5 Facts About Former WP MP Yaw Shin Leong, Who Dies at Age 47

An Unexpected Passing: Yaw Shin Leong

If you kept up with Singapore politics in the 2010s, you’d likely remember Yaw Shin Leong, the former Member of Parliament (MP) from the Workers’ Party (WP).

According to an obituary posted on his LinkedIn and Facebook accounts on Tuesday (14 November 2023), Yaw passed away on 10 November 2023.

He died at the age of 47.

Former MP Yaw Shin Leong Dies, Cause of Death Remains Unclear

The obituary on his social media accounts read: “In loving memory of Amos Rao (Yaw Shin Leong).”

Amos Rao is a name used by Yaw upon his departure from his political career.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear and were not stated in the obituary.

In the obituary, Yaw is remembered as a beloved husband, dad, brother, leader, and soldier. It shares the details about his wake and kindly asks the media to give his family space and privacy during this time.

“Our hearts are broken with grief. You left us too soon, too sudden,” said the obituary. 

“Your sudden passing leaves a void in our hearts that cannot be filled. We know you are in a better place. We love you deeply. You will live on forever in our hearts.”

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

The obituary welcomes guests to celebrate Yaw’s life from 17 November to 19 November 2023 at Maxwell Hall.

According to the obituary, a memorial service to commemorate his life is scheduled for 18 November 2023 (Saturday).

According to 8World News, Yaw Shin Leong’s wife had posted the obituary.

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

Currently, his body is at rest in Babaoshan, Beijing. 

Education History

Yaw was born in 1976 and was raised by a single parent after his father died when he was just 13 years old.

Yaw then become a medic in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). 

Subsequently, he pursued his undergraduate studies, studying political science and sociology at the National University of Singapore. He continued his academic journey by earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Western Sydney.

Throughout his career, Yaw made significant contributions to the field of education. 

Yaw had been actively involved in the education sector in Singapore for several years. He founded and managed an enrichment program development firm called Eduhearts Consultancy from 2005 to 2012.

Beginnings in Political Career

Yaw began his political journey in 2001 when he joined the Workers’ Party (WP). 

Within a year, he earned a place on the party’s highest decision-making body, the Central Executive Committee (CEC).

In the 2006 Singapore General Election, Yaw took on a significant role as the candidate and leader of the WP team, contesting the Prime Minister’s seat in Ang Mo Kio GRC. 

The People’s Action Party (PAP) Chairman, Lim Boon Heng, boldly predicted an overwhelming victory for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s team, estimating they would secure 80 to 85% of the votes.

However, against the odds, Yaw’s team secured over one-third of the votes in their contest against the PAP team, led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Became the WP Candidate for Hougang SMC

Yaw also served as an MP for Hougang from 2011 to 2012.

In the 2011 Singapore General Election, Yaw took on the role of the WP candidate for Hougang Single Member Constituency (SMC). 

This opportunity arose when the former MP and party leader, Low Thia Khiang, decided to vacate his seat of two decades to contest in Aljunied GRC.

After making the challenging decision to step down, Low gave Yaw his approval. 

Departure from Politics in 2012

In January 2012, Yaw became known for the alleged rumours circulating about him and his involvement in an extramarital affair.

Unfortunately, this led to his expulsion from the party in February 2012. 

The WP stated in 2012 that Yaw was removed from the party for “failing to uphold transparency and accountability” after he declined to present himself before the party’s Central Executive Committee to address and discuss the allegations.

He resurfaced briefly in 2021 during the Raeesah Khan saga. Using his Amos Rao alias on Facebook, Yaw responded to WP Chief Pritam Singh’s statement that he hadn’t reported to the party following the accusations. Yaw asserted that he had “promptly informed” former party leader Low Thia Khiang and chairperson Sylvia Lim about the extramarital affair allegations and was “counseled to remain quiet.” However, the WP contested his assertion.

That was the last the media hear of him.

Yaw Shin Leong’s Life After Political Career

Following his departure from politics in 2012, Yaw adopted the name Amos Rao. 

He did not return to the political scene.

Yaw had voluntarily left Singapore alongside his wife.

In 2017, Yaw ventured to Myanmar and worked at a private institution. 

His Facebook account indicated that he had been in Yangon since at least May 2016, and his LinkedIn profile mentioned that he spent ten months in Myanmar, with the remainder of the year in Singapore.