News
Ex-Workers’ Party politician Tang Liang Hong dies at 90
He contested in Cheng San GRC in 1997.
October 02, 2025, 11:47 AM
Tang Liang Hong, a lawyer and former Workers’ Party (WP) politician who ran for election in 1997 in Cheng San GRC, died on Sep. 15, 2025.
He was 90.
An obituary on Oct. 2 confirmed his passing.
Wake
Tang’s wake will be held at the Woodlands Memorial Funeral Parlour from Oct. 2 to 4
A private family farewell service will be on Oct. 5.
Background
Tang contested in the 1997 general election against the People's Action Party (PAP), alongside JB Jeyaretnam (JBJ).
He was part of a five-person WP team in Cheng San GRC (Group Representation Constituency).
via Chan Cheow Pong
The PAP won with 54.82 per cent of the vote.
The GRC comprised Jalan Kayu, parts of Ang Mo Kio and Serangoon North, as well as Punggol and Sengkang.
During the campaign, PAP accused Tang of being an anti-Christian Chinese chauvinist.
He denied the accusations.
Tang first studied at Nanyang University, and then the University of Singapore.
He became a lawyer in 1968, and also served as the Chairman of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
He also sat on the board of management of Chinese High School and Hwa Chong Junior College.
Due to his accomplishments and professional background, Tang was seen as a "star candidate" when he joined the Workers' Party.
Left Singapore for Australia
Tang filed police reports against several PAP members after the election.
He was served with multiple lawsuits, alleging that he had defamed then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, then-Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and then-Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, among others.
He was also accused of tax evasion.
Tang left Singapore shortly after and was ordered in absentia to pay damages totalling S$8 million, after he was found liable for defamation.
He was declared a bankrupt and had his property seized for failing to pay the damages and interest that he owed.
He moved to Australia, and was joined by his wife.
He likely remained there till the end of his life.
Name brought up in parliament
Years after Tang left Singapore, his name was brought up by former WP leader Low Thia Khiang.
This was during a memorable incident in parliament in July 2017, leading to a new entry in Singapore's political lexicon: "Sue until your pants drop."
Top photos via Alchetron & obituary
