Reform Party Denies Talk of a Fall-Out

Today ran this story on 29 April 2009:

Reform Party denies talk of a fall-out
By Leong Wee Keat

THE Reform Party has denied talk of a falling-out between its secretary-general Kenneth Jeyaretnam and Mr Ng Teck Siong, who quit as chairman after receiving a no-confidence vote on Sunday.

Interim party chairman Edmund Ng stressed yesterday that the party is governed by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) decisions, and not by any one individual.

He also cited an interview thatMr Jeyaretnam — whose late father,Mr JB Jeyaretnam, founded the party with long-time ally Mr Ng Teck Siong — gave to 938Live on Monday.

The secretary-general had said: “Teck Siong has given many years of loyal service to my father and has done a good job of steering the party”, and his departure “shouldn’t be taken as a reflection of anything bad on him. Just that the majority of the CEC felt it’s time for new blood”.

Mr Jeyaretnam said “the door is always open” to Mr Ng Teck Siong, who has also quit the party.

In a press statement yesterday, the Reform Party said their ex-chairman was involved with different opposition parties for almost 30 years. In recent years, he was seen as assistant to the late Mr Jeyaretnam and, following the latter’s death last October, took over the party’s helm.

When contacted by Today, Mr Ng would only say he “is taking time to reflect” on the recent developments and might hold a press conference on a later date. Today understands the Reform Party will also call a press conference soon to announce its plans.