Bukit Batok MP David Ong resigns after 'personal indiscretion'
Mr David Ong today announced his resignation as the Member of Parliament for Bukit Batok, and from the People's Action Party (PAP).
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he intends to hold a by-election for the SMC, which, in the meantime, will be in the care of Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee, MP for Jurong GRC.
In Mr Ong's letter to Mr Lee, he said he was resigning "for personal reasons, and with a heavy heart".
Later, responding to The New Paper's queries, Mr Ong admitted to a "personal indiscretion".
He said: "I feel that it's the right thing to do to step down for the best interests of the party, my constituents and family.
"There is personal indiscretion on my part which I deeply regret.
"I would appreciate if you can give me and my family the privacy to heal and rebuild."
A former grassroots leader, Mr Ong entered politics in 2011 and was part of the PAP team elected in Jurong GRC during the General Election (GE).
In last year's general election, his ward was carved out to form Bukit Batok SMC, which he won with 73 per cent of the vote in a three-way fight between Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Sadasivam Veriyah, and independent Samir Salim Neji.
Mr Lee paid tribute to Mr Ong's work with his constituents, praising his programmes for the needy.
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam apologised to Bukit Batok residents.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, he said: "We are deeply sorry. It is totally unexpected, but it's happened and we must now rebuild. And we will."
In a statement released shortly after Mr Ong's announcement, SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan said the party "looks forward to contesting the by-election that will be called".
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