Singapore opposition ex-leader quits party

Singapore opposition ex-leader quits party

SINGAPORE (Reuter): Chiam See Tong, founder of the main opposition Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), said yesterday he had resigned from the party.

"It is a sad thing to do," he told Reuters.

Chiam said he would defend his seat at Potong Pasir, which he has held since 1984, under a new banner, the Singapore People's Party (SPP).

The 61-year-old Chiam entered politics in 1976 as an independent candidate before forming the SDP in 1980.

He has managed to raise his share of votes in Potong Pasir since his 1984 victory and under his leadership the SDP clinched two more parliamentary seats in 1991. It holds three of the four opposition seats in the 81-member parliament.