Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat introduced a Parliamentary motion today (Nov. 5), calling on Workers' Party (WP) MPs Sylvia Lim and Low Thia Khiang to recuse themselves from all financial matters at the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC).

Heng delivered a 65-minute long speech when he moved the motion.

What does this motion entail?

The motion affirms the importance of Members of Parliament maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability.

It notes that Lim remains Vice-Chairman of AHTC, and Low remains an elected member of AHTC.

AHTC is called on to "discharge their responsibilities to their residents".

This means that Lim and Low are required to recuse themselves from all matters relating to, and oversight over, AHTC financial matters.

Heng also explained that he moved this motion because of the High Court's findings and judgement, that was released to the public on October 11.

Judgment for AHTC civil suit

In 2017, the civil suit was initiated under the direction of an independent panel set up by AHTC to recover improper payments.

On Oct. 11, a judgment was released finding that Lim and Low had breached their fiduciary duties, and were liable for damages suffered by the Town Council.

For Pritam, Kannan added that while he was not found to have breached his fiduciary duties, he was found to have breached his duties of skill and care to the town council.

Heng concluded by saying that the only thing the parliament is asking, is for Lim and Low "to recuse themselves from dealing with or having oversight over financial matters, until the court case is concluded".

Heng believed that such an action "is the least that they can do".

Top photo composite image: screenshot via gov.sg, photo by Sulaiman Daud.