NSP elects new party leader

Lawyer Jeannette Chong- Aruldoss has been elected secretary-general of the National Solidarity Party (NSP).

The position was earlier held by former government scholarship holder Hazel Poa, who stepped down last month for health reasons.

Mrs Chong-Aruldoss, 50, was elected unopposed by NSP congress members in a meeting at the party's Jalan Besar headquarters on Sunday morning, The Straits Times reported on its website.

It quoted the former NSP vice-president as saying she is eager to get the party back on track for the next General Election (GE) with plans to ramp up activities in policy work and outreach.

INTERNAL DISCUSSIONS

Her immediate priority will be to hold internal policy discussions so the party can come up with clear positions on major issues, she said, noting that the race to the next GE is already entering the crucial second half and "it is important to peak at the right time".

"Parliament should have more colour... If my dreams come true, a dash or more of orange will be added after GE2016," said Mrs Chong-Aruldoss, referring to her party's colour.

She had contested the Mountbatten single seat for the NSP in the 2011 GE, but lost to Mr Lim Biow Chuan of the People's Action Party.

Party members on Sunday referred to her energy and initiative in organising measures like a regular legal clinic.

"She has good ideas and plans. The party will support her," The Straits Times quoted NSP's first assistant secretary- general Reno Fong as saying.

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