GE2020: SDP and PAP set for rematch in Bukit Batok SMC

Claudia Chong

Published Tue, Jun 30, 2020 · 04:33 AM

SINGAPORE Democratic Party's secretary-general Chee Soon Juan is set to go up against the People's Action Party's (PAP) Murali Pillai in Bukit Batok Single Member Constituency (SMC).

Dr Chee, 57, last contested in the ward during a by-election in 2016, following the sudden resignation of PAP Member of Parliament David Ong due to a personal indiscretion. He lost to Mr Pillai, 52, who garnered 61.21 per cent of the vote.

Mr Pillai is a partner with law firm Rajah and Tann Singapore. He was appointed as Senior Counsel in January 2020.

During the 2015 General Election, Mr Pillai was in the five-member PAP team that lost to the Workers' Party at Aljunied group representation constituency (GRC) by a slim margin, with the PAP taking 49.05 per cent of the vote. He then was fielded by PAP in the Bukit Batok SMC by-election in 2016.

Dr Chee contested during the 2015 election in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC alongside SDP chairman Paul Tambyah, Sidek Malek and Chong Wai Fung. His team lost against the incumbent PAP, taking 33.38 per cent of the votes.

For Nomination Day developments and more on Singapore GE2020, go to bt.sg/ge2020