2013 Punggol East by-election

Parliamentary by-election in Singapore September 2015 September 2015 2013 Punggol East by-election Singapore Parliamentary no 2012 Hougang by-election 2012 26 January 2013 2016 Bukit Batok by-election 2016 31,649 29,859 (94.34%) 0.94% 3x4.svg 100 Lee Li Lian Workers' Party (Singapore) 16,045 54.50% 13.49% MP Michael Palmer People's Action Party Elected MP Lee Li Lian Workers' Party (Singapore) File:Koh Poh Koon, 2024.png 100 Koh Poh Koon People's Action Party 12,875 43.73% 10.81% File:Kenneth Jeyaretnam at a Reform Party rally, Speakers' Corner, Singapore - 20110115 (cropped).jpg Kenneth Jeyaretnam Reform Party (Singapore) 353 1.20% 1.20% File:Desmond Lim Bak Chuan (cropped).jpg Desmond Lim Singapore Democratic Alliance 168 0.57% 3.88% On 26 January 2013, a parliamentary by-election occurred in Punggol East Single Member Constituency in Singapore. It was held to replace the vacant seat left by Speaker and Member of Parliament (MP) Michael Palmer, who had resigned from the People's Action Party (PAP) following revelations of his extramarital affair. This marked the 16th by-election since Singapore's first election in 1948 and came months after the 2012 Hougang by-election, which occurred under similar circumstances but involved a different MP from the Workers' Party (WP).Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer resigns over 'grave mistake' http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1242365/1/.html Channel NewsAsia 12 December 2012 15 January 2013 31 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130131033355/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1242365/1/.html dead On nomination day, Desmond Lim, the leader of the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA), and Lee Li Lian, a WP member, registered to contest the constituency, having contested the 2011 general election. The PAP fielded debutant Koh Poh Koon, who had joined the party months prior. Reform Party (RP) leader Kenneth Jeyaretnam was also nominated, resulting in a rare four-cornered contest.The last instance of a four-cornered fight last occurred during the 1997 elections, where a four-way fight unfolded at Chua Chu Kang SMC. 2011 presidential election also saw a four-cornered contest after four presidential candidates were deemed eligible. On polling day, Lee won the by-election for the WP, garnering 54.50% of the vote against Koh's 43.73%. The remaining two candidates fell short of the 12.5% threshold required to retain their election deposits.WP's Lee wins Punggol East by-election http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1250425/1/.html Channel NewsAsia 26 January 2013 26 January 2013 28 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130128000519/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1250425/1/.html deadPrimetime Weekend - Punggol East By-Election Results https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwLbJfOtk7s&pp=ygUecHJpbWV0aW1lIHdlZWtlbmQgMjAxMyBwdW5nZ29s 11 September 2026 26 January 2013 Lee was sworn into Parliament on 4 February.http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1252097/1/.html WP's Lee Li Lian sworn in as MP for Punggol East Channel NewsAsia February 4, 2013 February 6, 2013 6 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130206231500/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1252097/1/.html dead Background On 8 December 2012, local tabloid The New Paper reported receiving a tip-off in the form of screengrabs of phone messages suggesting that Palmer was involved in an affair. The messages indicated a close relationship between Palmer and the other party, with regular meetings on Mondays.SMSes expose Michael Palmer's affair http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121213-389445.html The New Paper 13 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131113182430/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121213-389445.html 13 November 2013 dead The tabloid also reported that the relationship had lasted for a year. On the same day of the exposé, Palmer met Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean to tender his resignation as Speaker and MP. The following day, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Palmer to formally confirm his resignation. Subsequently, the by-election was called by President Tony Tan on the advice of the Prime Minister following the vacation. On 12 December 2012, the PAP held a press conference where Palmer announced his resignation, stating he was stepping down to "take full responsibility for a grave mistake" involving an improper relationship with a People's Association (PA) staff member, Laura Ong, who worked in the Pasir Ris West constituency office,The Pasir Ris West division in the Pasir Ris–Punggol Group Representation Constituency is overseen by Teo Chee Hean at the time of the incident. Although Ong did not report directly to Palmer, they collaborated on constituency matters within the Pasir Ris–Punggol division. Ong has since resigned from PA after the incident surfaced, citing "family commitments".SPH Razor Woman in Michael Palmer affair identified https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgky3ihdBoM 23 September 2026 26 July 2013 Palmer's responsibilities as MP for Punggol East SMC were tentatively fulfilled by Teo Ser Luck, incumbent Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC MP, Minister of State and North East CDC Mayor, pending the election of a new MP. Zainal Sapari assumed his role of a chairman of the Pasir Ris–Punggol Town Council. Deputy Speaker Charles Chong served as Acting Speaker until 14 January 2013, when Halimah Yacob was appointed as the new Speaker. Confirmation of by-election On 9 January 2013, President Tan issued a writ of election for the electoral division of Punggol East. The nominations were held on 16 January at North Vista Secondary School and voting took place on 26 January. Punggol East by-election announced, Polling Day is Jan 26 The Straits Times 9 January 2013 http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/punggol-east-election-announced-polling-day-jan-26-20130109 14 January 2013 26 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130114162552/http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/punggol-east-election-announced-polling-day-jan-26-20130109 live On the following day, PM Lee stated on media about his reasons of calling a by-election one month later citing that the residents will need to have another representative MP to prepare for the upcoming government agenda, billed as one of the busiest times to date.Punggol East by-election set for Jan 26 https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/ips/today_punggol-east-by-election-set-for-jan-26_100113.pdf?sfvrsn=21ca710a_2 11 September 2026 Punggol East SMC Punggol East Single Member Constituency 300px As of 9 January 2013, there were 31,649 registered voters, of which 59 were registered as overseas voters. Punggol East have nine polling stations across the constituency, and ballot boxes were sent to either one of the two counting centers, namely North Vista Secondary School and Rivervale Primary School. Candidates Four candidates were successfully nominated for this election:CNA coverage on Punggol East by-election Nomination Day - 16Jan2013 [17min] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5ZRbNoharY 23 September 2026 16 January 2013 Candidates Party Background 150x150px Koh Poh Koon People's Action Party Having joined the PAP a month prior to the by-election, Koh, a 40-year-old colorectal surgeon from Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre made its electoral debut this election. Koh was the first candidate to announce candidacy on 10 January. PAP fields Koh Poh Koon as its candidate for by-election Channel NewsAsia 10 January 2013 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1247058/1/.html 12 January 2013 15 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130112215945/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1247058/1/.html dead Lee Li Lian Worker's Party A member of the WP, Lee, a sales trainer of Singaporean insurance company Great Eastern Life, made her debut in the last general election contesting in Punggol East SMC. The WP announced her candidacy on 14 January.14 January 2013 WP fields Lee Li Lian as its candidate for by-election http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1247769/1/.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130116090207/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1247769/1/.html 16 January 2013 19 June 2025 Channel NewsAsia 150x150px Desmond Lim Singapore Democratic Alliance The secretary-general of SDA since 2011 and a member of the Singapore Justice Party, Lim and SDA announced their candidacy on 15 January. As with Lee, Lim also contested Punggol East SMC in the last general election (resulting in that election's only three-way contest), but ended up garnering under 12.5% of the valid votes cast and become the only candidate that election to have his S$16,000 election deposit forfeited. SDP still keen to contest by-election Channel NewsAsia 14 January 2013 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1247902_189/1/.html June 2025 InternetArchiveBot yes SDA fields Desmond Lim as its candidate for by-election Channel NewsAsia 14 January 2013 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1247989/1/.html 15 January 2013 15 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130115051127/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1247989/1/.html dead 150x150px Kenneth Jeyaretnam Reform Party The secretary-general for RP, Jeyaretnam, a hedge fund manager and the son of the late WP's leader and RP founder J. B. Jeyaretnam, announced his candidacy on 15 January, shortly after SDA. Jeyaretnam also made his electoral debut in the 2011 general election as part of the RP team contesting West Coast GRC. RP picks Kenneth Jeyaretnam as candidate for by-election Channel NewsAsia 15 January 2013 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1248122/1/.html 22 January 2013 15 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130122232948/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1248122/1/.html dead Two other men had applied for political donation certificates but were not nominated as candidates: Ooi Boon Ewe, Zeng Guoyuan issued Political Donation Certificates Channel NewsAsia 14 January 2013 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1247787_189/1/.html 14 January 2013 19 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130114160147/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1247787_189/1/.html dead Candidates Background Ooi Boon Ewe Ooi was a founder of the People's Liberal Democratic Party (PLDP), who he withdraw from the party sometime in 2011.http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC130110-0000105/Ooi-Boon-Ewe-prepared-for-tough-fight-in-Punggol-East Ooi Boon Ewe 'prepared' for tough fight in Punggol EastAugust 2025 InternetArchiveBot yes During nomination day, he was unable to find his assentors, and claimed that he had misplaced his political donation certificate and his electoral deposit being stolen by his driver.http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1248308/1/.html Ooi, Zeng failed to file nomination papers As a result of those losses, he ultimately withdrew from the nomination.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4DQP1bxjQ Punggol East by-election hopeful Ooi Boon Ewe speaks to reporters www.youtube.com Zeng Guoyuan Zeng was a retired acupuncturist and former WP candidate. While Zeng had collected his certificate, he ultimately decided not to contest due to his alleged suspicions and the higher profile among other candidates.AsiaOne http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130116-396031.html Zeng Guoyan's 5 reasons for not contesting 16 January 2013 The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) initially expressed interest in contesting the election, with the SDP attempting to broker a deal with WP for a joint alliance, SDP proposes joint campaign with WP in Punggol East by-election Channel NewsAsia 11 January 2013 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1247379_189/1/.html https://archive.today/20130215165502/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/specialreport/news/1247379_189/1/.html dead 15 February 2013 but later withdrew on 15 January. SDP not contesting Punggol East by-election Channel NewsAsia 15 January 2013 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1248054/1/.html 18 February 2013 19 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130218032104/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1248054/1/.html dead The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and former Singapore People's Party (SPP) member Benjamin Pwee also expressed interest into contesting the by-election, but later withdrew citing logistics reasons. Benjamin Pwee pulls out Channel NewsAsia 15 January 2013 http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130114-395311.html Campaigning Summary of election rallies On Nomination Day, 16 January, the Singapore Police Force issued a list of sites available for rallies ("electoral meetings"). They could be held from 16 January to 24 January 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 18 January 19 January 20 January 21 January 22 January 23 January 24 JanuaryPAPField near Block 128C Punggol Walk NA NA NA NAField near Block 128C Punggol WalkNorth Vista Secondary SchoolWP NAField near Block 128C Punggol Walk NA NAField near Block 128C Punggol WalkNorth Vista Secondary School NASDA NA NA NAOnline e-rally NA NA NARP NA NAField near Block 128C Punggol Walk NA NA NAField near Block 128C Punggol Walk In an election's first, the SDA's Desmond Lim opted out of physical campaigning and used online rallies by posting on YouTube instead. At the time, online rallies were of less prominence until the 2020 Singaporean general election, where online rallies become more prominent after physical rallies were suspended at the time.1 July 2020 ELD Campaigning https://www.eld.gov.sg/candidate_parliamentary_campaign.html Elections Department en18 July 2020 IN FOCUS: At Singapore's first pandemic election, did parties do enough to win support online? https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ge2020-covid-19-pandemic-election-parties-win-support-online-12941118 CNA en 18 July 2020 18 July 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200718081514/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ge2020-covid-19-pandemic-election-parties-win-support-online-12941118 dead PAP plans Dubbed as "son of Punggol", Koh outlined many plans in his manifesto and would like to run his own campaign by himself without backup from their activists nor PAP MPs, the same way as how Desmond Choo ran on his campaign in the last year's by-election; while grassroots activists and supporters felt comfortable on their decision unlike Hougang, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean hinted in an interview that the results will be close given a multi-cornered contest. Koh said that he would wish to address problems and issues by the electorate in Rivervale, most notably the transportation and rail network, and the expedition of the renovations in the Rivervale Plaza, which was earlier stalled in August 2012 after the previous contractors, Technobuilt Construction & Engineering, faced liquidation, and was replaced by Hak Kian Enterprise. The mall was expected to be completed in June.Rivervale Plaza renovation halted https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/rivervale-plaza-renovation-halted-092125456--sector.html 22 September 2026PAP fields Koh Poh Koon as its candidate for by-election - 10Jan2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIQQcfZB2iY 23 September 2026 10 January 2013 While Punggol East is brand-new due to the new housing developments in the eastern Sengkang, Koh said that he would work closely with the government to ensure meeting the same demands as once Palmer did, and to overcome the geopolitical trends as part of the promise made in the last election.Punggol East SMC: Charm offensives https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/punggol-east-smc-charm-offensives The Straits Times 22 September 2026 en 5 September 2015Dr Koh Poh Koon: "Please do not give me any sympathy votes" - 13Jan2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-xY8djXjTo 23 September 2026 13 January 2013TODAYonline Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visits Punggol East Jan 19, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBZglxyzKNg 23 September 2026 18 January 2013PM Lee: Dr Koh Poh Koon has character, conviction & commitment - 19Jan2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RbH18Jl1Ec 23 September 2026 19 January 2013 WP plans The WP was the first party to express interest in contesting the by-election immediately after Palmer's resignation, which WP chief Low Thia Khiang, while conducting his Meet-the-People Sessions that same night, felt surprised about the news that broke, but also told that it should not draw parallel lines to the case of Yaw Shin Leong, as it would be unfair for both cases.Low Thia Khiang comments on michael palmer saga - 12Dec2012 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9gMleFYROA 23 September 2026 12 December 2012 Lee was hoping that if she is elected, she will pledge that she and Low would add more scrutiny to the government and the management over the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council; Low told the media that she was the best choice to run on her campaign and said she will be a great asset if elected. She would make door-to-door visits for the two-fifths of the electorate first before focusing on the other three-fifths the same way she did during her previous campaign. Eventually, she completed the house visits before the cooling-off day. Like Koh, Lee also pledges scrutiny on policies towards rail networking and childcare. Lee was the sole female candidate to be nominated for the by-election. Prior to the by-election, no female opposition candidates had ever won a SMC since independence; the first female opposition-elect, chairwoman Sylvia Lim, however, was from the Aljunied GRC. SDA plans Desmond Lim, who made his second attempt for the ward, had been loudly jeered by other supporters while delivering his nomination speech, declaring that he is "determined" with an "underdog indefatigability". Lim mentioned that he would want to make a difference in providing opposition unity, adding that he also pledged a 10% donation of his MP allowance, and outlined plans for the next five years by setting up a resident’s cooperative, building infrastructures, and hosting a Satay Club, in the constituency if he is elected.TODAYonline SDA's Desmond Lim doorstop, Jan 19, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHEv9nn5D4Y 23 September 2026 19 January 2013The Straits Times http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/punggol-east-election/story/sdas-desmond-lim-underdog-derring-do-instincts-20130123 23 January 2013 SDA's Desmond Lim: Underdog with derring-do instincts Tessa Wong 24 March 2013 20 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200920180320/https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdas-desmond-lim-underdog-with-derring-do-instincts live RP plans Ahead of the campaign, Kenneth Jeyaretnam and his family received death threats online for his decision to contest, but it was revealed in the media that he would want to see a third elected party to represent in parliament to promote competition. A security team from the RP ramped up security efforts to protect Jeyaretnam and his family from harassment and would lodge a police report. The perpetrator was later arrested on January 23. While he also released his five-year plan like other candidates did, he also told residents that he could not assure expensive million-dollar projects. In an interview, he also pledged to be a full-time MP, with a donation of a tenth of his allowance to the charity, and building more childcare centres as priority.Singapore man held for politician threats: SPF https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-man-held-politician-threats-police-110217889.html 22 September 2026 Campaigning During the first three nights, three of the four political parties held their first rally at an open field near 183C Rivervale Crescent. On 18 January, PAP's Koh revealed his past life growing up in a poor family and emphasized the resilience to vote with "hope, family and action"; this speech won praise from several PAP leaders and supporters, given his grassroots background dating back in 2002. Education Minister Heng Swee Keat and its Senior Minister of State counterpart Indranee Rajah put emphasis on the younger electorate and advocated financial support in terms of the low-income and housing purchases.CNA coverage on Punggol East by-election parties campaigning & PAP rally - 18Jan2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b26m6rIO0h0 22 September 2026 18 January 2013TODAYonline Dr Koh Poh Koon speaks at the PAP rally, Punggol East by-election, Jan 18, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdt4p41nrT0 22 September 2026 18 January 2013CNA coverage on Punggol East by-election parties campaigning & PAP rally - 18Jan2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b26m6rIO0h0 23 September 2026 18 January 2013 The following night, WP held their first rally and highlighted their track record for their involvement in parliament and boasted it to be "rational and responsible", but they would prefer more voices to improve democracy. Unlike in Hougang, the PAP's deflection towards them was relatively lighter; WP noted that questions can be referred to the ministries and treated equally as the same as the backbencher MPs does. Chairwoman Sylvia Lim mentioned that the party is "constructive and pro-Singapore" and doesn't believe in maiming the government, and promoting feminism as Lee is also a female candidate; Chief Low mentioned about making Singapore better with equality in politics regardless of affiliation, but they however slammed PAP with the issues relating to the current cost-of-living and immigration. In turn, both PAP and WP each pitched on different ideals, one that kept commitment to current plans, and another that pushed the government for better accountability.TODAYonline Lee Li Lian speaks at the Workers' Party rally, Punggol East by-election, Jan 19, 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvWEfGQ5Jkc 22 September 2026 19 January 2013 RP took their first rally after WP, assuring that they can not be trusted into bigger names, and that they can also propose ideas and new policies better than the two if he wins. RP also accused on WP's mismanagement and topics which they did not address during Parliament. Some former supporters of the late father J. B. resonated during the rally, but Kenneth said that legacy is also important, referencing J. B.'s presence in the Parliament. While plans to call off the rally were made, however, it was announced that the rally would proceed as usual with security measures in place.TODAYonline Kenneth Jeyaretnam speaks at the Reform Party rally, Punggol East by-election, Jan 20, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieoUIVcTYSg 22 September 2026 20 January 2013 In a first for any elections history, Desmond Lim posted his videos online on 21 January in YouTube in-lieu of hosting public rallies, due to budget reasons. Lim addressed with key concerns and manifesto but also refuted claims of vote buying; Lim also countered PAP and WP's moves by highlighting its flaws on each, and proposals on the new "Punggol East Town Council" sharing with his experience as a town councilor back in Potong Pasir. A series of 10 videos, each highlighting key areas and concerns, were posted, which garnered a modest amount of views.Viral video not connected to current elections strategy: SDA https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/viral-video-not-connected-current-elections-strategy-sda-5820331 CNA 11 September 2026 en However, his videos were also criticized for the use of English.Today http://www.todayonline.com/videos/desmond-lim-speaks-sdas-online-rally-jan-23-2013-part-7-1 Desmond Lim speaks at the SDA's online rally, Jan 23, 2013 (Part 7) 23 January 2013 23 March 2013 20 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200920180322/https://www.todayonline.com/videos/desmond-lim-speaks-sdas-online-rally-jan-23-2013-part-7-1 live In WP's second rally, they revealed their challenges in the management over the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council which had first surfaced the previous year and clarified concerns, such as the change of the accounting protocols and the drop of the Action Information Management (AIM), which were previously used by the PAP-held town councils, and in turn, directed to the coordinating chairman of the PAP-run town councils Teo Ho Pin, who is also the chairman of Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council. However, their current parliamentary issues such as population or foreign workers were not mentioned, which caught by surprise by the PAP. WP also mentioned that alliance by oppositions are unlikely practical.TODAYonline Lee Li Lian speaks at the Workers' Party rally, Punggol East by-election, Jan 22, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugxv09MBBp4 22 September 2026 22 January 2013 Before PAP's second rally on the following day, Teo said that when it comes to polling they must choose one candidate who they believe to serve Punggol East in the best on their voter's instincts as each candidate had offered different views and perspection. At their final rally the night after, several PAP MPs and leaders voiced their endorsement and recommendation to Koh; Prime Minister Lee said that the choice of voters they made could either make cohesion to politics or cause division, before concluding the rally by promoting Koh's endeavors.TODAYonline PAP candidate Koh Poh Koon speaks to reporters, Jan 21, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OywzOa_tDvU 22 September 2026 21 January 2013TODAYonline DPM Teo Chee Hean speaks to reporters, Jan 22, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKHm4w1slmY 22 September 2026 21 January 2013Dr Koh Poh Koon says his campaign momentum going strong - 23Jan2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQT7e9VOVC8 22 September 2026 23 January 2013 Elsewhere on North Vista Secondary School, WP hosted its third and final rally, with Low bringing up the cases of unforeseen events, such as Steve Tan pulling out of the Tampines GRC team prior to the nomination day (Tan was substituted by Baey Yam Keng instead), as its regime is corrupted, and WP will act as insurance. He added about the obstacles for oppositions and criticized the government's policies and the money management to try to throw oppositions out, as well as those immigration issues and ongoing problems such as the train breakdowns, which they called it as "losing its sense of identity", and would want to treat immigrants equal. WP revisited the Town Council matters and recalled the software used for the systems, how they decided not to use AIM for its own software after WP terminated their contract, and how they used theirs like those similar to the former Hougang Town Council. The WP also introduced Daniel Goh, who would later make its actual appearance in the next election.TODAYonline Lee Li Lian speaks at the Workers' Party rally, Punggol East by-election, Jan 23, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsIebTG1Fss 22 September 2026 23 January 2013TODAYonline Sylvia Lim speaks at the Workers' Party rally, Punggol East by-election, Jan 23, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjb4Ad8n5as 22 September 2026 23 January 2013TODAYonline Low Thia Khiang speaks at the Workers' Party rally, Punggol East by-election, Jan 23, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7U57qDSMOg 22 September 2026 23 January 2013 RP concluded their final rally through attacks citing PAP and WP were "blindly obedient". Jeyaretnam aims to use the same principles that once his father used, and that opposition unity is unlikely. However, RP also emphasized that the choices made rested on their opinions, to whether to continue the same two-party trend or to improve with the addition of another opposition party.TODAYonline Kenneth Jeyaretnam speaks at the Reform Party rally, Punggol East by-election, Jan 24, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNBNLRS3JzY 22 September 2026 24 January 2013 Exit poll incident On 10 January, the day after the writ of election was issued, The Straits Times chief editor Warren Fernandez posted an article asking about 50 residents on who they vote for, with 19 supporting PAP to 10 WP, and 21 undecided. The article was later taken down hours after the Election Department issued a notice and take down to Fernandez. When investigated by the police three days later, Fernandez insisted that the article is not a survey nor a poll, citing that the article "overstated the significance of the information gathered". He also added that "the edge that the ruling party appears to hold may be a reflection of the incumbency advantage it has always held in a middle class, traditionally PAP-leading ward", referencing that the Punggol East had been held by the PAP and those before the creation of the division, such as the Cheng San GRC.The Sengkang planning area was part of the Cheng San GRC between 1991 and 2001 before being redrawn to the current Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. Cheng San GRC was also contested by the WP in 1997.SPH, ST editor Warren Fernandez given 'stern warning' for Punggol East exit poll https://sg.news.yahoo.com/sph--st-editor-warren-fernandez-given--stern-warning--for-punggol-east-exit-poll-092431013.html Yahoo News 6 July 2024 en-SG 20 June 2013 On 20 June, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) issued Fernandez a warning after the investigations concluded, revealing that the article amounts to an exit poll, where posting of such articles between the issuance of writ until polling day, is forbidden under Chapter 218 of the Parliamentary Elections Act. Penalties under this clause carries a maximum $1,500 fine or up to a year of imprisonment, or both.Shafeeq Syarafana Public reminded to avoid publishing, reposting election surveys, ads: ELD https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/public-reminded-to-avoid-publishing-reposting-election-surveys-ads-eld The Straits Times 6 July 2024 en 22 August 2023REMINDER ON LAWS ON ONLINE ELECTION ADVERTISING, ELECTION SURVEYS AND EXIT POLLS https://www.eld.gov.sg/press/2023/PR%20on%20Laws%20on%20Online%20Election%20Advertising,%20Election%20Surveys%20and%20Exit%20Polls.pdf 6 July 2024https://www.article19.org/data/files/pdfs/publications/opinion-polls-paper.pdf Comparative study of laws and regulations restricting the publication of electoral opinion polls https://web.archive.org/web/20080216000653/http://www.article19.org/pdfs/publications/opinion-polls-paper.pdf 16 February 2008 Article 19 2003https://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 15 minutes before the results were announced, SDA's Desmond Lim conceded at about 10.42pm (SGT) thanking his supporters and vowed to 'keep SDA's flame alive' in the next election. A SDA spokesperson released a statement that they had entered this by-election despite anticipating the risks of vote splitting, but they did so to upheld their alliance's morale; SDA also added they will continue to work hard in the next election.Channel NewsAsia SDA's Lim concedes defeat 26 January 2013 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1250423/1/.html 28 January 2013 5 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20130128000642/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1250423/1/.html dead At 10.57pm SGT, the results was announced when WP's Lee was declared candidate-elect with 54.52% out of 29,415 valid votes, defeating PAP opponent Koh with 43.71% of the vote. Two candidates had forfeited their $14,500 election deposit for garnering below the 12.5% threshold, namely Kenneth Jeyaretnam of the RP and Desmond Lim of the SDA with 1.20% and 0.57% of the votes respectively, with the latter becoming the second candidate to have his election deposit forfeited twice since Harbans Singh,https://sg-elections.com/candidates/h-i.html#HS Candidates name list (H-I): Harbans Singh 14 July 2020 20 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200920180320/http://singapore-elections.com/candidates/h-i.html#HS live and setting a record-low vote share at the time of the election surpassing Teo Kim Hoe's former record of 196 votes or 0.81% in post-independence Singapore. Overseas votes were tabulated four days after the by-election, on 30 January, seeing a 0.02% change in the top two parties after Koh and Lee received 19 and 7 votes respectively (there is only one spoilt and 32 abstained votes).Overseas votes for Punggol-East by-election counted The Straits Times 30 January 2013 https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/overseas-votes-for-punggol-east-by-election-counted 5 September 2020 The results are as follows: By-Election 2013: Punggol East Workers' Party (Singapore) Lee Li Lian 16,045 54.50 13.49 People's Action Party Koh Poh Koon 12,875 43.73 10.81 Reform Party (Singapore) Kenneth Jeyaretnam 353 1.20 N/A Singapore Democratic Alliance Desmond Lim 168 0.57 3.88 418 1.40 0.3 3,170 10.77 2.76 29,859 94.31 0.99 31,649 100 4.9% Workers' Party (Singapore) People's Action Party 12.15 Aftermath The election was seen as another setback for the PAP following the formation of the 12th Parliament after the 2011 election, when the WP won Aljunied GRC. At the time, it appeared that public support for the PAP was waning. The WP made history with Lee Li Lian becoming the first female opposition MP in post-independence Singapore to helm a SMC and the second female opposition MP after WP chairwoman Sylvia Lim. It was also only the second instance of the PAP losing a parliamentary seat mid-term to the opposition, the first being in 1981 when the WP captured Anson. Prime Minister Lee congratulated the WP on their victory and expressed respect for the voters' decision, noting that by-elections are often about choosing an MP rather than a government, and acknowledging that some voters may use them to support the opposition. He added that the government would focus on pressing national issues in Parliament, including the Population White Paper (PWP) and the annual Budget statement. Lee emphasised that the PAP was prepared for the long term, committed to delivering results, improving the lives of Singaporeans and presenting their performance for voters to assess in the next general election. Lee also added that he has intention to include Koh in the cabinet in the near future should he got elected in the next general election.I respect the choice of Punggol East voters: PM Lee The Straits Times 26 January 2013 https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/i-respect-the-choice-of-punggol-east-voters-pm-lee 5 September 2020 Cheam Jessica 6 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906190040/https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/i-respect-the-choice-of-punggol-east-voters-pm-lee live Punggol East by-election: Statement of PM Lee Hsien Loong The Straits Times 26 January 2013 https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/punggol-east-by-election-statement-of-pm-lee-hsien-loong 5 September 2020 In a press conference after the by-election, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean thanked their voters and supporters and took their defeat graciously, reiterating that the loss was another example of a "by-election effect" and the results in the prior general election further emphasized on their causes for their defeat. Koh also told that he would continue to serve politics whenever he felt "appropriate and the best place".People's Action Party press conference, Jan 26, 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg9dduG5kzg 28 August 2026 26 January 2013 Similarly, WP chief Low Thia Khiang told the media that voters should not take the by-election result for granted and emphasized that the WP would continue to hold the government accountable while representing their constituents.Low: Don't take by-election result as sign of future trend The Straits Times 27 January 2013 https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/low-dont-take-by-election-result-as-sign-of-future-trend 5 September 2020 6 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200906190251/https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/low-dont-take-by-election-result-as-sign-of-future-trend live WP chair Sylvia Lim also respect the results with "gratitude and humility", while WP-elect Lee told that she will work hard for the trust as she begin her duties.George Cherian PUNGGOL EAST https://www.airconditionednation.com/2013/01/26/punggol-east/ Air-Conditioned Nation 28 August 2026 26 January 2013 Subsequent elections In the 2015 general election, PAP's Koh was elected as an MP for the Yio Chu Kang division under Ang Mo Kio GRC, and later represented Tampines Central in Tampines GRC during the 2020 and 2025 general elections. WP's Lee Li Lian was unable to retain Punggol East in 2015, losing narrowly to the PAP candidate Charles Chong, returning the constituency to PAP control.https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-house-votes-to-fill-ncmp-seat-vacated-by-wp-punggol-east-candidate-lee-li-lian Parliament: House votes to fill NCMP seat vacated by WP Punggol East candidate Lee Li Lian 29 Jan 2016 18 March 2020 18 March 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200318071311/https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-house-votes-to-fill-ncmp-seat-vacated-by-wp-punggol-east-candidate-lee-li-lian live Punggol East was later dissolved during the 2020 general election and absorbed into the newly formed Sengkang GRC.13 March 2020 White Paper on the Report of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee, 2020 https://www.eld.gov.sg/pdf/White_Paper_on_the_Report_of_the_Electoral_Boundaries_Review_Committee_2020.pdf 13 March 2020 Electoral Boundaries Review Committee https://web.archive.org/web/20200705181236/https://www.eld.gov.sg/pdf/White_Paper_on_the_Report_of_the_Electoral_Boundaries_Review_Committee_2020.pdf 5 July 2020 live The WP would go on to win the GRC, effectively returning the area formerly known as Punggol East, now Rivervale, to the party, with Louis Chua assuming the division.GE2020 results: WP wins in Sengkang with 52.13% of the votes https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/wp-wins-in-sengkang-with-5213-of-the-votes 11 July 2020 The Straits Times Singapore Press Holdings 11 July 2020 en 11 July 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200711201535/https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/wp-wins-in-sengkang-with-5213-of-the-votes live As of 2025, the ward remains under WP's control.2025-05-04 GE2025: WP wins in Sengkang GRC with 56.31%, improving on 2020 showing https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ge2025-wp-wins-sengkang-grc-with-56-31-a-wider-margin-than-in-2020 2025-05-03 The Straits Times en 0585-3923 The next time a four-cornered contest would occur in any Singaporean election was in 2025, 12 years later, where a four-way race unfolded in Tampines GRC between the PAP, whose team coincidentally included Koh, the WP, led by former Aljunied GRC MP Faisal Manap, the National Solidarity Party (NSP) and the People's Power Party (PPP).GE2025: Stage set for four-way fight in Tampines GRC; PAP and WP go head-to-head in Tampines Changkat SMC https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/stage-set-for-four-way-fight-in-tampines-grc-pap-and-wp-go-head-to-head-in-tampines-changkat-smc The Straits Times 23 April 2025 en 23 April 2025 The PAP team retained that constituency with 52.02%, beating WP's team of 47.37%. Both PPP and NSP teams fared worse, as they received only 0.43% and 0.18% of the valid votes respectively and had both parties losing their deposits; both teams also surpassed Lim's score of 0.57%, setting its new record-lowest scores in post-independence Singapore, and even surpassing independent candidate Chua Kim Watt's 0.55% of the vote in the Farrer Park Constituency set way back in 1955.GE2025: PAP retains Tampines GRC in 4-way fight, wins Tampines Changkat SMC https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ge2025-pap-retains-tampines-grc-in-4-way-fight-wins-tampines-changkat-smc The Straits Times 3 May 2025 en 4 May 2025 Notes References Singapore By-election 2013 Category:January 2013 in Singapore