So unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve been bombarded by the latest parliamentary drama from all angles. From swearing in parliament to alleged illicit affairs, this July has been playing out like a season of Singapore Social, a far cry from the general lack of drama from Singapore’s politicians.
Trying to catch up but have no idea where to start? Fret not- here’s a semi-comprehensive list of what you might have missed in this week’s edition of the Singapore Social, Parliamentary Edition.
The Who’s Who of alleged illicit affairs.
Yes, it’s plural, as in; there’s more than one alleged affair going on.
First on the roster is Tan Chuan-Jin and Cheng Li Hui, whose ‘inappropriate relationship’ had allegedly been discovered after the 2020 General Election. At this time. it is unclear as to when this relationship again. But more on this later.
Second, on the roster is senior Workers’ Party members Leon Perera and Nicole Seah. While at the time of publishing, it is unclear as to whether the two are involved in a similar ‘inappropriate relationship.’ However, on July 17th, a 15-second clip of the two was uploaded on social media of the two dining together, holding and stroking hands. According to other news reports, the other WP leaders were aware of the alleged affair for some time. Both have since resigned from Workers’ Party.
Back to former Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and MP Cheng Li Hui, and their alleged extramarital affair. Dating back to 2020 and perhaps before, the alleged affair was discovered by PM Lee after the GE. Both were counselled and advised to terminate the ‘relationship’. However, neither party could come to a conclusion that they agreed with.
In February of 2023, former MP Tan Chuan Jin resigned from his position as the MP of the Marine Parade GRC but remained in his post until the 17th of July to ensure his handover was executed smoothly. He also resigned from his position in the People’s Action Party.
As for the former MP Cheng Li Hui, as of the 17th of July this month, she has since resigned as a member of the People’s Action Party, and a Member of Parliament for the Tampines GRC.
Despite being advised by PM Lee in Feb 2023 to terminate their relationship, both members had allegedly continued their extramarital affair.
In July of 2023, a video of Mr Tan using ‘unparliamentary language’ surfaced online. He has since apologised publicly and privately for his statements.
Now that you’re all caught up, it truly is a marvel that this week in politics plays out like an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. On that note, the author would like to apologise for making you read the word ‘alleged(ly)’ so many times in one article. Must be a new record.
