Lawyer Alvin Yeo retires from politics, says work is done
MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC (Nanyang) Mr Alvin Yeo. Photo: Robin Choo
SINGAPORE — Two-term Member of Parliament (MP) Alvin Yeo revealed today (Aug 16) that the decision for him to step down from politics came only about a month ago.
The 53-year-old, who is a Senior Counsel with WongPartnership, did not make clear his reasons for leaving, only saying that he felt his work was done.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines after the press conference to announce the slate of candidates for Chua Chu Kang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) at the coming General Election, where it was also announced that he was retiring as an MP, Mr Yeo said he had had discussions with the party leadership on the matter “from time to time”. But it “was over the last month or so when the party needs to finalise its slate of candidates that the decision was finalised as well”, he added.
Mr Yeo said he had reached a point in time where he felt he has done what he had set out to do.
“At the same time I do feel that the party needs to renew its membership from time to time ... You can’t have a situation where too many of the MPs step down (at the same time).
“I suppose I ... also owe it to my family to spend a bit more time with them than I have done over the last 10 years,” he said, adding that he will continue his day job as a lawyer.
Asked how he felt about outgoing Sembawang GRC MP Ellen Lee’s comment that the atmosphere for politicians has changed with increased chatter on social media, Mr Yeo said criticism “comes with the territory” and in politics, one has to develop a thick skin. “You have to figure out what you think is right, and continue to do what you think is right,” he said.
While being an MP has been “a demanding experience”, he acknowledged that “public service is of that nature”. “If you aren’t prepared to put up with the demands then you shouldn’t do it,” he said.
Residents TODAY spoke to were sad to see Mr Yeo go.
Driving instructor James Tan, 60, who has lived in the Nanyang ward for more than 20 years, said Mr Yeo always tries to see through requests that residents make. He cited how the footpath at his block was widened recently following feedback that it gets blocked when residents open their doors.
A 66-year-old resident, who wanted to be known only as Madam Tan, rushed to shake his hand after learning that Mr Yeo is leaving.
“He comes to both big and small community events. He’s a very nice man, very warm and kind. It’s such a pity,” she told TODAY.
