2016 Bukit Batok by-election
{{Short description|Parliamentary by-election in Bukit Batok, Singapore}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Infobox election
|election_name = 2016 Bukit Batok by-election
|country = Singapore
|type = Parliamentary
|ongoing = no
|previous_election = 2013 Punggol East by-election
|previous_year = 2013
|election_date = 7 May 2016
|registered = 25,727
|turnout = 24,224 (94.16%) {{decrease}} 0.08%
|image1 = 150x150px
|colour1 =
|candidate1 = Murali Pillai
|party1 = People's Action Party
|popular_vote1 = 14,428
|percentage1 = 61.23%
|swing1 = {{decrease}} 11.79%
|title = MP
|before_election = David Ong
|before_party = People's Action Party
|posttitle = Elected MP
|after_election = Murali Pillai
|after_party = People's Action Party
|image2 = File:Dr Chee Soon Juan.jpg
|candidate2 = Chee Soon Juan
|party2 = Singapore Democratic Party
|popular_vote2 = 9,142
|percentage2 = 38.77%
|swing2 = {{increase}} 12.39%
}}
{{Politics of Singapore}}
The 2016 Bukit Batok by-election was conducted to replace the vacant seat after the incumbent MP, David Ong, resigned due to an extramarital affair. It concluded on 7 May 2016 and was the 13th of its kind since Singapore's independence.{{Cite web | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-by-election/2689240.html | title=Bukit Batok by-election to be held on May 7 | publisher=Channel NewsAsia | date=20 April 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420121654/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-by-election/2689240.html | archive-date=20 April 2016 | df=dmy-all }}
On 7 May, People's Action Party's candidate Murali Pillai was declared Member of Parliament-elect for Bukit Batok SMC, winning 61.23% of the vote. This was the last contested election of any kind in Singapore until 2025 where Polling Day fell on a Saturday. Murali was sworn into Parliament two days later.{{cite web |title=Parliament: PAP's Murali Pillai sworn in as MP for Bukit Batok |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-paps-murali-pillai-sworn-in-as-mp-for-bukit-batok |website=The Straits Times |access-date=16 April 2025 |language=en |date=9 May 2016}}
Background
On 12 March 2016, David Ong suddenly resigned from politics as an incumbent Member of Parliament from the People's Action Party (PAP) citing "personal reasons", and having admitted to committing a "personal indiscretion". His resignation was accepted by the party's secretary-general and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong.{{Cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-mp-david-ong/2595896.html|title=Bukit Batok MP David Ong resigns due to 'personal indiscretions'|date=12 March 2016|website=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=12 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312093150/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-mp-david-ong/2595896.html|archive-date=12 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} Then-PAP Whip, Chan Chun Sing, said that the party took "very decisive action" and acted "in a very short time" once it learned of Ong's issues, due to "standards that the party also wants to uphold".{{Cite web |author=Chong Zi Liang |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/david-ongs-resignation-pap-has-standards-to-uphold-says-chan-chun-sing |title=David Ong's resignation: PAP has standards to uphold, says Chan Chun Sing, Politics News & Top Stories |publisher=The Straits Times |date=2016-03-14 |access-date=2016-05-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420012815/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/david-ongs-resignation-pap-has-standards-to-uphold-says-chan-chun-sing |archive-date=20 April 2016 |df=dmy-all }} Ong sent a personal letter of apology to Bukit Batok residents in early April 2016.{{Cite web |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-residents-get-letter-of-apology-from-former-mp-david-ong |title=Bukit Batok residents get letter of apology from former MP David Ong, Politics News & Top Stories |publisher=The Straits Times |date=2016-04-07 |access-date=2016-05-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512135841/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-residents-get-letter-of-apology-from-former-mp-david-ong |archive-date=12 May 2016 |df=dmy-all }}
The explanation offered by the Singapore media revealed Ong was having an extra-marital affair with 41-year-old PAP member and grassroots volunteer Wendy Lim. Ong's alleged affair went on over nearly six months before it went public after Lim's husband lodged a complaint;{{Cite news|title=王金发涉婚外情 对象是党支部妇女团成员|url=http://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20160312-591894#prettyPhoto|date=12 March 2016|access-date=13 March 2016|publisher=Lianhe Zaobao|language=Chinese|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312181555/http://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20160312-591894#prettyPhoto|archive-date=12 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|title=David Ong had affair with party member: Media reports|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-mp-david-ong-resigns-election-follow|access-date=13 March 2016|publisher=AsiaOne|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313123142/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-mp-david-ong-resigns-election-follow|archive-date=13 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} Lim subsequently left the PAP three days later on the 15th while also going on leave with her employer Pacific Integrated Logistics.{{Cite news|title=David Ong saga: Woman involved in affair quits PAP|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/david-ong-saga-woman-involved-affair-quits-pap|access-date=16 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316145208/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/david-ong-saga-woman-involved-affair-quits-pap|archive-date=16 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}
Ong's resignation was the third such case within five years that precipitated each of the by-elections, all pertaining to an alleged extra-marital affair (the other two being in 2012; Workers Party's Hougang SMC MP Yaw Shin Leong in February, cumulating the 2012 by-election, and speaker and Punggol East SMC's MP Michael Palmer in December, cumulating the 2013 by-election{{Cite news|last1=Heng|first1=Janice|title=MP David Ong resigns; by-election to be called|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/mp-david-ong-resigns-by-election-to-be-called|access-date=13 March 2016|publisher=Straits Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511205936/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/mp-david-ong-resigns-by-election-to-be-called|archive-date=11 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}).
The role of handling Bukit Batok SMC was tentatively taken by incumbent Member of Parliament of Jurong Group Representation Constituency and Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee pending the election of a new MP. Ang Wei Neng took over as Jurong-Clementi Town Council chairman.{{Cite news|last1=Au-Yong|first1=Rachel|title=Bukit Batok residents shocked by MP David Ong's resignation|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-residents-shocked-by-resignation|access-date=13 March 2016|publisher=Straits Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316133859/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-residents-shocked-by-resignation|archive-date=16 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|title=DPM Tharman apologises to Bukit Batok residents|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/dpm-tharman-apologises-bukit-batok-residents|date=12 March 2016|access-date=13 March 2016|publisher=Today Online|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314092232/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/dpm-tharman-apologises-bukit-batok-residents|archive-date=14 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}
= Calling of by-election =
On 20 April 2016, President Tony Tan Keng Yam issued the writs of election adjourning Nominations to be held on 27 April at Keming Primary School and voting on 7 May. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that after the annual Budget Statement was passed (by the Singapore Parliament on 14 April, with President Tan announcing his assent on 15 April),{{Cite web |author=Charissa Yong |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/president-tony-tan-keng-yam-gives-his-assent-to-budget-2016 |title=President Tony Tan gives his assent to Budget 2016, Singapore News & Top Stories |publisher=The Straits Times |date=2016-04-15 |access-date=2016-05-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427171909/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/president-tony-tan-keng-yam-gives-his-assent-to-budget-2016 |archive-date=27 April 2016 |df=dmy-all }} Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean (performing as Acting Prime Minister while Lee was away) advised President Tony Tan to issue the writ of election.{{Cite news|title=Bukit Batok by-election to be held on May 7|last1=Yap|first1=Sean|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-election-be-held-may-7|date=20 April 2016|access-date=20 April 2016|publisher=AsiaOne|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420131301/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-election-be-held-may-7|archive-date=20 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}
Candidates
Two candidates for election were nominated on 27 April 2016: Murali Pillai of the People's Action Party (PAP) and Chee Soon Juan of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP).{{Cite web|last1=Tham|first1=Yuen-C|title=Bukit Batok by-election: PAP's Murali Pillai and SDP's Chee Soon Juan confirmed in straight fight|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-candidates-head-to-nomination-centre|website=The Straits Times|date=27 April 2016 |access-date=28 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429141053/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-candidates-head-to-nomination-centre|archive-date=29 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}
Three other men had applied for political donation certificates but were not nominated as candidates:{{Cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Pearl|title=Bukit Batok by-election: 4 would-be candidates show up, but only two make it|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/four-would-be-candidates-show-up-but-only-two-make-it|website=The Straits Times|date=28 April 2016 |access-date=28 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429171156/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/four-would-be-candidates-show-up-but-only-two-make-it|archive-date=29 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}
| class="wikitable" | |
| style="background:RoyalBlue"| Candidates
!style="background:RoyalBlue"| Background | |
|---|---|
| Kwan Yue Keng | A former Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate who contested Bukit Batok SMC in the 1988 and 1991 elections, now a member of the People's Power Party (PPP). An agreement was made between SDP and PPP to make Kwan as a standby candidate in the event Chee was disqualified to prevent a walkover. Kwan withdrew from the race after Chee's successful nomination and backed him. |
| Abdul Rahim Osman | A former Workers' Party (WP) candidate who contested Cheng San Group Representation Constituency in 1997. He collected the political donation certificate but ultimately decided not to contest and backed PAP's Pillai. |
| Shirwin Eu | An Uber driver, who did not meet the nomination requirements of a proposer, a seconder, and four assentors from Bukit Batok SMC. Eu had said he was drawn by "fame and wealth" and admitted he did not know what residents in Bukit Batok wanted.{{Cite web|title=Straight fight in Bukit Batok; candidates spar over upgrading plans|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/hundreds-turn-nomination-proceedings-begin-bukit-batok-election|website=Today|access-date=28 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429195113/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/hundreds-turn-nomination-proceedings-begin-bukit-batok-election|archive-date=29 April 2016|df=dmy-all}} Eu had suffered a similar failure during his first bid to be nominated in the 2015 elections while attempting his nomination as a candidate for Bukit Panjang SMC.{{Cite web|last1=Ong|first1=S M|title=If an Uber driver could almost become a candidate|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/general-election/if-uber-driver-could-almost-become-candidate|publisher=AsiaOne|access-date=29 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013084518/http://news.asiaone.com/news/general-election/if-uber-driver-could-almost-become-candidate|archive-date=13 October 2016|df=dmy-all}} |
Five opposition parties, including the PPP, had earlier ruled out contesting in the by-election. The rest were the Democratic Progressive Party, the Singapore Democratic Alliance, Singaporeans First, and the Workers' Party.{{Cite news|last1=Chong|first1=Zi Liang|title=Workers' Party will not contest Bukit Batok by-election: Sylvia Lim|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/workers-party-will-not-contest-bukit-batok-by-election-sylvia-lim|date=14 March 2016|access-date=18 March 2016|publisher=Straits Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317004041/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/workers-party-will-not-contest-bukit-batok-by-election-sylvia-lim|archive-date=17 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} Samir Salim Neji, an independent candidate who contested in Bukit Batok during the 2015 general election, also announced he would not contest.{{Cite news|title=沙米尔不参加武吉巴督区补选|url=http://mypaper.sg/chinese-news/sha-mi-er-bu-can-jia-wu-ji-ba-du-qu-bu-xuan-20160316|date=16 March 2016|access-date=18 March 2016|publisher=MyPaper 我报|language=Chinese|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316203222/http://mypaper.sg/chinese-news/sha-mi-er-bu-can-jia-wu-ji-ba-du-qu-bu-xuan-20160316|archive-date=16 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}
Campaigning
Chee campaigned with a slogan of "Now Is The Time", and his campaign used technology and social media widely. By 21 April, Chee had put together a team of four to advise the SDP (in the first 100 days) on how to take over and run the town council should they win. Chee also pledged that the SDP wanted "to surpass current levels of performance of PAP-run town councils".{{Cite web|last=Sim|first=Walter|title='A mountain to climb and we will'|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/a-mountain-to-climb-and-we-will|website=The Straits Times|date=21 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423012909/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/a-mountain-to-climb-and-we-will|archive-date=23 April 2016|df=dmy-all}} By 29 April, the SDP had established a 13-strong transition team to ensure the SDP town council "works without a hitch, all from Day One". Chee also elaborated that he would personally manage the running of the town council instead of using managing agents, with the SDP aiming "to set new standards for transparency and accountability in town council governance."{{Cite web|title=SDP will run town council with more transparency: Chee|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-will-run-town-council-with-more-transparency-chee|website=The Straits Times|date=30 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504171412/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-will-run-town-council-with-more-transparency-chee|archive-date=4 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}
It was reported on 23 April that the SDP had prepared four social schemes for Bukit Batok residents if Chee won. One, Hearts for Bukit Batok, where needy families would be 'adopted' and helped, including with a trust fund. Additionally, Chee said he would use part of his salary as MP to help 10 families. Two, Pathfinder, targeting youth with books, fairs, sports and subsidized tuition for the poor. Three, Dollars And Sense, a financial clinic. Four, Legal Lifeline, a clinic for legal advice.{{Cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Pearl|last2=Sim|first2=Walter|title=SDP unveils four social initiatives for Bukit Batok residents|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-unveils-four-social-initiatives-for-bukit-batok-residents|website=The Straits Times|date=23 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426073321/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-unveils-four-social-initiatives-for-bukit-batok-residents|archive-date=26 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}
On 24 April, Pillai revealed a plan by the PAP Jurong-Clementi Town Council to upgrade infrastructure around Blocks 140 to 149 of the SMC, which would cost $1.9 million. PAP could only carry out that specific plan if they won, with Pillai saying, "If we don't have the mandate, then we won't have the ability to carry on because we will not form the town council."{{Cite web|last=Sim|first=Walter|title=Murali unveils Bukit Batok infrastructure plans, Chee says he wants to 'focus on the campaign'|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/murali-unveils-bukit-batok-infrastructure-plans-chee-says-he-wants-to-focus-on-the-campaign|website=The Straits Times|date=24 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501201945/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/murali-unveils-bukit-batok-infrastructure-plans-chee-says-he-wants-to-focus-on-the-campaign|archive-date=1 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} In response, Chee criticized pending upgrading plans as a "knee-jerk reaction every time an election comes", and also asked for an update on the $24 million upgrading plan for Bukit Batok announced by David Ong during the 2015 general election.{{Cite web|last=Lee|first=Min Kok|title=Bukit Batok by-election: Spat over estate upgrading plans continues as PAP rebuts SDP's Dr Chee|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-spat-over-estate-upgrading-plans-continues-as-pap-again-rebuts-sdps|website=The Straits Times|date=28 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505230501/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-spat-over-estate-upgrading-plans-continues-as-pap-again-rebuts-sdps|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} Pillai replied that for the 2015 $23.6 million masterplan, some projects were already "fully executed", while others "are still on-going" or are still "in the pipeline". Pillai also said the $1.9 million Neighbourhood Renewal Project is "part of" the $23.6 million masterplan.{{Cite web|title=PAP's Murali on upgrading plans for Bukit Batok|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pap-s-murali-on-upgrading/2740470.html|website=Channel NewsAsia|date=28 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501155958/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pap-s-murali-on-upgrading/2740470.html|archive-date=1 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} After Pillai said the $1.9 million funds would be disbursed regardless of the party of the by-election winner, Chee said that he would continue with Ong's masterplan, but also propose new additions including zebra crossings and covered walkways.{{Cite web|last1=Au-Yong|first1=Rachel|last2=Chong|first2=Zi Liang|title=Candidates argue over Bukit Batok upgrading plans|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/candidates-argue-over-bukit-batok-upgrading-plans|website=The Straits Times|date=29 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816070937/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/candidates-argue-over-bukit-batok-upgrading-plans|archive-date=16 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}
On 26 April, Pillai unveiled his manifesto focusing on the three domains of jobs, social mobility and the elderly. For the first domain, Pillai proposed a program to help the unemployed find jobs faster. For the second domain, volunteers would "inspire children from low-income families to aim high to succeed in life". For the third domain, a 'health cooperative' would be implemented to help "sandwiched families" by increasing medical literacy and subsidizing consumables for the elderly. Additionally, Pillai also proposed an "emergency button scheme" for "elderly living alone" to alert "neighbours or community volunteers" of a need for help.{{Cite web|author=Laura Philomin|title=Murali's Bukit Batok manifesto focuses on jobs, elderly, social mobility|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/murali-unveils-manifesto-bukit-batok-election|website=Today Online|date=26 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429111548/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/murali-unveils-manifesto-bukit-batok-election|archive-date=29 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|author1=Justin Ong|author2=Lianne Chia|title=Bukit Batok by-election: PAP candidate Murali to focus campaign on elderly|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-by-election/2731678.html|website=Channel NewsAsia|date=26 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429164951/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bukit-batok-by-election/2731678.html|archive-date=29 April 2016|df=dmy-all}} In the following days, Pillai revealed more plans: for the elderly, setting up a new "eldercare centre will help provide more therapy services and daycare services".{{Cite web|last=Lee|first=Pearl|title=Eldercare plans meant to meet future needs: Murali|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/eldercare-plans-meant-to-meet-future-needs-murali|website=The Straits Times|date=5 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505213020/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/eldercare-plans-meant-to-meet-future-needs-murali|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} He also elaborated on his initial plans: for social mobility, Pillai hoped that his volunteer youth mentorship program would eventually be accessible to all residents and be introduced in schools;{{Cite web|last=Lee|first=Pearl|title=Murali hoping to start youth mentoring scheme|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/murali-hoping-to-start-youth-mentoring-scheme|website=The Straits Times|date=4 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605164852/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/murali-hoping-to-start-youth-mentoring-scheme|archive-date=5 June 2016|df=dmy-all}} while for the unemployed, Pillai is planning on "leveraging on community contacts within the pool of community volunteers and Bukit Batok residents, and also [his] own business contacts" to help residents secure jobs.{{Cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Pearl|last2=Chong|first2=Zi Liang|title=Candidates outline job plans in response to residents' concerns|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/candidates-outline-job-plans-in-response-to-residents-concerns|website=The Straits Times|date=2 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816071203/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/candidates-outline-job-plans-in-response-to-residents-concerns|archive-date=16 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}
On 27 April, Chee pledged that if elected, he would be a "full-time MP"; making the comparison: "... every morning when Mr Murali wakes up, his first destination will be his office. When I wake up every morning, my first destination is Bukit Batok." In response, Pillai said, "I would always put Bukit Batok residents' needs above mine". He also replied that PAP MPs have been able to juggle being an MP with an additional "day job"; while residents could not be served by just one person and a "team approach" is needed.{{Cite web|title=Murali takes on Chee on being a 'full-time MP' for Bukit Batok|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/murali-takes-on-chee-on/2740854.html|website=Channel NewsAsia|date=28 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502110806/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/murali-takes-on-chee-on/2740854.html|archive-date=2 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} At the SDP's rally on April 29, several SDP speakers criticized David Ong for resigning and thus failing to serve Bukit Batok's residents. This was followed by Chee declaring that people should "leave Mr Ong alone" and not "kick a man when he's down".{{Cite web|last=Sim|first=Walter|title=SDP speakers hit out at ex-MP David Ong but Chee holds off|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-speakers-hit-out-at-ex-mp-david-ong-but-chee-holds-off|website=The Straits Times|date=30 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505185328/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/sdp-speakers-hit-out-at-ex-mp-david-ong-but-chee-holds-off|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} The next day, Chee declared he would "put a stop" to any future attack on Ong by his party members for the by-election.{{Cite web|author=Neo Chai Chin|title=Chee to 'put a stop' to any attack on former Bukit Batok MP David Ong|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/sdp-my-best-cv-chee|website=Today Online|date=30 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505173755/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/sdp-my-best-cv-chee|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}
On 3 May, Chee said while he thought his opponent was Pillai, "It is turning out to be everybody else except him", while Pillai was "not saying anything". This came after multiple serving ministers from the PAP had commented on or responded to Chee during the by-election.{{Cite web|last=Chong|first=Zi Liang|title=Chee: Who am I running against?|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/chee-who-am-i-running-against|website=The Straits Times|date=4 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509193427/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/chee-who-am-i-running-against|archive-date=9 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} Several PAP politicians also questioned Chee's ability to perform the role of an MP when they said he had not had a "full-time job" for several years. In response, Chee said, "I've been working every single day to not just keep the SDP together but build it up, and to think and propose and write about ideas for Singapore".{{Cite web|last=Heng|first=Janice|title=Chee says he has been working full-time to build party|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/chee-says-he-has-been-working-full-time-to-build-party|website=The Straits Times|date=2 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013022747/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/chee-says-he-has-been-working-full-time-to-build-party|archive-date=13 October 2016|df=dmy-all}} Some of the other PAP members had praised Pillai's character and history in Bukit Batok while questioning Chee's character and his past, resulting in Chee calling for the PAP to cease its "personal attacks" and "stop the gutter politics", and instead focus on policies and issues.{{Cite web|last=Yong|first=Charissa|title=Grace Fu and Halimah point to Murali's track record and character|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/grace-fu-and-halimah-point-to-muralis-track-record-and-character|website=The Straits Times|date=30 April 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518005056/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/grace-fu-and-halimah-point-to-muralis-track-record-and-character|archive-date=18 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|last=Yong|first=Charissa|title=Character takes centre stage in battle for Bukit Batok|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/character-takes-centre-stage-in-battle-for-bukit-batok|website=The Straits Times|date=2 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505191455/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/character-takes-centre-stage-in-battle-for-bukit-batok|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|author=Kenneth Cheng|title=Debate issues, don't just 'throw slime', Chee tells PAP|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/debate-issues-dont-just-throw-slime-chee-tells-pap|website=Today Online|date=3 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505155230/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/debate-issues-dont-just-throw-slime-chee-tells-pap|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} In contrast, Pillai did not comment on Chee's character as of May 4. His campaign strategy emphasized on house visits where Pillai could discuss his proposals with residents in depth.{{Cite web|last1=Au-Yong|first1=Rachel|last2=Lee|first2=Pearl|title=Home visits allow Murali to get close to residents|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/home-visits-allow-murali-to-get-close-to-residents|website=The Straits Times|date=5 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505210942/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/home-visits-allow-murali-to-get-close-to-residents|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} Finally, Pillai said that if he were elected as a Member of Parliament, he would raise the issues of tightening the criteria for receiving employment passes and fighting for higher Eldershield insurance payouts for the disabled.{{Cite web|last1=Yong|first1=Charissa|last2=Sim|first2=Walter|last3=Au-Yong|first3=Rachel|last4=Heng|first4=Janice|title=Bukit Batok by-election: PAP, SDP urge voters to consider brand of politics and character of candidates at final rallies|date=5 May 2016 |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-pap-sdp-urge-voters-to-consider-brand-of-politics-and-character-of|publisher=The Straits Times|access-date=8 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507212545/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-pap-sdp-urge-voters-to-consider-brand-of-politics-and-character-of|archive-date=7 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}
On 4 May, Chee said that his party's "comparative advantage" would be evident in Parliament, where he could make a "qualitative difference", challenging ministers to "justify their positions" on issues. Chee criticized how Singaporean ministers "have not been challenged intellectually", and thus were able to make "motherhood statements and things that do not really make a lot of sense". Amongst the national issues Chee would champion discussing include the Central Provident Fund, financial assistance for the elderly, fixing and extending the progressional wage system, and retrenchment insurance.{{Cite web|last=Lim|first=Yan Liang|title=Bukit Batok by-election: Chee calls for tighter immigration policy after ISA detentions|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-chee-calls-for-tighter-immigration-policy-after-isa-detentions|website=The Straits Times|date=4 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506100131/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-chee-calls-for-tighter-immigration-policy-after-isa-detentions|archive-date=6 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|last=Lim|first=Yan Liang|title=Chee's aim to be alternative voice in Parliament|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chees-aim-to-be-alternative-voice-in-parliament|website=The Straits Times|date=5 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505211904/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chees-aim-to-be-alternative-voice-in-parliament|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} On the retrenchment insurance scheme, Chee proposed that employed workers pay a fee for inclusion into the scheme, in exchange for a staggered form of monetary support for the 18 months after retrenchment.{{Cite web|title=Bukit Batok by-election: SDP's Chee Soon Juan renews call for retrenchment insurance|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-sdps-chee-soon-juan-renews-call-for-retrenchment-insurance|website=The Straits Times|date=1 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505175022/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-sdps-chee-soon-juan-renews-call-for-retrenchment-insurance|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} Additionally, Chee said that Singapore needed to "pay a lot more attention" to immigrants, fearing those "not properly vetted".{{Cite web|last1=Lim|first1=Yan Liang|last2=Cheong|first2=Danson|title=Chee Soon Juan told to clarify his position on immigration|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chee-soon-juan-told-to-clarify-his-position-on-immigration|website=The Straits Times|date=5 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506100314/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chee-soon-juan-told-to-clarify-his-position-on-immigration|archive-date=6 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}
Bukit Batok SMC
{{See also|Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency}}
As at 21 April, there are 25,727 registered voters. They account for 56% of the total resident population of Bukit Batok SMC. Approximately 96% of the resident population live in public housing.{{Cite web|url=http://graphics.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/Interactives/2016/04/bukit-batok-by-election/index.html|title=Guide to the Bukit Batok by-election on May 7|website=The Straits Times|access-date=2016-04-28}}
= Election rallies =
The Singapore Police Force announced on Nomination Day 27 April 2016, a list of sites available for electoral meetings. Such meetings could be held from 28 April to 5 May between 7am to 10pm. The police also announced that Speakers' Corner would not serve as an "unrestricted area" during the campaigning period. All rallies below are held between 7pm to 10pm.
| class="wikitable" style="width:50%" |
| style="width:10%;"| Party
! style="width:10%;"| 29 Apr ! style="width:10%;"| 1 May ! style="width:10%;"| 3 May ! style="width:10%;"| 5 May |
|---|
| PAP
| Bukit Gombak Stadium
| {{N/A| NA}} | {{N/A| NA}} | Bukit Gombak Stadium |
| SDP
| Field along Bukit Batok Industrial Park A
| Bukit Gombak Stadium
| Field along Bukit Batok Industrial Park A
| Field along Bukit Batok Industrial Park A |
= Polling stations =
Polls were held on 7 May across nine polling stations in the SMC (six at HDB void decks, one at a pavilion and two at secondary school canteens) from 8am to 8pm (SGT):
- HDB Block 191 Void Deck, Bukit Batok West Avenue 6
- Bukit View Secondary School Canteen, Bukit Batok Street 21
- HDB Block 221 Void Deck, Bukit Batok East Avenue 3
- HDB Block 624 Void Deck, Bukit Batok Central
- HDB Block 131 Void Deck, Bukit Batok West Avenue 6
- HDB Pavilion Block 105A, Bukit Batok Central
- HDB Block 136 Void Deck, Bukit Batok West Avenue 6
- Bukit Batok Secondary School Canteen, Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
- HDB Block 176 Void Deck, Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
Similarly, Overseas voters also cast their votes across 10 overseas polling stations. After votes closed, the boxes are sealed and sent to the two counting centres for tallying.
= Cooling-off day incident =
On Cooling-off day, Media Development Authority filed a police report against a news website, The Middle Ground, for its article BB BE: 50 voters in Bukit Batok, which violated one of the regulations under the Elections Act.PEA, s. 78D(1). The penalty for both of these offences is a fine of up to $1,500, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.PEA, ss. 78C(2) and 78D(2). Elections Department on behalf of the Returning Officer Ng, issued a formal notice and take down at 9.30am to have the article removed no later than 3.30pm.{{cite web |title=MDA files police report against news website |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/mda-files-police-report-against-news-website |website=The Straits Times |access-date=15 May 2025 |language=en |date=6 May 2016}} On 2 August, The Middle Ground was issued a "stern warning in-lieu of prosecution" for the infraction.{{cite web |title=The Middle Ground website gets stern police warning for Bukit Batok by-election violation |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/the-middle-ground-website-given-stern-warning-by-police-for-by-election-violation |website=The Straits Times |access-date=15 May 2025 |language=en |date=3 August 2016}}{{cite web |title=Middle Ground gets 'stern' warning for by-election poll results during 'black-out' |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/website-gets-police-warning-election-survey-results |website=TODAY |access-date=15 May 2025 |language=en}}
Under the Elections Act, any publication of the results of any election survey during the election period between the date where the writ is issued until polls closed (in the case, between 20 April and 7 May) are strictly forbidden, so was exit polls. Penalties under this clause carries a maximum one year imprisonment or up to S$1,500 fine, or both.{{cite web |last1=Shafeeq |first1=Syarafana |title=Public reminded to avoid publishing, reposting election surveys, ads: ELD |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/public-reminded-to-avoid-publishing-reposting-election-surveys-ads-eld |website=The Straits Times |access-date=6 July 2024 |language=en |date=22 August 2023}}{{cite web |title=REMINDER ON LAWS ON ONLINE ELECTION ADVERTISING, ELECTION SURVEYS AND EXIT POLLS |url=https://www.eld.gov.sg/press/2023/PR%20on%20Laws%20on%20Online%20Election%20Advertising,%20Election%20Surveys%20and%20Exit%20Polls.pdf |access-date=6 July 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.article19.org/data/files/pdfs/publications/opinion-polls-paper.pdf |title=Comparative study of laws and regulations restricting the publication of electoral opinion polls |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216000653/http://www.article19.org/pdfs/publications/opinion-polls-paper.pdf |archivedate=16 February 2008 |website=Article 19 |date=2003}}{{cite news |url=https://mothership.sg/2020/06/exit-polls-election-surveys-ge2020/ |title=Here's why you will never see exit poll & election survey results even though it's GE2020 |first=Joshua |last=Lee |date=June 25, 2020 |work=Mothership}}
Results
{{For|past electoral results|Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency#Candidates and results}}
The results was announced by returning officer Ng Wai Choong at 11.27 pm (SGT) that PAP candidate Pillai was named the candidate-elect with 61.21% of the votes, beating SDP Chee's 38.79%.
The overseas votes were complied four days later on the 11th that 32 voters out of the 52 overseas votes had cast. Pillai and Chee received an additional 24 and 8 votes respectively.{{Cite web |title=Bukit Batok by-election: Overseas votes counted; total number of votes cast now 24,224 |date=11 May 2016 |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-overseas-votes-counted-total-number-of-votes-cast-now-24224 |access-date=5 September 2020}}
= Sample count =
Similar to the 2015 general election, sample counts were released by the Elections Department prior to the announcement of the official results to prevent unnecessary speculation and reliance on unofficial sources of information while counting is still under way.{{Cite news|title=Elections Department to give sample count of the votes|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/elections-department-give-sample-count-votes|access-date=9 May 2016|work=AsiaOne|date=7 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810193804/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/elections-department-give-sample-count-votes|archive-date=10 August 2016|df=dmy-all}} The sample count results were released at 9:24pm, with Pillai garnering 61% of the vote and Chee with 39%.{{Cite news|title=Bukit Batok by-election: PAP's Murali Pillai leads with 61% of votes in sample count|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-paps-murali-pillai-leads-with-61-of-votes-in-sample-count|access-date=9 May 2016|work=The Straits Times|date=7 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508125834/http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/bukit-batok-by-election-paps-murali-pillai-leads-with-61-of-votes-in-sample-count|archive-date=8 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}
{{Election box begin | title=By-election 2016: Bukit Batok{{Cite web|title=ELD {{!}} 2016 Parliamentary By-election Result|url=https://www.eld.gov.sg/elections_past_by2016.html|access-date=19 July 2021|website=www.eld.gov.sg}}{{Cite web|title=Singapore Parliamentary By-Election 2016 > Bukit Batok|url=https://sg-elections.com/by-election/2016/|access-date=19 July 2021|website=www.singapore-elections.com|archive-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818202716/http://singapore-elections.com/by-election/2016/|url-status=live}}}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|party=People's Action Party|candidate=K. Muralidharan Pillai|votes=14,452|percentage=61.23|change={{decrease}}11.79}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Singapore Democratic Party|candidate=Chee Soon Juan|votes=9,150|percentage=38.77|change={{increase}}12.39}}
{{Election box majority|votes=5,302|percentage=22.46|change={{decrease}}24.18}}
{{Election box registered electors|reg. electors= 25,727
|change={{decrease}}4.99}}
{{Election box total valid|votes=23,602|percentage=97.43|change={{decrease}}0.43}}
{{Election box rejected|
|votes = 622
|percentage = 2.57
|change = {{increase}}0.43
}}
{{Election box turnout||votes=24,192|percentage=94.03|change={{decrease}}0.21}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = People's Action Party
|swing = {{decrease}}12.09
}}
{{Election box end}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Singaporean elections}}