Former Workers’ Party MP Yaw Shin Leong passes away at age 47

Yaw Shin Leong, a former Workers’ Party MP for Hougang known as “Amos Rao” online, passed away recently, as confirmed by announcements on his Facebook and LinkedIn.

His obituary on social media disclosed his passing at 47 on November 10.

After serving as an MP for Hougang in 2011, Mr Yaw faced expulsion from the Workers’ Party in 2012 following allegations of an extramarital affair. Post his expulsion, he left the country to step out of public attention and remained abroad for several years.

Published

1 year ago

15 November 2023

Yee Loon

As reported by Chinese media outlet 8World News, the administrator of the social media account disclosed on Wednesday (15 Nov) that Yaw Shin Leong’s wife shared the obituary.

It was stated that Yaw Shin Leong collapsed during a morning run in Beijing, China, succumbing to sudden cardiac arrest.

Presently, his body rests at Babaoshan, Beijing. Following a sealing ceremony at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, arrangements will be made to transport his remains back to Singapore.

There are numerous messages from friends and relatives under the Facebook post, with some expressing condolences to the family while others find it hard to believe.

The memorial service for Yaw Shin Leong will be held from the 17th to the 19th, located at Woodlands Memorial, Woodlands Industrial Park E8 in Singapore.

In the memorial announcement, the family also urges everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Expressing profound grief, the obituary conveyed the sentiment of an untimely and unexpected departure: “Our hearts are broken with grief. You left us too soon, too sudden. ”

“You have touched our lives in so many different ways. We celebrate your life and celebrate your legacy. Your sudden passing leaves a void in our hearts that cannot be filled. We know you are in a better place.”

The tribute portrayed Mr Yaw as a cherished husband, devoted father, supportive brother, respected leader, and dedicated former soldier.

“To friends of (the) media, Shin Leong’s passion for Singapore, his service in the National Service, and his contributions beyond politics have left indelible marks,” read the obituary.

Mr Yaw served as an MP for Hougang in 2011 but was expelled from the WP in 2012 due to allegations concerning an extra-marital affair.

After serving in Hougang for 20 years, Mr Low decided to contest Aljunied GRC in 2011. Yaw, seen as the successor in Hougang, lived up to expectations and won with 64.8% of the votes against the PAP candidate, Desmond Choo.

After being expelled from the Workers’ Party, Yaw left the country to avoid attention and has been abroad for several years.

As the Hougang seat remained vacant for an extended period, a resident applied to the High Court for a compulsory order, urging the Prime Minister to hold a by-election within three months or a reasonable timeframe.

The by-election was eventually held on May 26, 2012. Hougang has always been the Workers’ Party’s stronghold, and the candidate Png Eng Huat successfully defended the seat with 62% of the votes against Desmond Choo, who was running for the PAP for the second time.

In 2021, under the pseudonym Amos Rao, he contested statements made by WP chief Pritam Singh about the circumstances of his departure from the party.