Singapore Democrats
The Court of Appeal has dismissed Dr Wong Souk Yee’s appeal against the High Court’s decision not to compel a by-election in the Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC. This is troubling.
The seat was vacated in 2017 by former PAP MP Halimah Yacob to take the position of President.
The decision whittles down yet more rights of Singaporean citizens – the present one being the right to replace an MP who has resigned with another elected one.
Singaporeans should be able to expect that each and every MP who vacates his or her seat should be replaced by an election. This is the bedrock upon which democracy is built.
Without such a practice, the ruling party can craft legislation at will to undermine the very spirit of parliamentary representation and render such a system utterly meaningless.
The SDP deeply regrets this decision by the Appeals Court.
The only way now for Singaporeans to comprehensively safeguard their rights and interests against an increasingly insecure and un-moored PAP is to unstintingly support the SDP in the next general election.
As a note, the Court has ordered no cost to be awarded to the Attorney-General’s Chambers. It has also ruled that Dr Wong should be granted leave to commence judicial review of the PAP’s action regarding this matter.
The SDP will discuss with Dr Wong on how to proceed. The matter is too important for our nation’s future not to be given serious consideration.
Read the full Court of Appeal written judgment here.