Leon Perera, Former Workers’ Party MP, Relocates to US, Ending Speculation on Singapore Election Candidacy
Former Workers’ Party (WP) Member of Parliament Leon Perera has put an end to swirling rumors by announcing his move to the United States for a new executive role, dispelling any notions of a potential candidacy under the Progress Singapore Party’s (PSP) banner in the upcoming General Election. The 54-year-old shared the news via LinkedIn, revealing his appointment as the executive director at Yamada Consulting Group (YCG) USA.
Perera, who tendered his resignation from WP in July 2023 following an extramarital affair, had been seen at various gatherings alongside PSP leaders. Confirming his involvement with the party on an informal basis last August, PSP acknowledged his volunteer contributions. Amidst mounting speculation, CNA reached out to Perera regarding his potential candidacy in the impending General Election, scheduled to be called by November.
In response, Perera remained tight-lipped, directing inquiries to PSP and offering no further comments beyond his LinkedIn announcement. Emphasizing his objectives in the US, Perera outlined his plans to collaborate with YCG colleagues in New York City, focusing on expanding business relations between the US and Asia. YCG specializes in providing consultancy services primarily to Japanese firms.
Expressing personal sentiments in his LinkedIn post, Perera expressed eagerness to gain fresh perspectives during his time in the US, contemplating the future landscape of global affairs and his homeland. Grateful for his wife’s unwavering support, Perera shared that she would split her time between Singapore and New York City. Despite his international relocation, Perera affirmed his ongoing roles as chairman of Yamada Consulting and Spire group in Asia.
Participation in GE Unlikely, But Not Impossible: Analysts
Political analysts, including independent observer Felix Tan and Associate Professor Eugene Tan from SMU School of Law, weighed in on the implications of Perera’s move overseas on his electoral prospects. While the consensus leans toward Perera’s unlikely candidacy in the upcoming General Election due to his relocation, Assoc Prof Tan noted that historical precedents exist of overseas-based MPs fulfilling their duties.
Assoc Prof Tan raised concerns over the logistical challenges of remote parliamentary engagement, citing the necessity for MPs to secure leave of absence for parliamentary sittings. Notwithstanding the potential hurdles, Assoc Prof Tan emphasized the critical role of constituency work requiring daily presence, a task complicated by physical distance. Should Perera opt to contest in the election, Assoc Prof Tan highlighted the need for him to address these concerns during the campaign.
Extramarital Affair Revelation
Recalling the scandal that led to Perera’s resignation from WP in 2023, the revelation of an extramarital affair with the party’s youth wing chair Nicole Seah triggered a swift exit from the party. The public fallout culminated in a press conference where party chief Pritam Singh indicated that expulsion would have been considered had Perera not resigned. Transitioning to a Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) role post-2015 General Election, Perera’s tenure with the WP culminated in the party’s victory in the 2020 general election, retaining Aljunied GRC.
Currently, PSP boasts two NCMPs, Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai, who contested in West Coast GRC during the 2020 elections. With the next General Election looming, the formation of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) sets the stage for potential changes in electoral boundaries, particularly in the western region of Singapore. As the political landscape evolves, Perera’s transcontinental move marks a significant chapter in his career, leaving observers to ponder the implications for his future political endeavors.
