Mr Speaker: Order. At the sitting of Parliament on 17 February 2012, I informed hon Members that the Clerk of Parliament had written to Mr Yaw Shin Leong, the Member for Hougang, asking him to inform her in writing by Friday, 24 February 2012, if he intends to appeal against or challenge his expulsion from the Workers' Party.

I also informed hon Members that the decision on the vacancy of Mr Yaw's seat in this House would be taken when his reply is received or after expiry of the deadline given to him to reply.

On the evening of 20 February 2012, the Clerk of Parliament received a letter from Mr Yaw stating that he will not be appealing against his expulsion from the Workers' Party.

In accordance with Article 46(2)(b) of the Constitution, I have to therefore inform hon Members that the seat of the Member for Hougang became vacant from the evening of 14 February 2012, which was when he was expelled from the political party for which he stood in the 2011 General Election.

Oral Answers to Questions

Page: 1295