For the first time in nearly 40 years, the country’s longest-serving opposition Member of Parliament will not be contesting in the elections.
TODAY reports that the 80-year-old icon of the Potong Pasir district will not be standing in the upcoming general election due to his health and age — he suffered two strokes in recent years.
The Singapore People’s Party (SPP) chief will continue to serve as an advisor to the contesting team though. SPP will be teaming up with the Democratic Progressive Party in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC this year, which Chiam tried and failed to find success back when he himself contested in the 2011 general election.
Prior to that, he served the residents of Potong Pasir in Parliament for 27 years before People’s Action Party’s Sitoh Yih Pin won the seat by a mere 114 votes to Chiam’s wife, Lina. She’ll be trying to wrestle back control of the ward this year in a three-cornered fight with Sitoh and independent candidate Tan Lam Siong.
Photo: SPP Facebook page
