Opposition politician Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss has resigned from the Singapore People’s Party (SPP). Ms Chong-Aruldoss’ announcement comes on the same day that the party indicated that its secretary-general, 84-year-old Chiam See Tong, may step down after 23 years at the party’s helm to make way for new blood.
Ms Chong-Aruldoss, who was a member of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), announced today that she resigned from the party on Monday (2 Sept) and that she made the decision with “much thought and careful deliberation.”
Ms Chong-Aruldoss thanked party chairman Lina Chiam for her guidance and mentorship, besides expressing her gratitude for the support of SPP members and friends over the years. She wished the party well for their future endeavours.
In her post, Ms Chong-Aruldoss clarified that her convictions for entering politics in 2009 have not changed and that although the fight for political balance remains “urgent and imperative,” she hopes to serve Singapore and its people in other ways. She wrote:
“I entered politics in 2009 because I was convinced that the PAP held too much power and I was worried for Singaporeans. I felt that we desperately needed more opposition in Parliament to redress the imbalance.
“My convictions have not changed. If anything, I feel more strongly than ever that we must have more non-PAP MPs in Parliament. The fight for more political balance remains urgent and imperative.
“There are many ways to serve my country and to serve Singaporeans. I hope to continue serving the cause of Singaporeans in one way or another.”
In a press statement released today, the SPP confirmed that Ms Chong-Aruldoss has resigned from its CEC. The party added that it will initiate leadership renewal in its upcoming internal elections, that will take place in mid-October.
The SPP said that its upcoming Ordinary Party Conference on 16 Oct 2019 will “provide an opportunity to rejuvenate and elect its new leadership team and inject a set of passionate leaders who will help us take the party forward.”
Mrs Chiam added that it heartens the party to “see so many compassionate, competent and caring young leaders who are coming forward to serve the country” as the party approaches its 25th anniversary in November.
According to the national broadsheet, the party decided that Mr Chiam would step down as SPP chief during a CEC meeting yesterday evening (3 Sept).
The publication identified Jose Raymond and Steve Chia as the frontrunners to succeed Mr Chiam and added that younger members like 22-year-old Ariffin Sha and 30-year-old Kavickumar Muruganathan are expected to join the CEC.
On Monday 2 Sep 2019, I handed in my resignation from the Singapore People's Party (SPP). I did so after much thought…
Posted by Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss 张媛容 on Tuesday, 3 September 2019