Leong Mun Wai has resigned from his position as secretary-general of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP).
The decision comes following a recent Correction Direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) regarding false claims he made about the lack of financial aid for West Coast residents.
In a statement released on Friday, the party announced that Mr Leong made the decision to step down on Feb 20 to take responsibility for the POFMA order he received on Feb 15, 2024. Mr Leong, who also serves as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament, had been elected as PSP chief in April 2023.
“To take responsibility for the POFMA Correction Direction he received on 15 February 2024, Mr Leong Mun Wai decided to step down as PSP’s Secretary-General on 20 February 2024. He will remain a Central Executive Committee (CEC) member”.
PSP’s CEC accepted Mr Leong’s decision and is proud that he has demonstrated accountability through his actions, not just words. Ms Hazel Poa was elected and assumed the Secretary-General position with immediate effect on 20 February 2024.
The Progress Singapore Party will continue working to build a more progressive, compassionate and inclusive Singapore.
– Progress Singapore Party On Facebook
WHY POFMA :
Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai was issued a correction direction on Thursday (Feb 15) for false claims he made about the lack of financial aid given to a couple in West Coast.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli instructed the POFMA Office to issue the order.
Gutzy Asia and The Online Citizen were also notified for republishing the false statements.
They have complied with the correction direction. Mr Leong’s posts have been deleted, with a correction notice posted. He had identified the couple in a photograph and made claims about their financial aid and MediSave funds. Gutzy Asia published an article based on his post, which The Online Citizen shared on Facebook.
FACT :
Mr Leong falsely claimed that a couple only receives a Home Caregiving Grant and no other financial assistance, but they have been receiving NTUC vouchers, utilities vouchers, and cash from a temple. In total, they receive around S$830 per month in cash and vouchers. They have also received approximately S$39,000 in cash and vouchers since 2021, including S$21,000 in ComCare assistance. Additionally, they have more than S$100,000 in their CPF Retirement Accounts and withdrew S$5,000 in April 2023.
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