People's Action Party (PAP) chairman Desmond Lee said Monday that no by-election will be held for the Kembangan seat [1].
The decision follows the resignation of Assoc Prof Faishal Ibrahim from his political roles and PAP membership. This move leaves the constituency without its previous representative and raises questions about the timeline for new leadership in the area.
Faishal Ibrahim stepped down after stating that his interactions with a woman fell short of the standards required of a political office holder [1]. The resignation took effect July 20, 2026 [1].
During a session where he fielded media questions, Lee confirmed the party's stance on the vacancy. The chairman said there would be no immediate by-election to fill the position.
This development marks a sudden shift in the representation of the Kembangan constituency. The party's decision to forgo a by-election is a strategic choice regarding how the seat will be managed moving forward.
Faishal Ibrahim had previously served as a Member of Parliament and held various political responsibilities before the conduct issues led to his departure [1]. The PAP leadership has now moved to stabilize the constituency's administration without a public vote.
“No by-election will be held for the Kembangan seat.”
The decision to avoid a by-election allows the People's Action Party to maintain control over the Kembangan seat without risking a public vote during a period of controversy. By accepting Faishal Ibrahim's resignation and bypassing a new election, the party prioritizes internal stability and the enforcement of conduct standards over immediate democratic replacement.
