David Ong issues letter of apology to Bukit Batok residents

SINGAPORE - "I am deeply sorry for having let you down," former Bukit Batok MP David Ong wrote in a personal letter of apology to residents of Bukit Batok constituency. 

In the letter issued to residents on Wednesday (April 6) and widely circulated online, he asked residents to accept his "sincerest apology for my resignation as your Member of Parliament".

Mr Ong, 54, had resigned over an alleged affair with Ms Wendy Lim, 41, who had served as a grassroots leader in his ward. Ms Lim has since quit the PAP.

"I made a serious error of judgment in my personal life, leading to my resignation as MP. I am deeply sorry for having let you down, and for not being able to serve you for the full term that you elected me for," he wrote.

"I had publicly apologised to Bukit Batok residents in my letter of resignation on March 12, and in my subsequent apologies through the media. However, I have also wanted to write this personal letter to each of you."

He thanked the residents for their friendship and for giving him the privilege to serve them as an MP for the past six years.

He added that he was "grateful to all those who have stood by me during the recent difficulties, especially my wife and family".

Bukit Batok residents that AsiaOne contacted confirmed that they received the letter that was printed in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.

Mr Ong's sudden resignation prompted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to announce a by-election that could be held as early as May. 

Jurong GRC MP Desmond Lim has taken over Mr Ong's duties in the meantime.

On March 20, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general Chee Soon Juan confirmed that he will contest in the upcoming by-election.

A day later, the PAP announced that lawyer Murali Pillai would be the party's candidate to defend the constituency.

maryanns@sph.com.sg