2016 Bukit Batok by-election

Parliamentary by-election in Singapore March 2016 March 2016 2016 Bukit Batok by-election Singapore Parliamentary no 2013 Punggol East by-election 2013 7 May 2016 25,727 24,224 (94.16%) 0.08% 150x150px Murali Pillai People's Action Party 14,428 61.23% 11.79% MP David Ong People's Action Party Elected MP Murali Pillai People's Action Party 150x150px|Chee Soon Juan Chee Soon Juan Singapore Democratic Party 9,142 38.77% 12.39% On 7 May 2016 in Singapore, a parliamentary by-election was held in Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency (SMC) to replace David Ong, the previous Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, after he resigned from Parliament and the governing People's Action Party (PAP) following revelations of his extramarital affair. This by-election was the third of its kind in less than five years; two had previously occurred in 2012 and 2013.http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-by-election/2689240.html Bukit Batok by-election to be held on May 7 Channel NewsAsia 20 April 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160420121654/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-by-election/2689240.html 20 April 2016 dmy-all On polling day, PAP candidate Murali Pillai defeated Chee Soon Juan, candidate for the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) with 61.23% of the vote, a negative swing of almost 12%. Murali become the second ethnic minority MP to be elected in an SMC since the GRC's scheme began in 1988, with former Punggol East SMC MP Michael Palmer being its first. Murali was sworn into Parliament two days later.Parliament: PAP's Murali Pillai sworn in as MP for Bukit Batok https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-paps-murali-pillai-sworn-in-as-mp-for-bukit-batok The Straits Times 16 April 2025 en 9 May 2016 As of the recent general election in 2025, this was the latest by-election being held in Singapore. Background On 12 March 2016, David Ong, the incumbent PAP MP for Bukit Batok SMC, suddenly resigned from Parliament and the PAP, citing "personal reasons" and admitting to a "personal indiscretion". His resignation was accepted by Lee Hsien Loong, then-Prime Minister and secretary-general of the PAP.http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-mp-david-ong/2595896.html Bukit Batok MP David Ong resigns due to 'personal indiscretions' 12 March 2016 Channel NewsAsia 12 March 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160312093150/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-mp-david-ong/2595896.html 12 March 2016 dmy-all Then-PAP whip Chan Chun Sing stated that the party took "very decisive action" in "a very short time" once it heard of the "indiscretion", due to "standards that the party also [wanted] to uphold".Chong Zi Liang http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/david-ongs-resignation-pap-has-standards-to-uphold-says-chan-chun-sing David Ong's resignation: PAP has standards to uphold, says Chan Chun Sing, Politics News & Top Stories The Straits Times 2016-03-14 2016-05-06 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160420012815/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/david-ongs-resignation-pap-has-standards-to-uphold-says-chan-chun-sing 20 April 2016 dmy-all Ong sent a personal letter of apology to Bukit Batok residents in early April 2016.http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-residents-get-letter-of-apology-from-former-mp-david-ong Bukit Batok residents get letter of apology from former MP David Ong, Politics News & Top Stories The Straits Times 2016-04-07 2016-05-06 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160512135841/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-residents-get-letter-of-apology-from-former-mp-david-ong 12 May 2016 dmy-all The Singaporean media stated that Ong had been having an extramarital affair with Wendy Lim, a 41-year-old PAP member and grassroots volunteer. The affair had happened for nearly six months before going public after Lim's husband lodged a complaint;王金发涉婚外情 对象是党支部妇女团成员 http://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20160312-591894#prettyPhoto 12 March 2016 13 March 2016 Lianhe Zaobao Chinese live https://web.archive.org/web/20160312181555/http://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20160312-591894#prettyPhoto 12 March 2016 dmy-allDavid Ong had affair with party member: Media reports http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-mp-david-ong-resigns-election-follow 13 March 2016 AsiaOne live https://web.archive.org/web/20160313123142/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-mp-david-ong-resigns-election-follow 13 March 2016 dmy-all Lim subsequently left the PAP three days later on 15 March while also taking leave from her full-time job as a sales director.David Ong saga: Woman involved in affair quits PAP http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/david-ong-saga-woman-involved-affair-quits-pap 16 March 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160316145208/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/david-ong-saga-woman-involved-affair-quits-pap 16 March 2016 dmy-all Ong's resignation led to the third by-election within a span of four years, which coincidentally involving an MP resigning over extramaritial affairs. Prior to Ong's case, two other MPs in 2012 also resigned their respective seats for the same reasons and precipated its respective by-elections: the first happened in February with the resignation of Yaw Shin Leong, then-Workers' Party (WP) MP for Hougang SMC, and a by-election was held three months later; the other occurred in December that same year following the resignation of Michael Palmer, then-Speaker of Parliament and PAP MP for Punggol East SMC, which saw a second by-election being held a month later.Heng Janice MP David Ong resigns; by-election to be called http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/mp-david-ong-resigns-by-election-to-be-called 13 March 2016 Straits Times live https://web.archive.org/web/20160511205936/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/mp-david-ong-resigns-by-election-to-be-called 11 May 2016 dmy-all Ong's responsibilities as MP for Bukit Batok SMC were tentatively fulfilled by Desmond Lee, incumbent MP for Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) and Senior Minister of State, pending the election of a new MP. Ang Wei Neng, another MP for Jurong GRC, fulfilled his responsibilities as chairperson of Jurong–Clementi Town Council.Au-Yong Rachel Bukit Batok residents shocked by MP David Ong's resignation http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-residents-shocked-by-resignation 13 March 2016 Straits Times live https://web.archive.org/web/20160316133859/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-residents-shocked-by-resignation 16 March 2016 dmy-allDPM Tharman apologises to Bukit Batok residents http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/dpm-tharman-apologises-bukit-batok-residents 12 March 2016 13 March 2016 Today Online live https://web.archive.org/web/20160314092232/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/dpm-tharman-apologises-bukit-batok-residents 14 March 2016 dmy-all Calling of by-election After the annual Budget Statement for 2016 was passed, on 20 April, as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was on a working visit to the Middle East at the time, the Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, as Acting Prime Minister, advised President Tony Tan to issue the writ of election. The writ was issued, adjourning nominations to 27 April at Keming Primary SchoolKeming Primary School was coincidentally also the nomination centre for Bukit Batok SMC along with the neighbouring Jurong GRC, West Coast GRC, and Yuhua SMC, in the 2015 general election. and voting to 7 May.Bukit Batok by-election to be held on May 7 Yap Sean http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-election-be-held-may-7 20 April 2016 20 April 2016 AsiaOne live https://web.archive.org/web/20160420131301/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-election-be-held-may-7 20 April 2016 dmy-all Bukit Batok SMC Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency 300px As of 21 April 2016, there were 25,727 registered voters. They accounted for 56% of the total resident population of Bukit Batok SMC. Approximately 96% of the resident population lived in public housing.http://graphics.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/Interactives/2016/04/bukit-batok-by-election/index.html Guide to the Bukit Batok by-election on May 7 The Straits Times 2016-04-28 Bukit Batok have nine polling stations across the constituency, and ballot boxes were sent to either one of the two counting centers, Keming Primary School and Bukit Batok Secondary School. Candidates Two candidates were successfully nominated for this election:Tham Yuen-C Bukit Batok by-election: PAP's Murali Pillai and SDP's Chee Soon Juan confirmed in straight fight http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-candidates-head-to-nomination-centre The Straits Times 27 April 2016 28 April 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160429141053/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-candidates-head-to-nomination-centre 29 April 2016 dmy-all Candidates Party Background 150x150px Murali Pillai Peoples Action PartyA member of the PAP, Pillai was the branch secretary for the Bukit Batok division of Jurong GRC under the late MP Ong Chit Chung. Having been the unelected PAP branch chairpersonAnother name for a "grassroots advisor", an individual appointed for "grassroots engagement and outreach" in a GRC division or SMC who, according to the People's Association (PA), has to be aligned with the "Government of the day". They do not need to be the elected MP for the area.Grassroots Advisers https://www.pa.gov.sg/our-network/grassroots-organisations/grassroots-advisers/ 12 September 2025 www.pa.gov.sg enGrassroots leader Lee Hong Chuang unveiled as PAP’s Hougang SMC candidate http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/grassroots-leader-lee-hong-chuang-unveiled-as-pap-s-hougang-smc--8243798 https://web.archive.org/web/20171120121549/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/grassroots-leader-lee-hong-chuang-unveiled-as-pap-s-hougang-smc--8243798 20 November 2017 12 September 2025 Channel NewsAsia en-SG for the Paya Lebar division of Aljunied GRC since May 2012, he was part of the five-member PAP team in the 2015 general election that narrowly lost to the WP in said GRC. On 21 March, the PAP announced that Pillai had been nominated as its candidate for Bukit Batok SMC; he was thus appointed branch chairperson there. Outside of politics, he was the head of commercial litigation at Rajah & Tann.Linette Lim 21 March 2016 Murali Pillai named PAP candidate for Bukit Batok by-election http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/murali-pillai-named-pap/2622474.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20160425043621/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/murali-pillai-named-pap/2622474.html 25 April 2016 Channel NewsAsia dmy-all 150x150px|Chee Soon Juan Chee Soon Juan Singapore Democratic PartyChee, who was the current Secretary-general of SDP, and a retired neuro-psychologist, was the first candidate to announce his bid for Bukit Batok SMC on 20 March. While it was the first time Chee had contested in Bukit Batok SMC, this was technically the second time Chee had challenged Bukit Batok back in 2001 where said ward was under the boundaries of Jurong GRC at the time, where Chee's team had once challenged.20 March 2016 SDP's Chee Soon Juan to contest Bukit Batok by-election http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/sdp-s-chee-soon-juan-to/2618692.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20160320033626/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/sdp-s-chee-soon-juan-to/2618692.html 20 March 2016 21 March 2016 Channel NewsAsia dmy-allGoy Priscilla Lee Pearl 20 March 2016 SDP's Chee Soon Juan to contest Bukit Batok by-election http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdps-chee-soon-juan-to-contest-bukit-batok-by-election live https://web.archive.org/web/20160320091222/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdps-chee-soon-juan-to-contest-bukit-batok-by-election 20 March 2016 20 March 2016 The Straits Times dmy-all Three other men had applied for political donation certificates but were not nominated as candidates:Lee Pearl Bukit Batok by-election: 4 would-be candidates show up, but only two make it http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/four-would-be-candidates-show-up-but-only-two-make-it The Straits Times 28 April 2016 28 April 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160429171156/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/four-would-be-candidates-show-up-but-only-two-make-it 29 April 2016 dmy-all Candidates Background Kwan Yue Keng A former SDP candidate for Bukit Batok SMC in the 1988 and 1991 general elections, Kwan had since become a member of the People's Power Party (PPP). Under an agreement between SDP and PPP to avoid a walkover, Kwan was set as a designated candidate in the event Chee was disqualified. However, Kwan withdrew from the contest after Chee had nominated, and endorsed him. Abdul Rahim Osman A former WP candidate for Cheng San GRC in 1997. Despite being applied and had a political donation certificate, he withdrew from the contest after consideration, and endorsed Pillai. Shirwin Eu An Uber driver, Eu did not meet the nomination requirements of a proposer, a seconder, and four assentors residing in Bukit Batok SMC. He admitted that he was drawn by the "fame and wealth" of becoming an MP and did not know what residents of the SMC wanted.Straight fight in Bukit Batok; candidates spar over upgrading plans http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/hundreds-turn-nomination-proceedings-begin-bukit-batok-election Today 28 April 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160429195113/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/hundreds-turn-nomination-proceedings-begin-bukit-batok-election 29 April 2016 dmy-all He had suffered a similar failure during his first bid to be nominated in Bukit Panjang SMC for the 2015 general election.Ong S M If an Uber driver could almost become a candidate http://news.asiaone.com/news/general-election/if-uber-driver-could-almost-become-candidate AsiaOne 29 April 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20161013084518/http://news.asiaone.com/news/general-election/if-uber-driver-could-almost-become-candidate 13 October 2016 dmy-all Five opposition parties, including the PPP, had earlier ruled out contesting in the by-election. The rest were the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), Singaporeans First (SingFirst), and the WP.Chong Zi Liang Workers' Party will not contest Bukit Batok by-election: Sylvia Lim http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/workers-party-will-not-contest-bukit-batok-by-election-sylvia-lim 14 March 2016 18 March 2016 Straits Times live https://web.archive.org/web/20160317004041/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/workers-party-will-not-contest-bukit-batok-by-election-sylvia-lim 17 March 2016 dmy-all Samir Salim Neji, an independent who had contested Bukit Batok SMC during the 2015 general election, also announced that he would not contest.沙米尔不参加武吉巴督区补选 http://mypaper.sg/chinese-news/sha-mi-er-bu-can-jia-wu-ji-ba-du-qu-bu-xuan-20160316 16 March 2016 18 March 2016 MyPaper 我报 Chinese dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160316203222/http://mypaper.sg/chinese-news/sha-mi-er-bu-can-jia-wu-ji-ba-du-qu-bu-xuan-20160316 16 March 2016 dmy-all Campaign Summary of election rallies On Nomination Day, 27 April, the Singapore Police Force issued a list of sites available for rallies ("electoral meetings"). They could be held from 28 April to 5 May between 7am to 10pm. It was also announced that the Speakers' Corner would not serve as an "unrestricted area" during the campaigning period. All rallies below were held between 7pm to 10pm. Party 29 April 1 May 3 May 5 May PAPBukit Gombak Stadium"BGS" Bukit Gombak Stadium was under the boundaries of the neigbouring Chua Chu Kang GRC. NA NABukit Gombak Stadium"BGS" SDPField along Bukit Batok Industrial Park ABukit Gombak Stadium"BGS"Field along Bukit Batok Industrial Park A SDP plans Chee campaigned with a slogan of "Now Is The Time", and his campaign used technology and social media widely. By 21 April, he had put together a team of four to, within the first 100 days of a victory, advise the SDP on how to take over from the PAP and run the new town council for the SMC. Chee also pledged that the SDP wanted "to surpass current levels of performance of PAP-run town councils".Sim Walter 'A mountain to climb and we will' http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/a-mountain-to-climb-and-we-will The Straits Times 21 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160423012909/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/a-mountain-to-climb-and-we-will 23 April 2016 dmy-all By 29 April, the SDP had established a transition team of 13; they were to ensure that said town council "[worked] without a hitch, all from Day One". Chee also stated that he would personally manage the operation of the town council without managing agents, with the SDP aiming "to set new standards for transparency and accountability in town council governance."SDP will run town council with more transparency: Chee http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-will-run-town-council-with-more-transparency-chee The Straits Times 30 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160504171412/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-will-run-town-council-with-more-transparency-chee 4 May 2016 dmy-all The SDP announced on 23 April that, if Chee won, residents of Bukit Batok SMC would be provided with four social schemes:Lee Pearl Sim Walter SDP unveils four social initiatives for Bukit Batok residents http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-unveils-four-social-initiatives-for-bukit-batok-residents The Straits Times 23 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160426073321/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-unveils-four-social-initiatives-for-bukit-batok-residents 26 April 2016 dmy-all Hearts for Bukit Batok, where needy families would be 'adopted' and supported, including with a trust fund. Chee also said that he would use part of his salary as an MP to help 10 families. Pathfinder, a program providing youths with books, fairs, and sports, as well as subsidized tuition for the poor. Dollars And Sense, a financial clinic. Legal Lifeline, a clinic for legal advice. PAP plans On 24 April, Pillai revealed a $1.9 million plan by the PAP-run Jurong–Clementi Town Council, which was managing Bukit Batok SMC, to upgrade infrastructure around BlocksPublic apartments, or flats, as they are called in Singapore, built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). 140 to 149 in the SMC, 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."Sim Walter Murali unveils Bukit Batok infrastructure plans, Chee says he wants to 'focus on the campaign' http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/murali-unveils-bukit-batok-infrastructure-plans-chee-says-he-wants-to-focus-on-the-campaign The Straits Times 24 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160501201945/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/murali-unveils-bukit-batok-infrastructure-plans-chee-says-he-wants-to-focus-on-the-campaign 1 May 2016 dmy-all In response, Chee criticized pending upgrading plans as a "knee-jerk reaction every time an election [came]" and asked for an update on the $23.6 million upgrading plan for Bukit Batok SMC announced by Ong during the 2015 general election.Lee Min Kok Bukit Batok by-election: Spat over estate upgrading plans continues as PAP rebuts SDP's Dr Chee http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-spat-over-estate-upgrading-plans-continues-as-pap-again-rebuts-sdps The Straits Times 28 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160505230501/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-spat-over-estate-upgrading-plans-continues-as-pap-again-rebuts-sdps 5 May 2016 dmy-all Pillai replied that some projects in the $23.6 million plan were already "fully executed", while others were ongoing or "in the pipeline"; he also claimed that the $1.9 million upgrade was a component of the plan.PAP's Murali on upgrading plans for Bukit Batok http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pap-s-murali-on-upgrading/2740470.html Channel NewsAsia 28 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160501155958/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pap-s-murali-on-upgrading/2740470.html 1 May 2016 dmy-all Later, after Pillai said that the $1.9 million would be disbursed regardless of the party of the by-election winner; Chee said that he would continue with Ong's masterplan while proposing new additions including zebra crossings and covered walkways.Au-Yong Rachel Chong Zi Liang Candidates argue over Bukit Batok upgrading plans http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/candidates-argue-over-bukit-batok-upgrading-plans The Straits Times 29 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160816070937/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/candidates-argue-over-bukit-batok-upgrading-plans 16 August 2016 dmy-all On 26 April, Pillai unveiled his manifesto focusing on the three domains of employment, social mobility and the elderly. On employment, Pillai proposed a program to help the unemployed find jobs faster. On social mobility, he said that volunteers would "inspire children from low-income families to aim high to succeed in life". A "health cooperative" would be implemented to help "sandwiched families" by increasing medical literacy and subsidizing consumables for the elderly. Additionally, he also proposed an "emergency button scheme" for "elderly living alone" to alert "neighbours or community volunteers" of a need for help.Laura Philomin Murali's Bukit Batok manifesto focuses on jobs, elderly, social mobility http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/murali-unveils-manifesto-bukit-batok-election Today Online 26 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160429111548/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/murali-unveils-manifesto-bukit-batok-election 29 April 2016 dmy-allJustin Ong Lianne Chia Bukit Batok by-election: PAP candidate Murali to focus campaign on elderly http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-by-election/2731678.html Channel NewsAsia 26 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160429164951/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-by-election/2731678.html 29 April 2016 dmy-all In the following days, Pillai pledged to establish a new eldercare centre to "help provide more therapy services and daycare services".Lee Pearl Eldercare plans meant to meet future needs: Murali http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/eldercare-plans-meant-to-meet-future-needs-murali The Straits Times 5 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160505213020/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/eldercare-plans-meant-to-meet-future-needs-murali 5 May 2016 dmy-all He also elaborated on his initial plans: for social mobility, he stated a hope that his volunteer youth mentorship program would eventually be accessible to all residents and be introduced in schools;Lee Pearl Murali hoping to start youth mentoring scheme http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/murali-hoping-to-start-youth-mentoring-scheme The Straits Times 4 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160605164852/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/murali-hoping-to-start-youth-mentoring-scheme 5 June 2016 dmy-all while for the unemployed, he planned 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.Lee Pearl Chong Zi Liang Candidates outline job plans in response to residents' concerns http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/candidates-outline-job-plans-in-response-to-residents-concerns The Straits Times 2 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160816071203/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/candidates-outline-job-plans-in-response-to-residents-concerns 16 August 2016 dmy-all At his final rally, Pillai said that if he were elected, he would propose in Parliament to tighten the criteria for receiving employment passes and raise Eldershield insurance payouts for the disabled.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 http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-pap-sdp-urge-voters-to-consider-brand-of-politics-and-character-of live https://web.archive.org/web/20160507212545/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-pap-sdp-urge-voters-to-consider-brand-of-politics-and-character-of 7 May 2016 8 May 2016 The Straits Times dmy-all Campaigning On 27 April, Chee pledged that if elected, he would be a "full-time MP", claiming, "...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 that he would "always put Bukit Batok residents' needs above [his]". He also replied that PAP MPs were able to balance having a "day job" alongside their MP status; while a "team approach" was needed as constituents could not be served by a single person.Murali takes on Chee on being a 'full-time MP' for Bukit Batok http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/murali-takes-on-chee-on/2740854.html Channel NewsAsia 28 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160502110806/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/murali-takes-on-chee-on/2740854.html 2 May 2016 dmy-all At the SDP's rally on April 29, several SDP speakers criticized David Ong for his resignation, accusing him of thus failing to serve residents of Bukit Batok SMC; in response, Chee declared that people should "leave Mr Ong alone" and not "kick a man when he's down".Sim Walter SDP speakers hit out at ex-MP David Ong but Chee holds off http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-speakers-hit-out-at-ex-mp-david-ong-but-chee-holds-off The Straits Times 30 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160505185328/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-speakers-hit-out-at-ex-mp-david-ong-but-chee-holds-off 5 May 2016 dmy-all The next day, Chee further said that he would "stop" SDP members from attacking Ong for the rest of the by-election period.Neo Chai Chin Chee to 'put a stop' to any attack on former Bukit Batok MP David Ong http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/sdp-my-best-cv-chee Today Online 30 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160505173755/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/sdp-my-best-cv-chee 5 May 2016 dmy-all On 3 May, Chee claimed that, despite having earlier considered his opponent to be Pillai, they were "turning out to be everybody else except him" while Pillai was "not saying anything"; multiple serving ministers had commented on or responded to Chee during the by-election.Chong Zi Liang Chee: Who am I running against? http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/chee-who-am-i-running-against The Straits Times 4 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160509193427/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/chee-who-am-i-running-against 9 May 2016 dmy-all Several PAP politicians also questioned Chee's ability to perform the role of an MP, claiming that 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."Heng Janice Chee says he has been working full-time to build party http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/chee-says-he-has-been-working-full-time-to-build-party The Straits Times 2 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20161013022747/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/chee-says-he-has-been-working-full-time-to-build-party 13 October 2016 dmy-all Certain other PAP members praised Pillai's character and history in Bukit Batok while questioning Chee's character and his past, resulting in Chee calling for the PAP to cease its "personal attacks" and "stop the gutter politics", and instead focus on policies and issues.Yong Charissa Grace Fu and Halimah point to Murali's track record and character http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/grace-fu-and-halimah-point-to-muralis-track-record-and-character The Straits Times 30 April 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160518005056/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/grace-fu-and-halimah-point-to-muralis-track-record-and-character 18 May 2016 dmy-allYong Charissa Character takes centre stage in battle for Bukit Batok http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/character-takes-centre-stage-in-battle-for-bukit-batok The Straits Times 2 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160505191455/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/character-takes-centre-stage-in-battle-for-bukit-batok 5 May 2016 dmy-allKenneth Cheng Debate issues, don't just 'throw slime', Chee tells PAP http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/debate-issues-dont-just-throw-slime-chee-tells-pap Today Online 3 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160505155230/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/debate-issues-dont-just-throw-slime-chee-tells-pap 5 May 2016 dmy-all In contrast, as of the next day, Pillai had not commented on Chee's character, instead emphasising house visits and in-depth discussions of his proposals with residents.Au-Yong Rachel Lee Pearl Home visits allow Murali to get close to residents http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/home-visits-allow-murali-to-get-close-to-residents The Straits Times 5 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160505210942/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/home-visits-allow-murali-to-get-close-to-residents 5 May 2016 dmy-all 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. He accused Singaporean ministers of "[having] not been challenged intellectually", claiming that they were thus able to make "motherhood statements and things that [did] not really make a lot of sense". Amongst the national issues he promised to champion were the Central Provident Fund (CPF), financial assistance for the elderly, fixing and extending the progressional wage system, and retrenchment insurance.Lim Yan Liang Bukit Batok by-election: Chee calls for tighter immigration policy after ISA detentions http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-chee-calls-for-tighter-immigration-policy-after-isa-detentions The Straits Times 4 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160506100131/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-chee-calls-for-tighter-immigration-policy-after-isa-detentions 6 May 2016 dmy-allLim Yan Liang Chee's aim to be alternative voice in Parliament http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chees-aim-to-be-alternative-voice-in-parliament The Straits Times 5 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160505211904/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chees-aim-to-be-alternative-voice-in-parliament 5 May 2016 dmy-all 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.Bukit Batok by-election: SDP's Chee Soon Juan renews call for retrenchment insurance http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-sdps-chee-soon-juan-renews-call-for-retrenchment-insurance The Straits Times 1 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160505175022/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-sdps-chee-soon-juan-renews-call-for-retrenchment-insurance 5 May 2016 dmy-all Additionally, he said that Singapore needed to "pay a lot more attention" to immigrants for fear that they were "not properly vetted".Lim Yan Liang Cheong Danson Chee Soon Juan told to clarify his position on immigration http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chee-soon-juan-told-to-clarify-his-position-on-immigration The Straits Times 5 May 2016 6 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160506100314/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chee-soon-juan-told-to-clarify-his-position-on-immigration 6 May 2016 dmy-all Cooling-off Day incident On Cooling-off Day, the Media Development Authority (MDA) filed a police report against news website The Middle Ground for its article BB BE: 50 voters in Bukit Batok, which violated one of the regulations under the Parliamentary Elections Act.PEA, s. 78D(1).PEA, ss. 78C(2) and 78D(2). Elections Department Singapore, on behalf of the Returning Officer, issued a formal notice and take down at 9.30am to have the article removed no later than 3.30pm.MDA files police report against news website https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/mda-files-police-report-against-news-website The Straits Times 15 May 2025 en 6 May 2016 On 2 August, the website was issued a "stern warning in-lieu of prosecution" for the infraction.The Middle Ground website gets stern police warning for Bukit Batok by-election violation https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/the-middle-ground-website-given-stern-warning-by-police-for-by-election-violation The Straits Times 15 May 2025 en 3 August 2016Middle Ground gets 'stern' warning for by-election poll results during 'black-out' https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/website-gets-police-warning-election-survey-results TODAY 15 May 2025 en Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, any publication of the results of any election survey during the election period between the date where the writ is issued until polls closed (in the case of this by-election, between 20 April and 7 May) is strictly forbidden, so are exit polls. Penalties under this clause carries a maximum one year imprisonment or up to a S$1,500 fine, or both.https://mothership.sg/2020/06/exit-polls-election-surveys-ge2020/ Here's why you will never see exit poll & election survey results even though it's GE2020 Joshua Lee June 25, 2020 Mothership Results past electoral results Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency#Candidates and results At around 11.30 pm on Polling Day, 7 May, it was officially announced that Pillai had become the MP-elect for Bukit Batok SMC with 61.23% of the vote, defeating Chee, who received 38.77%.2016-05-07 Bukit Batok by-election: PAP's Murali Pillai beats SDP's Chee Soon Juan with 61.2% of votes https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-paps-murali-pillai-beats-sdps-chee-soon-juan-with-612-of-votes 2025-08-13 The Straits Times en 0585-3923 Four days after Polling Day, 32 of 52 overseas votes cast were compiled. Pillai and Chee received an additional 24 and 8 votes respectively. No spoiled votes were counted.Bukit Batok by-election: Overseas votes counted; total number of votes cast now 24,224 11 May 2016 https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-overseas-votes-counted-total-number-of-votes-cast-now-24224 5 September 2020 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.Elections Department to give sample count of the votes http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/elections-department-give-sample-count-votes 9 May 2016 AsiaOne 7 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160810193804/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/elections-department-give-sample-count-votes 10 August 2016 dmy-all The sample count results were released at 9:24pm, with Pillai garnering 61% of the vote and Chee with 39%.Bukit Batok by-election: PAP's Murali Pillai leads with 61% of votes in sample count http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-paps-murali-pillai-leads-with-61-of-votes-in-sample-count 9 May 2016 The Straits Times 7 May 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160508125834/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-paps-murali-pillai-leads-with-61-of-votes-in-sample-count 8 May 2016 dmy-all By-election 2016: Bukit BatokELD 2016 Parliamentary By-election Result https://www.eld.gov.sg/elections_past_by2016.html 19 July 2021 www.eld.gov.sgSingapore Parliamentary By-Election 2016 > Bukit Batok https://sg-elections.com/by-election/2016/ 19 July 2021 www.singapore-elections.com 18 August 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180818202716/http://singapore-elections.com/by-election/2016/ live People's Action Party K. Muralidharan Pillai 14,452 61.23 11.79 Singapore Democratic Party Chee Soon Juan 9,150 38.77 12.39 5,302 22.46 24.18 25,727 4.99 23,602 97.43 0.43 622 2.57 0.43 24,192 94.03 0.21 People's Action Party 12.09 Notes References Singapore By-election 2016 Category:May 2016 in Singapore