the constituency. Mr Yee said he could not say no. 'I have lived here all 60 years of my life – my kindergarten till junior college, extended family, friends and church are here. I am a true blue Eastie,' he said. (From left, in blue) The WP's East Coast GRC candidates Nathaniel Koh, Jasper Kuan, Paris V. Parameswari, Yee Jenn Jong and Sufyan Mikhail Putra greeting residents during the hustings. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE Mr Yee said WP's slate in this election, with 14 new faces, is 'the best' the party has ever assembled, and that the country stands at a 'pivotal moment of Singapore politics'. 'Does Singapore progress on to a functioning multi-party system or do we regress when we struggle to persuade good men and women to step up and allow the PAP a blank cheque,' he added, noting that it would be more difficult for the WP to recruit if there is an opposition wipeout. Asked if it was good strategy to not field former candidates such as lawyer Ang Boon Yaw, 42, and former researcher Abdul Shariff Aboo Kassim, 59, in East Coast GRC, where they continued to make weekly visits after the party's narrow loss in 2020, Mr Yee said they are 'amazing' and 'selfless' soldiers who work regardless of their candidacy. 'I don't think anyone here works expecting to be parachuted into safe seats, like someone in their 60s going into Ang Mo Kio GRC,' he added, in what was clearly a dig at the PAP's Ang Mo Kio GRC candidate Victor Lye, 63, who was part of the losing PAP team in Aljunied GRC in the last two elections. Asked if the WP stands a chance of winning in East Coast GRC, Mr Yee would only say that he had stopped thinking about the odds after his first three electoral bids. 'Every vote counts, especially after losing by 388 votes in 2011. I tell the team to press on. Push yourselves to the max but enjoy this ride,' he said. WP candidate for East Coast GRC Yee Jenn Jong speaking during the party's rally at Bedok Stadium on April 29. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI As for why this would be his last electoral bid, Mr Yee said he does not want to be a first-term MP at the age of 65. 'If I do get elected, my priority is to ensure we take over operations and run the estate well, and I will actively plan for succession, either at the next or maximum one more term,' he said. 'This shall be my last attempt to help make a breakthrough.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Independent Singapore
26-04-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
GE2025: Yee Jenn Jong—From edutech pioneer to Parliament champion, WP's voice for youth and community
SINGAPORE: As Singapore gears up for one of its most anticipated General Elections in recent memory, familiar faces are returning to the political stage—not just with fresh ideas but with a track record to show for it. One such figure is Yee Jenn Jong, a seasoned educator-entrepreneur and former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP), making his political comeback with the Workers' Party (WP). Yee Jenn Jong will be fielded in the East Coast GRC, a traditional battleground that has seen close fights over the years. Previously, he contested in this area in GE2011 and GE2015, securing respectable vote shares and earning the NCMP seat after his debut. With rising cost-of-living pressures, education inequality, and youth disillusionment dominating the national discourse, Yee's return is both timely and strategic. The man behind the digital blackboard Many Singaporeans may not realize that the e-learning platforms they once used in school—ASKnLearn, for example—were the brainchild of Yee himself. Long before 'blended learning' became a pandemic-era buzzword, Yee launched ASKnLearn in 2000, revolutionizing how schools incorporated technology into education. With an academic background that includes a BSc and MSc from NUS and an MBA from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Yee was well-equipped to lead Singapore's edutech evolution. By 2009, ASKnLearn had grown into one of Singapore's largest edutech companies, with widespread adoption across public schools. For thousands of students in the 2000s and 2010s, ASKnLearn was a staple—an invisible hand guiding homework, tests, and online lessons. His commitment to youth and innovation didn't stop there. Yee served on the REACH Education Policy Workgroup and IDA's Infocomm Education Workgroup, influencing policy direction. In 2013, he was even appointed lead consultant to the government of Bhutan, helping with its 5-year national ICT education masterplan. A vision rooted in family and fairness Yee often speaks of wanting to build a Singapore where his children and grandchildren can thrive—not just survive. His vision for a 'kinder, bolder, and more creative' Singapore hinges on equitable access to opportunity, democratic maturity, and stronger community bonds. A Parliamentarian who spoke from the ground up When Yee Jenn Jong entered Parliament as an NCMP in 2011, he quickly became one of the WP's most constructive, policy-driven voices. Unlike those who merely critique, Yee brought facts, solutions, and lived experience to the table, especially in education and entrepreneurship. Championing holistic and equitable education In Parliament, Yee passionately argued that education must go beyond grades. He questioned whether Singapore's system had become too high-stakes and overly competitive, disproportionately benefitting families that could afford tuition and enrichment. Some of his most impactful positions included: Reducing the emphasis on Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and streaming in order to advocate for flexible learning pathways tailored to diverse talents. Championing support for low-income students, especially in access to digital tools and inclusive learning. Calling for greater autonomy in schools in order to encourage creativity and critical thinking over rote memorization. These positions weren't just theoretical. They were drawn from his decade-long experience building and scaling edutech tools used by schools across the country—giving him a unique lens into how policy plays out in classrooms. Advocating for startups and innovation Yee was also one of the rare parliamentarians to speak up for local entrepreneurs and startup founders. Drawing from his own journey with ASKnLearn, Yee pushed for: More open and accessible government procurement, so small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could compete fairly. Independence for Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE), reducing top-down bureaucracy and encouraging grassroots innovation. Stronger IP protections, internationalisation support, and a reduction in red tape to help Singaporean startups scale globally. He cautioned that Singapore's risk-averse culture and rigid systems could stifle the very innovation needed in a fast-evolving global economy. A collaborative and respectful opposition What truly distinguished Yee was his calm, measured, and constructive presence in the House. He maintained a respectful tone in debates, offered nuanced alternatives, and acknowledged government successes where due, while still pointing out gaps. He supported the WP's call for a stronger Town Council governance framework, ensuring opposition constituencies weren't unfairly handicapped, and in education, he challenged the Ministry to go further—questioning whether their own metrics contradicted their goals of holistic development. Leaving a legacy beyond the chamber Yee's work didn't end with his NCMP term in 2015. He published two books— Journey in Blue and Behind The Blue Line —that chronicled his journey in politics and the broader mission of building an alternative voice in Singapore. These writings have become reference points for understanding the sacrifices, strategy, and spirit of principled opposition in a dominant-party system. Community builder, ground mover Even outside the political sphere, Yee walks the talk. In 2022, he co-founded The Red Collective, a food rescue initiative that distributes surplus food to over 18,000 people every month. Often, Yee, embodying hands-on leadership, can be found driving the collection trucks himself. His lifelong dedication to service spans back to his youth, having served as an officer in both the St. John's Ambulance Brigade and the Boys' Brigade. He also served as President of the Temasek JC Alumni and sat on its advisory board for over a decade—proving his enduring investment in mentorship and youth development. A valuable addition to the WP slate The WP has always advocated for a more inclusive, multi-party Parliament, where alternative views contribute to better governance. Yee Jenn Jong embodies that ideal. He's a technocrat with empathy, a grassroots worker with global vision, and a leader who sees politics not as self-advancement but as public service. As Singapore navigates complex challenges—AI disruption, climate change, rising inequality—leaders like Yee bring the perfect balance of competence and compassion. Stay tuned to The Independent Singapore for more GE2025 coverage, exclusive candidate profiles, and real stories that matter to voters.
