By—election application to proceed, says lawyer

SINGAPORE: The Hougang resident who had filed an application to the High Court over a by—election in her constituency will not be withdrawing her application, her lawyer said on Sunday.

Madam Vellama Marie Muthu had filed an application on March 2 to get the High Court to, among other things, order the Prime Minister to call a by—election in her constituency within three months or a "reasonable time".

The court was scheduled this week to hear an appeal by the Attorney—General’s Chambers (AGC) against an open court hearing on Mdm Vellama’s application.

Earlier, Mdm Vellama — through her lawyer M Ravi — had indicated that she was prepared to withdraw her application, if certain conditions were met. These conditions include not imposing the costs of the application on her.

In response, the Attorney—General’s Chambers were quoted in media reports saying that Mdm Vellama "risks being penalised in costs". Mr Ravi said that because of the AGC’s comments, his client is rescinding her offer to withdraw the application.

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TODAY