In a shocking announcement made on Saturday (12 March 2016), PAP politician and MP for Bukit Batok SMC David Ong announced his resignation from the PAP and from his duties as a Member of Parliament. He cited undisclosed "personal reasons" for his sudden resignation just 6 months after the recent General Election.
The Prime Minister's Office has announced that a by-election would be held for the single seat constituency in due time.
The Bukit Batok SMC single seat ward saw a three way fight between SDP's Sadasivam Veriyah, PAP's David Ong and Independent new citizen candidate Samir Salim Neji.
During GE2015, David Ong won by 73% of the total vote share, well above the national average of 69.9%.
David Ong wrote in his resignation to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong:
"On 12 March 2016, I tendered my resignation as a Member of Parliament to the Speaker. I hereby also tender my resignation as a member of the People's Action Party with immediate effect. I am doing so for personal reasons, and with a heavy heart.
I am grateful to my Bukit Batok residents for the opportunity to serve them as their MP, and for the strong support they have given me. I have done my best to perform my responsibilities, and deeply apologise for having to step down prematurely."
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