Li Lian’s rejection of NCMP seat ‘not to be taken lightly’
Mr Leon Perera and Mr Dennis Tan at the swearing-in of Non-Constitutency Members of Parliament on Jan 15, 2016. Photo: MCI
SINGAPORE — The decision of the Workers’ Party’s Ms Lee Li Lian to not take up her Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) seat is one not to be taken lightly, said Leader of the House Grace Fu yesterday, who noted that Ms Lee had campaigned hard to be elected into Parliament.
In a statement to the media, Ms Fu said Ms Lee’s election to the NCMP seat is determined in accordance to the Constitution and related legislation, and on the basis of the results of the General Election (GE). “Her decision not to take up the seat should therefore not be lightly taken,” said Ms Fu, who is also Minister for Culture, Community and Youth.
Pointing out that about 15,800 voters in Punggol East had cast their ballots for her, Ms Fu added: “They, along with many other Singaporeans, would want to understand the basis of her decision. Taking up the NCMP seat would have enabled her to participate fully in parliamentary debates, raise motions, and ask questions in Parliament.”
In the GE last September, Ms Lee lost to her People’s Action Party rival Charles Chong. She garnered the highest percentage of votes among the losing opposition candidates. Ms Lee had indicated then that she would not take up the NCMP seat, and was not at the opening of Parliament last Friday when MPs were sworn in. The WP has put up Associate Professor Daniel Goh to replace Ms Lee. Assoc Prof Goh was part of the WP team that unsuccessfully contested in East Coast Group Representation Constituency.
Ms Fu said yesterday if the WP wishes to propose an alternative candidate to Ms Lee, they must put it to Parliament for a decision.
Parliament will sit on Jan 25 to debate the President’s Address.
In response to TODAY’s queries, Clerk of Parliament Ng Sheau Jiuan said last week that a motion to declare the seat vacant, and that the seat be filled by the next qualified candidate, can be set down for discussion in the House seven days after it is moved at the earliest.
Previously, a spokesperson from the Elections Department had said that Parliament is not obliged by law to fill the vacancy.
