Latest news with #YeeJennJong
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.
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.
AsiaOne
26-04-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Attendees at WP's Sengkang rally show off #NotWhite shoes as mark of solidarity , Singapore News
Muddy grounds set the scene for the first few rallies of General Election 2025 on Thursday (April 25), including the Workers' Party (WP) rally for Sengkang GRC. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions at Anchorvale Crescent, thousands of rally-goers showed up for the event. Some even began trudging onto the field nearly two hours before the first speaker, WP veteran and East Coast GRC candidate Yee Jenn Jong, took to the stage. Instead of bemoaning the fact that their shoes were caked in mud, supporters appeared to embrace it as a symbol of solidarity. In a Facebook album published by the party on April 25, they wrote: "Our shoes are #NotWhite. Show us your proud trophies!" The series of photos showed shoes in all colours and sizes covered in dirt and grime. In one image, a supporter flaunted their white Feiyue sneakers which were half brown. One supporter also snapped a photo of themself standing alongside others in a patch of muddy grass. At one point, the crowd — numbering in the thousands — spilled onto the pavements beyond the field. After police announced that only residents will be allowed entry into Anchorvale Crescent, WP secretary-general Pritam Singh requested the crowd to not block the roads nearby and stay inside the field. During the rally, Singh said that Singaporeans cannot be passive citizens and must be active participants in the country's democracy. The 48-year-old used the "fighters" of Hougang as an example to make his point and said: "They did not become fighters by choice, they had the iron in their spine to vote for the Workers' Party." For our GE2025 microsite, visit here. melissateo@
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.
Independent Singapore
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Sylvia Lim: 'Every GE is a battle for hearts and minds'
SINGAPORE: On Day 2 of this year's campaign period, Workers' Party (WP) chief Sylvia Lim noted in a social media post that 'Every GE is a battle for hearts and minds.' This is probably why some big guns for the WP were brought out to lend their star power to some of the party's younger candidates, as Ms Lim showed in her Thursday (Apr 24) Instagram post. 'Today, retired MPs Low Thia Khiang and Png Eng Huat were on the campaign trail with us at Aljunied and Sengkang,' she wrote, sharing some photos of Mr Low and Mr Png at Aljunied with the WP teams. Meanwhile, WP secretary-general Pritam Singh, who had delivered a rousing speech at the party's first rally for the voters of Sengkang GRC, Punggol GRC, and Jalan Kayu SMC on Thursday night, posted a photo of himself in front of the very large crowd that showed up. FB screengrab/ Pritam Singh He thanked the party's supporters for their enthusiastic support at the rally, as well as the volunteers who had organized the event. Mr Singh also had a special shout-out for the police, who had to control vehicle access to Anchorvale Crescent due to the large crowd present at the rally. Although he had a late night, the WP Chief was up and about on Friday morning, holding a team huddle with the WP volunteers at Serangoon, who had met with residents who had breakfast in the area. 'Grateful to all new volunteers for signing up and joining Team WP, and a special thank you to all the WP volunteers who were busy helping residents and voters access the muddy field and helping everyone get home safe. You rock!' he wrote. Yee Jenn Jong, who leads the WP slate contesting at East Coast GRC, had been the first speaker at last night's rally. He shared his speech over social media, and towards the end, he said, 'The party has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent years. I am proud to say that I am part of a team that, when the going gets tough, we step up, just like now.' FB screengrab/ Yee Jenn Jong He Ting Ru, who hopes to serve again as MP for Sengkang for the coming years, wrote after the rally that she was 'honoured and humbled to be with you tonight. Thank you for giving #TeamSengkang strength.' FB screengrab/ He Ting Ru Her teammate at Sengkang, Louis Chua, wrote, 'What a rally!' and added that what moved him the most, aside from the passion and conviction of his fellow candidates, was the 'the strong show of support by Singaporeans of all ages… who came all the way down to the rally despite a livestream made available, undaunted by the crowds and the muddy fields, and patiently helped each other throughout the whole session.' FB screengrab/ Louis Chua The party's new candidates shared that they had also been energized by the rally. Eileen Chong, who is part of the WP's Tampines slate, emceed the event. Afterward, she wrote, 'I hope that you, like me, left feeling a little more hopeful about the Singapore of tomorrow that we can build together.' FB screengrab/ Eileen Chong As for WP candidate for Punggol Jackson Au, who had referenced the hit 'Game of Thrones' TV series in his speech, he wrote that while the occasion had been nerve-wracking, he was 'deeply encouraged by the turnout—and by how many residents and supporters showed up with conviction to listen. FB screengrab/ Jackson Au 'I hope my first-ever political speech, about Choosing Hope, Not Fear, resonated with fellow Singaporeans. Listening back, I realise I may have spoken a little too loudly (feedback taken), but every word came from the heart. More than anything, I hope it showed that all of us can become the change we want to see.' /TISG Read also: Low Thia Khiang, Png Eng Huat lend star power to WP campaign on the ground on Day 2
