Desmond Choo submits expenses for Hougang by—election

SINGAPORE: The People’s Action Party’s candidate for the Hougang by—election, Desmond Choo, said he has submitted to the Elections Department his statement of expenses for last month’s by—election.

Responding to queries from Channel NewsAsia, the Elections Department said the Workers’ Party candidate and MP—elect, Png Eng Huat has to submit his returns not later than June 30.

Mr Choo told Channel NewsAsia that he spent a total of S$77,650 for the hustings.

That works out to S$3.32 per voter.

Mr Choo said the main expenses incurred were for the rallies and meals.

Two weeks ago, MP—elect for Hougang and Workers’ Party candidate Png Eng Huat told Channel NewsAsia in an email, that he would be submitting his statement on expenses within the next 14 days.

Candidates have to submit their expenses within 31 days after the result of an election is published in the Gazette.

The Hougang by—election was held on May 26 this year, and WP’s Png Eng Huat polled nearly 62 per cent of votes cast, retaining the seat for the opposition.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s Elections Department said the returns for the election expenses for the Hougang by—election will be made available for inspection from next Monday onwards.

— CNA/cc