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SINGAPORE: Residents of Yio Chu Kang and those who have been working closely with Member of Parliament Seng Han Thong have expressed concern over Sunday's incident where a man threw thinner at the MP and set him on fire.
They described Mr Seng, who is also the adviser to the Taxi Operators' Association, as someone who is always willing to help. In fact, Mr Seng announced several measures to help taxi drivers tide over the economic downturn last Friday.
The MP underwent a skin graft operation on Monday after suffering burns on about 10 per cent of his body. His condition is now stable and he is expected to stay in hospital for at least 15 days.
Mr Seng's attacker, 70-year-old Ong Kah Chua, has been charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
Describing the incident as a senseless act, Albert Ong, president of the Trans-cab Operators' Association, said: "We are very saddened to hear about this because Mr Seng always helped a lot of taxi drivers and this type of violent act should not have happened."
Robin Ng, president of the City Cab Operators' Association, said: "He did a lot to help our drivers and fight for our benefits. He also helped us to solve a lot of daily operations problems."
Residents in Mr Seng's ward were also taken aback by the attack. One of them said: "MP Seng Han Thong is very kind to all the residents here. This case is very unfortunate."
"I feel that he's a good man – not proud and very approachable," another added.
Residents also recalled how Mr Seng had helped them in one way or another when a fire broke out at the old Ang Mo Kio Market last year. The MP was involved in setting up the current temporary market and food centre.
Fellow unionist and MP for Jurong GRC, Halimah Yacob, found the incident "extremely disturbing". She said: "I want to appeal to residents and to those who come to us for help – if you do have any concerns, there is a way of dealing with them. There is no need to resort to violence and aggression.
"As MPs, we have to make decisions all the time. Some decisions are favourable to residents, but some decisions are tough. It is not that we want to make it tough for them.
"Sometimes it is the situation, the circumstances... I don't think we can completely insulate ourselves, that's not possible and that's really not necessary."
- CNA/so
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