Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Leong Mun Wai has resigned from his position as the Secretary-General of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP). The announcement came in response to a recent order issued under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). Hazel Poa, another NCMP, has been appointed as the new Secretary-General.
Leong Mun Wai’s decision to step down reflects his acceptance of responsibility for a correction direction he received on February 15 as a result of a social media post made on February 12. The post highlighted a lack of financial aid provided to a couple in West Coast. The POFMA office ordered Leong Mun Wai to carry a correction to the post, which he subsequently took down.
In a statement, the PSP acknowledged Leong Mun Wai’s decision to resign and stated that he demonstrated accountability through his actions. The party also expressed pride in his commitment to taking responsibility.
Leong Mun Wai, who joined the PSP in 2019 and previously served as assistant secretary-general before focusing on his role as an NCMP, emphasized the importance of accountability in his response to the POFMA order. He acknowledged his responsibility for the posts made and expressed regret for not having the full picture of the couple’s circumstances and the assistance they received.
Hazel Poa, who assumes the role of Secretary-General, previously held the position of vice-chairman within the PSP. She becomes the party’s fourth secretary-general since its founding in 2019 by Dr. Tan Cheng Bock, a former member of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).
The resignation of Leong Mun Wai brings attention to the challenges faced by opposition parties in Singapore’s political landscape. The PSP, established as an alternative to the long-standing dominance of the PAP, aims to offer an alternative voice and policy platform. The change in leadership raises questions about the party’s future direction, strategies, and internal dynamics.
Leong Mun Wai’s departure also highlights the impact of POFMA, which was introduced in 2019 to combat the spread of online falsehoods and misinformation. Opposition figures and parties must navigate the boundaries set by this legislation, ensuring that their statements are accurate and compliant with the law.
As the PSP moves forward with Hazel Poa as the new Secretary-General, observers will be watching closely to see how this leadership transition and response to the POFMA order shape the party’s trajectory. Leong Mun Wai’s resignation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by opposition parties in Singapore’s political climate, as they strive to gain traction and influence in a landscape dominated by the ruling party.
