17-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) Former Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and fellow People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament Cheng Li Hui have resigned after their “inappropriate relationship” was revealed, according to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday (Jul 17). The relationship, which continued despite warnings to end it, led to their departure from parliament and the PAP.
During a press conference, Prime Minister Lee disclosed that he had addressed the issue with Tan in February, where the latter acknowledged his mistake and offered to resign. However, the Prime Minister delayed accepting the resignation until arrangements were made to ensure the welfare of residents in the Kembangan-Chai Chee and Marine Parade areas.
However, recent information came to light suggesting that Tan and Cheng’s relationship persisted. Upon learning this, Prime Minister Lee decided that Tan had to resign immediately, regardless of the prepared arrangements, as the matter could not be further delayed. Simultaneously, a video clip of Tan using inappropriate language was circulating, which also contributed to the decision.
During their discussion, Tan agreed to leave his position immediately due to his unparliamentary conduct as well as his failure to end the inappropriate relationship with Cheng, as he had previously assured the Prime Minister he would do. Prime Minister Lee emphasized that their relationship was a more serious issue than Tan’s use of unparliamentary language because of his role as Speaker of Parliament and Cheng’s status as a Member of Parliament.
Responding to inquiries about the timeline of the incident, Prime Minister Lee revealed that he first became aware of Tan and Cheng’s relationship after the last general election in 2020. Although the exact start date was unclear, both individuals were counseled at that time. Unfortunately, the issue remained unresolved, leading to the February discussion where the matter was addressed once again. Despite counseling, Cheng continued the relationship with Tan.
Prime Minister Lee announced that he would nominate a new Speaker and deliver a ministerial statement during the next parliamentary session on August 1. In the interim, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jessica Tan will assume the role of Acting Speaker. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong will oversee the Kembangan-Chai Chee residents in Tan’s Marine Parade constituency, while Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli will take care of Cheng’s Tampines East residents.
In his resignation letter, Tan expressed remorse for the hurt caused to his family, particularly regarding his use of unparliamentary language. He acknowledged his shortcomings and responsibility and stated his intention to step away from politics to focus on healing his family.
Tan, aged 54, is married with two children, while Cheng, aged 47, is unmarried. In her resignation letter to the Prime Minister, Cheng expressed regret for resigning under these circumstances.
Prime Minister Lee expressed his sadness during the press conference, stating that the two PAP MPs had failed to meet the high standards of propriety and personal conduct expected from all party members. He emphasized the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline and conduct standards, even if it meant removing MPs from the party and parliament.
