2016 Bukit Batok by-election
7 May 2016
Registered25,727
Turnout24,224 (94.16%) Decrease 0.08%
  First party Second party
 
Chee Soon Juan
Candidate Murali Pillai Chee Soon Juan
Party PAP SDP
Popular vote 14,428 9,142
Percentage 61.23% 38.77%
Swing Decrease 11.79% Increase 12.39%
MP before election

David Ong
PAP

 Elected MP

Murali Pillai
PAP

The by-election was concluded on 7 May 2016 and was the 13th of its kind since Singapore's independence. The by-election was to replace the vacant seat after the incumbent MP, David Ong, sudden resignation due to his extramarital affair. [1]

Murali Pillai from the PAP winning 61.23% of the vote. Pillai was declared Member of Parliament-elect for Bukit Batok SMC.

Background

On 12 March 2016, David Ong suddenly resigned from politics as an incumbent Member of Parliament from the People's Action Party (PAP) citing "personal reasons", and having admitted on committing a "personal indiscretion", which was accepted by the party's secretary-general and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong.[2] Then-PAP Whip, Chan Chun Sing, said that the party took "very decisive action" and acted "in a very short time" once it learned of Ong's issues, due to "standards that the party also wants to uphold".[3] Ong sent a personal letter of apology to Bukit Batok residents in early April 2016.[4]

The explanation offered by the Singapore media revealed Ong was having an extra-marital affair with a 41-year-old PAP member and grassroots volunteer Wendy Lim. Ong's alleged affair went on over nearly six months before it went public after the husband of Lim lodging a complaint;[5][6] Lim subsequently left the PAP three days later on the 15th while also going on leave with her employer Pacific Integrated Logistics.[7] Ong is the third MP in five years to resign from his parliamentary seat and leave his political party because of an alleged extra-marital affair, after the likes of Workers Party's MP Yaw Shin Leong (which precipitated the 2012 by-election in Hougang SMC, and speaker and PAP's MP Michael Palmer (which precipitated the 2013 by-election in Punggol East SMC).[8]

The role handling Bukit Batok SMC is tentatively taken of by incumbent Member of Parliament of Jurong Group Representation Constituency and Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee pending the result of a by-election electing a new MP.[2] Ang Wei Neng takes over as Jurong-Clementi Town Council chairman.[9][10]

Calling of by-election

On 20 April 2016, President Tony Tan Keng Yam issued the writs of election adjourning Nominations to be held on 27 April at Keming Primary School and voting on 7 May. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that after the annual Budget Statement was passed (by the Singapore Parliament on 14 April, with President Tan announcing his assent on 15 April),[11] Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean (performing as Acting Prime Minister while Lee was away) advised President Tony Tan to issue the writ of election.[12]

Candidates

Two candidates for election were nominated on 27 April 2016: Murali Pillai of the People's Action Party (PAP) and Chee Soon Juan of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP).[13] SDP had decided on 20 March that Chee, their party secretary-general, would run as their candidate;[14][15] while PAP announced on 21 March that their candidate would be Pillai, a former PAP branch secretary of Bukit Batok who contested in Aljunied Group Representation Constituency in the 2015 general election.[16]

Candidates Background
Murali Pillai A member of the People's Action Party. He was part of a team of five from the PAP who contested and narrowly lost to the Worker's Party in the Aljunied GRC of the 2015 general election.
Chee Soon Juan A member of the Singapore Democratic Party. He has been secretary-general of the Singapore Democratic Party.

Three other men had applied for political donation certificates but were not nominated as candidates:[17]

Candidates Background
Kwan Yue KengFrom the People's Power Party (PPP), who was a candidate for Bukit Batok SMC (representing SDP) in the 1988 and 1991 elections, but lost twice to the PAP's candidate Ong Chit Chung. Kwan was prepared to contest to prevent a walkover in the event SDP's candidate Chee was disqualified, under an agreement between the SDP and the PPP. Since Chee was successfully nominated, the PPP withdrew its candidate.[17]
Abdul Rahim OsmanA former Workers' Party (WP) candidate who contested Cheng San Group Representation Constituency in 1997. He collected the political donation certificate but ultimately decided not to contest and backed PAP's Pillai.[17]
Shirwin EuAn Uber driver, who did not meet the nomination requirements of a proposer, a seconder, and four assentors from Bukit Batok SMC.[17] Eu had said he was drawn by "fame and wealth" and admitted he did not know what residents in Bukit Batok wanted.[18] Eu had suffered a similar failure during his first bid to be nominated in the 2015 elections while attempting his nomination as a candidate for Bukit Panjang SMC.[19]

Five opposition parties, including the PPP, had earlier ruled out contesting in the by-election. The rest were the Democratic Progressive Party, the Singapore Democratic Alliance,[14] the Singaporeans First party, and the largest opposition party in Singapore, the Workers' Party.[20] Samir Salim Neji, an independent candidate who contested in Bukit Batok during the 2015 general election, also announced he would not contest.[21]

Campaigning

Chee campaigned with a slogan of "Now Is The Time", and his campaign used technology and social media widely. By 21 April, Chee had put together a team of four to advise the SDP (in the first 100 days) on how to take over and run the town council should they win. Chee also pledged that the SDP wanted "to surpass current levels of performance of PAP-run town councils".[22] By 29 April, the SDP had established a 13-strong transition team to ensure the SDP town council "works without a hitch, all from Day One". Chee also elaborated that he would personally manage the running of the town council instead of using managing agents, with the SDP aiming "to set new standards for transparency and accountability in town council governance."[23]

It was reported on 23 April that the SDP had prepared four social schemes for Bukit Batok residents if Chee won. One, Hearts for Bukit Batok, where needy families would be 'adopted' and helped, including with a trust fund. Additionally, Chee said he would use part of his salary as MP to help 10 families. Two, Pathfinder, targeting youth with books, fairs, sports and subsidized tuition for the poor. Three, Dollars And Sense, a financial clinic. Four, Legal Lifeline, a clinic for legal advice.[24]

On 24 April, Pillai revealed a plan by the PAP Jurong-Clementi Town Council to upgrade infrastructure around Blocks 140 to 149 of the SMC, which would cost $1.9 million. PAP could only carry out that specific plan if they won, with Pillai saying, "If we don't have the mandate, then we won't have the ability to carry on because we will not form the town council."[25] In response, Chee criticized pending upgrading plans as a "knee-jerk reaction every time an election comes", and also asked for an update on the $24 million upgrading plan for Bukit Batok announced by David Ong during the 2015 general election.[26] Pillai replied that for the 2015 $23.6 million masterplan, some projects were already "fully executed", while others "are still on-going" or are still "in the pipeline". Pillai also said the $1.9 million Neighbourhood Renewal Project is "part of" the $23.6 million masterplan.[27] After Pillai said the $1.9 million funds would be disbursed regardless of the party of the by-election winner, Chee said that he would continue with Ong's masterplan, but also propose new additions including zebra crossings and covered walkways.[28]

On 26 April, Pillai unveiled his manifesto focusing on the three domains of jobs, social mobility and the elderly. For the first domain, Pillai proposed a program to help the unemployed find jobs faster. For the second domain, volunteers would "inspire children from low-income families to aim high to succeed in life". For the third domain, a 'health cooperative' would be implemented to help "sandwiched families" by increasing medical literacy and subsidizing consumables for the elderly. Additionally, Pillai also proposed an "emergency button scheme" for "elderly living alone" to alert "neighbours or community volunteers" of a need for help.[29][30] In the following days, Pillai revealed more plans: for the elderly, setting up a new "eldercare centre will help provide more therapy services and daycare services".[31] He also elaborated on his initial plans: for social mobility, Pillai hoped that his volunteer youth mentorship program would eventually be accessible to all residents and be introduced in schools;[32] while for the unemployed, Pillai is planning on "leveraging on community contacts within the pool of community volunteers and Bukit Batok residents, and also [his] own business contacts" to help residents secure jobs.[33]

On 27 April, Chee pledged that if elected, he would be a "full-time MP"; making the comparison: "... every morning when Mr Murali wakes up, his first destination will be his office. When I wake up every morning, my first destination is Bukit Batok." In response, Pillai said, "I would always put Bukit Batok residents' needs above mine". He also replied that PAP MPs have been able to juggle being an MP with an additional "day job"; while residents could not be served by just one person and a "team approach" is needed.[34] At the SDP's rally on April 29, several SDP speakers criticized David Ong for resigning and thus failing to serve Bukit Batok's residents. This was followed by Chee declaring that people should "leave Mr Ong alone" and not "kick a man when he's down".[35] The next day, Chee declared he would "put a stop" to any future attack on Ong by his party members for the by-election.[36]

On 3 May, Chee said while he thought his opponent was Pillai, "It is turning out to be everybody else except him", while Pillai was "not saying anything". This came after multiple serving ministers from the PAP had commented on or responded to Chee during the by-election.[37] Several PAP politicians also questioned Chee's ability to perform the role of an MP when they said he had not had a "full-time job" for several years. In response, Chee said, "I've been working every single day to not just keep the SDP together but build it up, and to think and propose and write about ideas for Singapore".[38] Some of the other PAP members had praised Pillai's character and history in Bukit Batok while questioning Chee's character and his past, resulting in Chee calling for the PAP cease its "personal attacks" and "stop the gutter politics", and instead focus on policies and issues.[39][40][41] In contrast, Pillai did not comment on Chee's character as of May 4. His campaign strategy emphasized on house visits where Pillai could discuss his proposals with residents in depth.[42] Finally, Pillai said that if he were elected as a Member of Parliament, he would raise the issues of tightening the criteria for receiving employment passes and fighting for higher Eldershield insurance payouts for the disabled.[43]

On 4 May, Chee said that his party's "comparative advantage" would be evident in Parliament, where he could make a "qualitative difference", challenging ministers to "justify their positions" on issues. Chee criticized how Singaporean ministers "have not been challenged intellectually", and thus were able to make "motherhood statements and things that do not really make a lot of sense". Amongst the national issues Chee would champion discussing include the Central Provident Fund, financial assistance for the elderly, fixing and extending the progressional wage system, and retrenchment insurance.[44][45] On the retrenchment insurance scheme, Chee proposed that employed workers pay a fee for inclusion into the scheme, in exchange for a staggered form of monetary support for the 18 months after retrenchment.[46] Additionally, Chee said that Singapore needed to "pay a lot more attention" to immigrants, fearing those "not properly vetted".[47]

Bukit Batok SMC

As at 21 April, there are 25,727 registered voters. They account for 56% of the total resident population of Bukit Batok SMC. Approximately 96% of the resident population live in public housing.[48]

Election rallies

The Singapore Police Force announced on Nomination Day 27 April 2016, a list of sites available for electoral meetings. Such meetings could be held from 28 April to 5 May between 7am to 10pm. The police also announced that Speakers' Corner would not serve as an "unrestricted area" during the campaigning period. All rallies below are held between 7pm to 10pm.

Party 29 Apr 1 May 3 May 5 May
PAP
Bukit Gombak Stadium
 NA NA
Bukit Gombak Stadium
SDP
Field along Bukit Batok Industrial Park A
Bukit Gombak Stadium
Field along Bukit Batok Industrial Park A
Field along Bukit Batok Industrial Park A

Polling stations

On 7 May 2016, which is the Polling Day for Bukit Batok By-Election 2016, 25,727 registered voters will cast their votes at the nine polling stations in Bukit Batok SMC (six at HDB void decks, one at a pavilion and two at secondary school canteens) from 8am to 8pm (SGT). After votes closed, the boxes are sealed and sent to the counting centres.

List of Polling Stations for the Bukit Batok By-Election 2016:

  • HDB Block 191 Void Deck, Bukit Batok West Avenue 6
  • Bukit View Secondary School Canteen, Bukit Batok Street 21
  • HDB Block 221 Void Deck, Bukit Batok East Avenue 3
  • HDB Block 624 Void Deck, Bukit Batok Central
  • HDB Block 131 Void Deck, Bukit Batok West Avenue 6
  • HDB Pavilion Block 105A, Bukit Batok Central
  • HDB Block 136 Void Deck, Bukit Batok West Avenue 6
  • Bukit Batok Secondary School Canteen, Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
  • HDB Block 176 Void Deck, Bukit Batok West Avenue 8

Overseas voters will also cast their votes 10 overseas polling stations.

Results

The results was announced by returning officer Ng Wai Choong at 11.27 pm (SGT) that PAP candidate Pillai was named the candidate-elect with 61.21% of the votes, beating SDP Chee's 38.79%.

The overseas votes were complied four days later on the 11th that 32 voters out of the 52 overseas votes had cast. Pillai and Chee received an additional 24 and 8 votes respectively.[49]

Sample count

Similar to the 2015 general election, sample counts were released by the Elections Department prior to the announcement of the official results to prevent unnecessary speculation and reliance on unofficial sources of information while counting is still under way.[50] The sample count results were released at 9:24pm, with Pillai garnering 61% of the vote and Chee with 39%.[51]

By-election 2016: Bukit Batok[52][53]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
PAP K. Muralidharan Pillai 14,452 61.23 Decrease11.79
SDP Chee Soon Juan 9,150 38.77 Increase12.39
Majority 5,302 22.46 Decrease24.18
Registered electors 25,727 Decrease4.99
Total valid votes 23,602 97.43 Decrease0.43
Rejected ballots 622 2.57 Increase0.43
Turnout 24,192 94.03 Decrease0.21
PAP hold Swing Decrease12.09

References

  1. ↑ "Bukit Batok by-election to be held on May 7". Channel NewsAsia. 20 April 2016. Archived from the original on 20 April 2016.
  2. 1 2 "Bukit Batok MP David Ong resigns due to 'personal indiscretions'". Channel NewsAsia. 12 March 2016. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  3. ↑ Chong Zi Liang (14 March 2016). "David Ong's resignation: PAP has standards to uphold, says Chan Chun Sing, Politics News & Top Stories". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  4. ↑ "Bukit Batok residents get letter of apology from former MP David Ong, Politics News & Top Stories". The Straits Times. 7 April 2016. Archived from the original on 12 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  5. ↑ "王金发涉婚外情 对象是党支部妇女团成员" (in Chinese). Lianhe Zaobao. 12 March 2016. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  6. ↑ "David Ong had affair with party member: Media reports". AsiaOne. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  7. ↑ "David Ong saga: Woman involved in affair quits PAP". Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  8. ↑ Heng, Janice. "MP David Ong resigns; by-election to be called". Straits Times. Archived from the original on 11 May 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  9. ↑ Au-Yong, Rachel. "Bukit Batok residents shocked by MP David Ong's resignation". Straits Times. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  10. ↑ "DPM Tharman apologises to Bukit Batok residents". Today Online. 12 March 2016. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  11. ↑ Charissa Yong (15 April 2016). "President Tony Tan gives his assent to Budget 2016, Singapore News & Top Stories". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 27 April 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  12. ↑ Yap, Sean (20 April 2016). "Bukit Batok by-election to be held on May 7". AsiaOne. Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  13. ↑ Tham, Yuen-C (27 April 2016). "Bukit Batok by-election: PAP's Murali Pillai and SDP's Chee Soon Juan confirmed in straight fight". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 29 April 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  14. 1 2 "SDP's Chee Soon Juan to contest Bukit Batok by-election". Channel NewsAsia. 20 March 2016. Archived from the original on 20 March 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  15. ↑ Goy, Priscilla; Lee, Pearl (20 March 2016). "SDP's Chee Soon Juan to contest Bukit Batok by-election". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 20 March 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  16. ↑ Linette Lim (21 March 2016). "Murali Pillai named PAP candidate for Bukit Batok by-election". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Lee, Pearl (28 April 2016). "Bukit Batok by-election: 4 would-be candidates show up, but only two make it". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 29 April 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  18. ↑ "Straight fight in Bukit Batok; candidates spar over upgrading plans". Today. Archived from the original on 29 April 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  19. ↑ Ong, S M. "If an Uber driver could almost become a candidate". AsiaOne. Archived from the original on 13 October 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  20. ↑ Chong, Zi Liang (14 March 2016). "Workers' Party will not contest Bukit Batok by-election: Sylvia Lim". Straits Times. Archived from the original on 17 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  21. ↑ "沙米尔不参加武吉巴督区补选" (in Chinese). MyPaper 我报. 16 March 2016. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  22. ↑ Sim, Walter (21 April 2016). "'A mountain to climb and we will'". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 23 April 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  23. ↑ "SDP will run town council with more transparency: Chee". The Straits Times. 30 April 2016. Archived from the original on 4 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  24. ↑ Lee, Pearl; Sim, Walter (23 April 2016). "SDP unveils four social initiatives for Bukit Batok residents". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 26 April 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  25. ↑ Sim, Walter (24 April 2016). "Murali unveils Bukit Batok infrastructure plans, Chee says he wants to 'focus on the campaign'". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 1 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  26. ↑ Lee, Min Kok (28 April 2016). "Bukit Batok by-election: Spat over estate upgrading plans continues as PAP rebuts SDP's Dr Chee". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  27. ↑ "PAP's Murali on upgrading plans for Bukit Batok". Channel NewsAsia. 28 April 2016. Archived from the original on 1 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  28. ↑ Au-Yong, Rachel; Chong, Zi Liang (29 April 2016). "Candidates argue over Bukit Batok upgrading plans". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  29. ↑ Laura Philomin (26 April 2016). "Murali's Bukit Batok manifesto focuses on jobs, elderly, social mobility". Today Online. Archived from the original on 29 April 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  30. ↑ Justin Ong; Lianne Chia (26 April 2016). "Bukit Batok by-election: PAP candidate Murali to focus campaign on elderly". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 29 April 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  31. ↑ Lee, Pearl (5 May 2016). "Eldercare plans meant to meet future needs: Murali". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  32. ↑ Lee, Pearl (4 May 2016). "Murali hoping to start youth mentoring scheme". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 June 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  33. ↑ Lee, Pearl; Chong, Zi Liang (2 May 2016). "Candidates outline job plans in response to residents' concerns". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  34. ↑ "Murali takes on Chee on being a 'full-time MP' for Bukit Batok". Channel NewsAsia. 28 April 2016. Archived from the original on 2 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  35. ↑ Sim, Walter (30 April 2016). "SDP speakers hit out at ex-MP David Ong but Chee holds off". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  36. ↑ Neo Chai Chin (30 April 2016). "Chee to 'put a stop' to any attack on former Bukit Batok MP David Ong". Today Online. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  37. ↑ Chong, Zi Liang (4 May 2016). "Chee: Who am I running against?". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 9 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  38. ↑ Heng, Janice (2 May 2016). "Chee says he has been working full-time to build party". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 13 October 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  39. ↑ Yong, Charissa (30 April 2016). "Grace Fu and Halimah point to Murali's track record and character". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 18 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  40. ↑ Yong, Charissa (2 May 2016). "Character takes centre stage in battle for Bukit Batok". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  41. ↑ Kenneth Cheng (3 May 2016). "Debate issues, don't just 'throw slime', Chee tells PAP". Today Online. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  42. ↑ Au-Yong, Rachel; Lee, Pearl (5 May 2016). "Home visits allow Murali to get close to residents". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  43. ↑ Yong, Charissa; Sim, Walter; Au-Yong, Rachel; Heng, Janice (5 May 2016). "Bukit Batok by-election: PAP, SDP urge voters to consider brand of politics and character of candidates at final rallies". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  44. ↑ Lim, Yan Liang (4 May 2016). "Bukit Batok by-election: Chee calls for tighter immigration policy after ISA detentions". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 6 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  45. ↑ Lim, Yan Liang (5 May 2016). "Chee's aim to be alternative voice in Parliament". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  46. ↑ "Bukit Batok by-election: SDP's Chee Soon Juan renews call for retrenchment insurance". The Straits Times. 1 May 2016. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  47. ↑ Lim, Yan Liang; Cheong, Danson (5 May 2016). "Chee Soon Juan told to clarify his position on immigration". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 6 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  48. ↑ "Guide to the Bukit Batok by-election on May 7". The Straits Times. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  49. ↑ "Bukit Batok by-election: Overseas votes counted; total number of votes cast now 24,224". 11 May 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  50. ↑ "Elections Department to give sample count of the votes". AsiaOne. 7 May 2016. Archived from the original on 10 August 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  51. ↑ "Bukit Batok by-election: PAP's Murali Pillai leads with 61% of votes in sample count". The Straits Times. 7 May 2016. Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
  52. ↑ "ELD | 2016 Parliamentary By-election Result". www.eld.gov.sg. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  53. ↑ "Singapore Parliamentary By-Election 2016 > Bukit Batok". www.singapore-elections.com. Archived from the original on 18 August 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
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