What ex-driver knew & did about Leon Perera's alleged affair with Nicole Seah
After a video allegedly showing Workers' Party's Leon Perera and Nicole Seah made its rounds online, AsiaOne found someone with first-hand knowledge - Perera's former driver. Here's our full interview.
WP Press Conference 19 July 2023
Sometime around late 2020 and early 2021, I was informed by Leon's driver through WhatsApp that Leon and Nicole were meeting very often at restaurants and hotels and had been seen hugging each other and holding hands.
There was no evidence or corroboratory to support this allegation.
I do not know Leon's driver personally.
AsiaOne’s quick access to Leon Perera’s former driver: Coincidence or calculated move?
This is exactly what transpired when AsiaOne, an online publication owned by SPH Media Trust and mm2 Asia, swiftly secured an interview with the personal driver of now-disgraced former Workers’ Party member Leon Perera, following a leaked video scandal.
This scandal led to the resignations of Perera and fellow Workers’ Party Central Executive Committee member, Nicole Seah, over an alleged affair.
Just yesterday, AsiaOne published the account of Perera’s driver, who was masquerading under the pseudonym ‘Tan’. However, TOC understands that the driver’s real name is Wong.
'I tried to help him': What ex-driver knew and did about MP Leon Perera's alleged relationship with Nicole Seah
As Leon Perera's personal driver for 11 years, Tan (not his real name) drove the Member of Parliament (MP) and his family around for their various engagements.
But, speaking to AsiaOne on Tuesday (July 18) on the condition of anonymity, the 80-year-old claimed that there were several occasions when Perera had fellow Workers' Party (WP) member Nicole Seah for company in his car. "They were talking very softly inside. From the rear mirror, I also saw them holding hands," said Tan, who worked for Perera from 2010 to 2021. "I feel that he has let his family and the party down," he added.
On Monday (July 17), a 16-second clip showed Perera, 53 and Seah, 36, looking fondly at each other while holding hands at a restaurant. The two senior WP members are married and they each have two children. On the same day, WP said that they were aware of the video clip that suggested "inappropriate exchange between two senior party members". "The party is currently looking into the matter and will comment when we have the facts," a WP spokesperson said, without naming Perera and Seah.
Shanmugam Denies TOC Allegations About AsiaOne & Leon Perera’s Ex-Driver
The next day, alternative news site The Online Citizen (TOC) published an article questioning how AsiaOne could’ve contacted the driver within such a short period. The news site also seemingly suggested that Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam could’ve tipped off one of AsiaOne’s employees about the driver’s identity. Minister Shanmugam has since issued a statement denying any involvement with the incident.
AsiaOne similarly debunked TOC’s allegations, claiming they established contact with the driver through “ground enquiries”. On Wednesday (19 July), TOC posted an article in response to AsiaOne’s interview with the man identified as Mr Perera’s former driver. The piece, titled “AsiaOne’s quick access to Leon Perera’s former driver: Coincidence or calculated move?”, pointed out how quickly AsiaOne conducted the interview. For context, AsiaOne’s interview was posted just a day after a video of Mr Perera and Ms Nicole Seah holding hands started circulating on social media.
K Shanmugam Sc 1d
[False post by The Online Citizen Asia]
TOCA has put up a post, today, which is false in relation to me.
First there is a suggestion that an employee of AsiaOne, Edmund Chua used to work in my Constituency. That is so. The innuendo is that I must have tipped off Edmund to contact the ex driver of Mr Perera, and that is how Asia One managed to get him.
This is false. I do not know the ex driver, I do not have his contact or name, and I did not tip off or give any information on the ex driver to anyone including AsiaOne – I have no such information. And I haven’t dealt with or spoken with Edmund Chua about this matter at all.
TOCA refers to a visit to I made to AsiaOne. It was not days before the video surfaced. I wasn’t even in Singapore for a week, until the evening of 17 July (Monday).
I visited AsiaOne on 13 June, to speak with its journalists. I also visited Mothership, in the same period, on 22 June. This is part of my regular engagement with a broad section of society, including public and private institutions, schools, IHLs, journalists from mainstream and online media and so on.
TOCA continues to publish recklessly, without any regard for the truth.
AsiaOne denies allegations, calls TOC’s article “scurrilous”
As for the interview itself, AsiaOne said they managed to locate him on Tuesday (18 July) after conducting “ground enquiries”.
AsiaOne also denies receiving any information from anyone from the Government.
Workers’ Party MP Leon Perera and senior party leader Nicole Seah have resigned from the party over an extramarital affair, in the latest incident to rock the country’s political scene.
WP chief Pritam Singh announced this at a press conference on Wednesday.
He spoke to members of the press to address a video circulating online of Mr Perera and Ms Seah touching hands.
related:
Leon Perera, Nicole Seah resign from Workers' Party over extramarital affair
The affair started after the 2020 General Election and both Leon Perera and Nicole Seah initially denied allegations when claims surfaced in 2021
Workers' Party (WP) senior members Leon Perera and Nicole Seah have resigned from the opposition party after having an extramarital affair, secretary-general Pritam Singh announced on Wednesday (Jul 19). He also said that Mr Perera has informed the acting Speaker of Parliament that he will be resigning as a Member of Parliament (MP).
“Both of them admitted that they had an affair, which started after the General Election of 2020, but that it had stopped some time ago,” said Mr Singh at a press conference, adding that they had previously told the party that there was no truth to the allegations when they surfaced in 2021. "Leon's conduct and not being truthful when asked by the party leadership about the allegations fell short of the standards expected of Workers' Party MPs. This is unacceptable," Mr Singh added.
This comes two days after a video clip apparently showing the pair surfaced on Facebook, prompting the party to say that it was looking into an "inappropriate exchange between two senior Party members". It added then that the party "expects all its members to fully own and account for their behaviour". The silent 15-second clip appeared to show Mr Perera – an MP for Aljunied – dining with 2020 General Election candidate Ms Seah while holding and stroking her hands.
related:
The Workers' Party 6h
Media Statement
The Workers’ Party held a press conference today (19 July 2023) announcing the resignations of Leon Perera and Nicole Seah from the Party, following evidence of their inappropriate relationship surfacing earlier this week.
While the Party deeply regrets the loss of these two experienced and effective members, this action was necessary to uphold the high standards that the Party believes in. As outlined in the Party’s constitution, members are required to be honest and frank in their dealings with the Party and Singaporeans. Leon and Nicole were not truthful in accounting for their behaviour and fell short in this regard. Had they not offered their resignations, the Party Secretary-General would have recommended their expulsion from the Party.
The Party is now undertaking steps to ensure that all Serangoon residents in Aljunied GRC will continue to be taken care of, and that we will continue to stand with them and be their voices in Parliament.
Leon Perera And Nicole Seah Workers Party Video Sparks Controversy Online
Recently, a viral video from Singapore emerged on the internet where Nicole Seah and Leon Perera were seen exchanging inappropriate deeds.
Currently, the worker’s party is looking into a video clip circulating online that appears to show a Member of Parliament, Leon Perera sharing an intimate moment with fellow senior party member Nicole Seah.
The video was a short 15-second clip where Mr. Perera stroked the hand of a woman who seems to be Ms. Seah as the duo have a glass of wine at a restaurant. Many cars can be seen going by in the background of the video. In a statement issued on Monday, the Worker’s Party said that people need to be aware of a video clip circulating online today that suggests an inappropriate exchange between two senior party members.
Complaint Singapore Unrestricted July 17 at 12:16 PM
The opposition Workers’ Party (WP) on Monday (Jul 17) said it was looking into a video suggesting an "inappropriate exchange" between senior party members Leon Perera and Nicole Seah.
The short 15-second clip, uploaded to social media, appears to show Mr Perera - a Member of Parliament for Aljunied - dining with 2020 general election candidate Ms Seah, while holding and stroking her hands.
Both are married and sit on the WP's central executive committee, with Mr Perera heading the media team while Ms Seah is youth wing president.
Workers' Party looking into video of 'inappropriate exchange' between Leon Perera and Nicole Seah
The opposition Workers’ Party (WP) on Monday (Jul 17) said it is looking into a video suggesting an "inappropriate exchange" between senior party members Leon Perera and Nicole Seah.
The 15-second clip, uploaded to social media, appears to show Mr Perera - a Member of Parliament for Aljunied - dining with 2020 general election candidate Ms Seah, while holding and stroking her hands. Both are married and sit on the WP's central executive committee, with Mr Perera heading the media team while Ms Seah is the youth wing president.
WP said it is aware of the video circulating online on Monday. "The party is currently looking into the matter and will comment when we have the facts," it said in a statement. "The party also expects all its members to fully own and account for their behaviour."
Video of ‘inappropriate exchange’ between Leon Perera and Nicole Seah sparks outrage
The opposition Workers’ Party (WP) on Monday (Jul 17) said it is looking into a video suggesting an “inappropriate exchange” between senior party members Leon Perera and Nicole Seah.
While the statement did not name the members, a video that was posted on Facebook on Monday morning by a user named “Victoria Wang” has been making the rounds. The 15-second clip, uploaded to social media, appears to show Mr Perera – a Member of Parliament for Aljunied – dining with 2020 general election candidate Ms Seah, while holding and stroking her hands.
Both are married and sit on the WP’s central executive committee, with Mr Perera heading the media team while Ms Seah is the youth wing president. WP said it is aware of the video circulating online on Monday. “The party is currently looking into the matter and will comment when we have the facts,” it said in a statement. “The party also expects all its members to fully own and account for their behaviour.”
Belinda Tan July 17 at 12:55 PM
Well, well. How long did they hold on to this video before dropping it right now - coincidentally after the latest and most serious of 3 bombshells...... Such a coincidental timing to distract attention from THAT.
But ok lah, it is distracting. In a sense. Pretty romantic, candlelight and holding hands. The person who filmed it, so free ah, instead of eating their own dinner, go kaypoh filmed other people having a romantic rendezvous?
Workers' Party looking into video suggesting 'inappropriate exchange' between leaders Leon Perera and Nicole Seah
Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, MP Cheng Li Hui resign over 'propriety and personal conduct'
File photo of Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and MP Cheng Li Hui, posted on Mr Tan's Facebook page in February 2016. Mr Tan was elected Speaker in September 2017. (Photo: Facebook/Tan Chuan-Jin)
Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and Member of Parliament Cheng Li Hui have resigned from parliament and the People's Action Party (PAP). Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has accepted the resignations, said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Monday (Jul 17), although it did not specify or elaborate on the reasons behind the resignations.
In his letter of resignation, Mr Tan said the recent incident involving his use of unparliamentary language in the House has added to the hurt he has caused his family. "I have let them down. We have spoken about my personal conduct before," he wrote in his letter to the Prime Minister, dated Jul 17.
Ms Cheng, MP for Tampines GRC, said in her letter to the Prime Minister that she is "very sorry to be resigning in these circumstances". "(I) would like to apologise to the party, as well as to my residents and volunteers." Ms Cheng, 47, has been MP for Tampines GRC since 2015 when she made her political debut. She is not married.
related:
Workers’ Party on their GE strategy, having lost three candidates now
Despite losing three candidates out of the 21 that the Workers’ Party fielded in 2020, the Workers’ Party says it is still too premature to talk about the General Elections. Workers’ Party Chief Pritam Singh added that the search for candidates is always an ongoing process, and this will continue. There are already people working the ground and walking the ground, and that will also continue, he added.
“Our approach to be a rational responsible and respectable party whose members carry that credo into Parliament continues. I think we have always taken a measured approach, but not an approach where we recoil from difficult issues in Parliament. I think we have taken them on; we will continue to take them on, but we do it sensibly and we do it in a way which gives Singaporeans confidence that you can have an effective opposition and you can have a government that runs the country both coexisting at the same time and serving in the interest of Singapore and Singaporeans. That’s what I will say for the Workers’ Party”, he said.
Raeesah Khan stepped down in November 2021 after admitting to lying in Parliament. She was deemed to have abused parliamentary privilege and fined $35,000. With the resignations of both Leon Perera and Nicole Seah, the Workers’ Party has lost three out of their total of 21 candidates.
(Clockwise from top left) Ms Cheng Li Hui and Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Mr Yaw Shin Leong, Mr Michael Palmer and Mr David Ong. PHOTOS: TAN CHUAN-JIN/FACEBOOK, THE NEW PAPER FILE, ST FILE
The spotlight has been cast on the private lives of politicians after Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and fellow People’s Action Party (PAP) MP Cheng Li Hui stepped down from their positions following an extramarital affair.
The two resigned from the party on Monday after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong found out in July that the pair had continued their relationship despite being counselled earlier. That same day, the Workers’ Party (WP) faced a potential scandal of its own after a video that purportedly showed MP Leon Perera and senior party member Nicole Seah sharing an intimate moment was circulated online. The WP said it was investigating the video and will hold a media conference over ‘inappropriate exchange’.
The Straits Times looks back at the cheating scandals that have tainted local politicians and how the parties dealt with them:
- Yaw Shin Leong - Rumours began circulating in January 2012 that Mr Yaw, then the WP MP for Hougang, had an affair with a married WP member. He was accused of having an illicit relationship with a married Chinese national who helped him in translation work for parliamentary speeches. On Feb 7, 2012, Mr Yaw, then 35, quit his post as WP’s treasurer, but stayed on as a party member and MP.
- Michael Palmer - As the first Eurasian to become Speaker of Parliament since independence, as well as being the second-youngest person to hold the post, it seemed that Mr Palmer’s political career was on the up and up. But the then 44-year-old quit all his posts – including his Punggol East single-member constituency seat – because of an extramarital affair with a People’s Association constituency director in late 2012. Mr Palmer, who is married with one son, was the first known PAP MP to resign because of an affair. For more than a year, he was in a relationship with Madam Laura Ong, who worked in Pasir-Ris Punggol GRC and is 11 years younger. She had married in March 2006, but separated from her husband two years later.
- David Ong - The father of three entered politics in 2011 as the PAP’s oldest new face at 49 in that year’s general election, contesting in Jurong group representation constituency, where he was subsequently elected. In 2016, the businessman, who was then the MP for Bukit Batok SMC, resigned from his role and the party over his “personal indiscretion”. He was believed to have been in an extramarital affair with a grassroots activist in his ward, with the affair having gone on for at least six months. The woman was 13 years his junior and the relationship was exposed only after her husband complained about it. He resigned on March 12, via a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, although no details were given about the alleged affair. More information emerged only in a news report by Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao that night.
- Tan Chuan-Jin - Barely a week after a video emerged of the former Speaker muttering the words “****ing populist” following WP MP Jamus Lim’s April speech on helping lower-income groups, the former brigadier-general, 54, found himself embroiled in another scandal. PM Lee revealed that the former Marine Parade GRC MP had been in a relationship with former Tampines GRC MP Cheng Li Hui, 47, for some years, and that they had carried on despite both being counselled by the PM in February. It is unclear when the relationship between Mr Tan, who is married with two children, and Ms Cheng, who is single, started, but PM Lee discovered it some time after the 2020 General Election.
First prize for President hopeful Ng Kok Song
Mr Ng Kok Song aged 75 accompanied by his fiancee Sybil Lau aged 45 at the Elections Department on July 19, 2023. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
The combined ages of Mr Ng Kok Song aged 75 and his fiancee Sybil Lau aged 45, won the First Price drawn by Singapore Pools on 2 Aug 2023.
