Player #4: Hougang’s resident by-election bid

Player #4: Hougang's resident by-election bid

With the seat of the Hougang SMC left hanging empty after the departure of Yaw Shin Leong, and no official announcement on the commencement of a by-election by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong weeks after, one Hougang resident took it into her own hand to demand for an election.

Madam Vellama Marie Muthu, a 42-year-old part-time cleaner, had filed an application on March 2 asking for PM Lee to hold a by-election in the constituency within three months, or within a "reasonable time" deemed by the court, citing an urgent need from the constituency for assistance and benefits for her family situation.

She had also asked the High Court to declare that the Prime Minister "does not have unfettered discretion" in deciding whether and when to announce a by-election.

Singapore's High Court Judge, Justice Philip Pillai has since ruled that the case be heard in open court on May 16, which also happens to be Nomination Day for the Hougang by-election.