Former Opposition MP Cheo Chai Chen Dies at 73 Years Old

Cheo Chai Chen, a former Member of Parliament (MP) with the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), passed away on 4 June at the age of 73 after battling oesophageal cancer.

His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Singapore’s political history, where he served with dedication and courage.

Mr Cheo first ventured into politics as a member of the SDP. He contested in seven general elections under the banners of two opposition parties, carving out a notable career marked by resilience and commitment to his principles.

The Life of Cheo Chai Chen

Born in 1951, Mr Cheo was a businessman and a graduate of Nanyang University with a degree in government and public administration.

In the 1988 General Election, Mr Cheo ran as an SDP candidate but was ultimately defeated by the People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate, Mr Ng Pock Too, in the Nee Soon Central Single Member Constituency (SMC).

Undeterred, he contested again in 1991 and narrowly won with 50.3% of the vote. His victory was part of a broader success for the SDP that year, with the party securing three seats in Parliament.

Alongside Mr Cheo, former party chief Mr Chiam See Tong retained Potong Pasir SMC, and Mr Ling How Doong won in Bukit Gombak SMC.

As an MP, Mr Cheo was known for his dedication to serving his constituents. He raised various municipal issues, such as advocating for the construction of a polyclinic and a concrete footpath in Yishun.

He also expressed concerns about the allocation of funds by the Community Improvement Projects Committee, highlighting his commitment to fair governance.

Cheo’s Political Journey

Mr Cheo’s tenure as an MP came to an end in 1997 when he lost his seat to PAP’s Ong Ah Heng. Despite this setback, Mr Cheo continued his political journey.

In 2001, he led the SDP team in Hong Kah Group Representation Constituency (GRC), although they were not successful. Mr Bryan Lim, SDP’s vice-chairman, fondly recalled how Mr Cheo called him “good brother” during the campaign.

In 2006, Mr Cheo joined the National Solidarity Party (NSP) and contested in the Jalan Besar GRC during that year’s general election under the Singapore Democratic Alliance, an opposition coalition.

Although his team lost to the PAP, Mr Cheo remained an active political figure. He later contested in Marine Parade GRC in the 2011 General Election and in MacPherson SMC in the 2015 General Election, albeit without success.

During the 2015 General Election, he faced criticism for remarks he made about his opponents. He suggested that Ms Tin Pei Ling of the PAP, who had just become a mother, might not be able to devote sufficient attention to her constituents.

He also described his Workers’ Party opponent, Mr Bernard Chen, as inexperienced. Ultimately, Mr Cheo secured only 0.8% of the vote in MacPherson SMC, resulting in the forfeiture of his $14,500 election deposit.

Mr Cheo’s contributions to Singaporean politics were significant. He was remembered by his colleagues and peers as a dedicated and courageous leader.

Mr Bryan Lim praised Mr Cheo’s ability to remain calm under pressure and his crisis leadership. Lim noted that, “Beneath his quiet demeanor lies a gutsy firebrand who exhibits crisis leadership when the time demands for it.”

Mr Cheo’s passing elicited heartfelt tributes from the SDP. In a statement on 5 June, the party honored Mr Cheo’s service to both the party and the country, describing his tenure as marked by honor and courage.

The statement also conveyed the party’s deepest condolences to his family.

Mr Cheo was cremated on 6 June.