SINGAPORE - Former Workers’ Party MP and central executive committee member Png Eng Huat filled in for Aljunied GRC MP Faisal Manap at the latter’s meet-the-people session (MPS) on Wednesday.

       Mr Faisal was hospitalised on Monday night for a cardiac condition, WP said on Tuesday, adding that the 48-year-old is conscious and in intensive care.

       Mr Png told The Straits Times on Wednesday that he will cover for Mr Faisal for the next two weeks.

       “We are a team, so I did not hesitate to help. It’s not an issue for me,” he said, following the session at the void deck of Block 550 Bedok North Avenue 1.

       WP had on Tuesday said that in Mr Faisal’s absence from work, Aljunied GRC MPs – Ms Sylvia Lim, Mr Gerald Giam and Mr Pritam Singh – and other party members will cover his constituency duties.

       Mr Png, who was Hougang MP from 2012 to 2020, said he had served as Mr Faisal’s legislative assistant after the 2011 General Election prior to becoming an MP and was familiar with residents’ concerns. He did not contest the 2020 elections.

       “A lot of residents today said they hoped (Mr Faisal) is recovering well,” said Mr Png.

       Get a round-up of the top stories to start your day

       Thank you!

       Sign up

       By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and T&Cs.

       Mr Png said while he took a step back from the front line of the party in 2020, he continues to help out at the back end.

       A volunteer at the MPS, Mr Hiskandar Zulkarnaen Hasshim, 42, said volunteers were shocked by Mr Faisal’s sudden health condition as the MP had had a busy weekend visiting a fish farm and nurseries and distributing durian puffs to residents.

       “We’re still adjusting,” said Mr Hiskandar, a freelance writer and Malay language tutor. “The priority is always the residents and to make sure their needs are met. A lot of the residents who come to seek his help have a very strong personal connection to him.”

       He noted that most of the volunteers had gone to see Mr Faisal in hospital. Mr Faisal told him on Tuesday that he was ready to leave the intensive care unit for a step-down ward.

       While many residents in the Kaki Bukit division of Aljunied GRC seemed not to have heard the news that their MP was in the hospital, they wished Mr Faisal a quick recovery.

       Office supervisor Jason Chua, 50, said: “I’ve heard he’s helpful with the elderly and low-income people here and people rate him quite highly.”

       Mr Abdul Kadir, 62, had walked past the MPS on Wednesday night to see if Mr Faisal was there.

       The self-employed courier said: “I was quite surprised when I read the news. I hope he’s okay. I’ve met him a few times. He’s quite a fine gentleman.”

       Read the full story for $0.99/month Save more than 90% on your subscription and get over 500 subscriber-only articles every month.

       ST All-Digital Package - Monthly $29.90 $0.99/month No contract

       $0.99/month for the first 3 months, $29.90/month thereafter. T&Cs apply.

       Subscribe now

       Unlock these benefits Get subscriber-only articles on ST Web and app

       Easy access on up to 4 devices

       2-week e-paper archive to ensure you never miss out on news that matters to you

       Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

       Workers' Party Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap Aljunied GRC

       Facebook WhatsApp Twitter More Whatsapp Linkedin FB Messenger Telegram Reddit WeChat Pinterest Print Purchase Article Copy permalink https://str.sg/iiWf

       Read this subscriber-only article for free!

       Just sign up for a free account and log in to continue reading.

       Former WP MP Png Eng Huat meets residents on behalf of hospitalised Aljunied GRC MP Faisal Manap

       Sign up

       Already have an account? Log in.

       All done! This article is now fully available for you

       Former WP MP Png Eng Huat meets residents on behalf of hospitalised Aljunied GRC MP Faisal Manap

       Read now

       Please verify your e-mail to read this subscriber-only article in full

       Former WP MP Png Eng Huat meets residents on behalf of hospitalised Aljunied GRC MP Faisal Manap

       Resend verification e-mail

       The gift link for this subscriber-only article has expired.

       Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months.

       Subscribe now

       You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month.

       Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months.

       Subscribe now

       Read and win!

       Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards

       Let's go! Terms & conditions apply

       Frequently asked questions

       Good job, you've read 3 articles today!

       Spin the wheel now

       Let's go! Terms & conditions apply

       Frequently asked questions