Questions in Parliament highlight oversight and timing in addressing the inappropriate relationship between the former Speaker and MP.
SINGAPORE: During a parliamentary session on Aug 2, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh questioned Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong about the handling of the inappropriate relationship between former Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and former PAP MP Cheng Li Hui. Mr. Singh raised concerns about their continued official interactions and inquired about trips they attended together at taxpayers’ expense since 2020.
In response, Leader of the House Indranee Rajah clarified that Mr. Tan had undertaken five official overseas trips and three working trips since the last general election. Ms. Cheng accompanied him on one official trip: the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in Cambodia in 2022, where 15 Members of Parliament were present.
Addressing the broader issue, PM Lee acknowledged delays in addressing the affair, stating, “I could have done it sooner. I should have done it sooner.” He explained that considerations regarding Marine Parade GRC factored into the timeline but admitted that earlier action should have been taken.
Mr. Singh also questioned the rationale behind keeping both individuals on the same House Committee after 2020, potentially increasing interactions between them. He sought clarification on whether PM Lee personally counseled the pair and monitored their relationship’s status after learning of the affair.
PM Lee concluded by emphasizing the importance of transparency in resolving the matter, stating, “The important thing is we move, and we brought it out, and we are open about it.”
