Former Workers' Party MPs Low Thia Khiang, Png Eng Huat to cover Jamus Lim's duties in Sengkang for three weeks

SINGAPORE: Workers' Party Member of Parliament Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC) will be in the United States for three weeks to attend a summer fellowship at Stanford University.

During his absence, former WP chief Low Thia Khiang and former Hougang MP Png Eng Huat will cover Assoc Prof Lim's constituency duties in his Anchorvale ward.

Assoc Prof Lim left for California on Monday (Jul 18) and will return to Singapore on Aug 8, said a WP spokesperson.

The spokesperson said Mr Low will cover estate walks, while Mr Png will cover Assoc Prof Lim's responsibilities at the Meet-the-People (MPS) sessions in Anchorvale.

Mr Low was in Anchorvale on Tuesday morning to conduct an estate walk.

"Prior to his departure, Jamus had doubled up on house visits and will double up upon his return to stay on schedule," said the spokesperson.

"He will still be available virtually to attend to other responsibilities as an MP, such as town council meetings."

Mr Low, 65, and Mr Png, 60, retired from politics in 2020 and did not contest the last General Election.  

Assoc Prof Lim announced his trip to the US on Facebook on Monday night, saying that he is grateful for Mr Low and Mr Png's support.

"For the next couple of weeks, I’ll temporarily hand over my #SengkangGRC responsibilities to two more-than-capable ex-MPs - Messrs Png Eng Huat and Low Thia Khiang, who have generously offered their (retirement) time - as well as the ever-reliable #TeamSengkang volunteers.

"Both gentlemen have helped out at #Anchorvale before, and I am grateful for such able and experienced support."

Assoc Prof Lim, an associate professor of economics at the ESSEC Business School's Singapore campus, will be attending the Draper Hills Summer Fellows programme at Stanford.

According to Standford's website, the programme is a forum for mid-career practitioners in law, politics, government, private enterprise, civil society, and international development to exchange experiences and receive academic and policy training.

The Sengkang MP will be back on the evening of Aug 8 and head to his MPS session immediately after, said WP.

Wrote Assoc Prof Lim on Facebook: "I will be back in time for National Day and its related festivities, and I look forward to catching up with our residents then!"

Sengkang GRC has three MPs, including Ms He Ting Ru and Mr Louis Chua, following the resignation of Ms Raeesah Khan last year.