PM Lee: "I intend to call a by-election"

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he intends to call for a by-election in Hougang SMC.

But he did not give an indication as to when it might be held.

He was speaking in Parliament on Friday, the final day of the Budget 2012 debate.

The MP seat at Hougang SMC became vacant after the Workers' Party sacked Yaw Shin Leong following his continued silence over an alleged sex scandal.

"In deciding on the timing, I will take into account all relevant factors, including the well-being of Hougang residents, issues on the national agenda, as well as the international backdrop which affects our prosperity and security," he said.

Regarding the recent application to hold a by-election as soon as possible by a Hougang resident, PM Lee said that the matter is now "sub judice" meaning that it is under the consideration of the court.

Under current laws, there is no particular time frame for the PM to adhere to when it comes to calling a by-election.

"This absence of any stipulated time frame is the result of a deliberate decision by Parliament to confer on the Prime Minister the discretion to decide when to fill a Parliamentary vacancy," he said.

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