General Election 2025: Ng Chee Meng returns to Parliament; A total of 6 unionists elected

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng returns to Parliament following a tightly contested race, securing 51.47 per cent of the votes in the Jalan Kayu Single Member Constituency (SMC).

Meanwhile, six out of the seven unionists who ran in the General Election have won seats in Parliament.

The Singapore General Election results were announced in the evening of 3 May 2025 and the early morning of 4 May 2025.

The PAP victory in Jalan Kayu SMC marked a political comeback for the Labour Chief, who held a parliamentary seat from 2015 to 2020.

Mr Ng spoke to the People’s Action Party (PAP) supporters at Yio Chu Kang stadium shortly after the results were announced and expressed his gratitude to voters. He also spoke about his intentions to begin work immediately.

“[To] the residents of Jalan Kayu SMC, I'm deeply honoured and humbled to have your trust. I'm deeply grateful. I will do my best to serve all residents and be your voice … I want to thank all members of my team who have walked this journey with me. It was a very hard fight. And without all of you, this outcome would not have been possible.

“So thank you to my comrades in Jalan Kayu. Thank you to my NTUC sisters and brothers!” he said. 

Six NTUC unionists elected into Parliament

The NTUC Secretary-General's win came amidst broader success for NTUC-backed PAP candidates.

The others elected were:

• NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Desmond Tan, who was part of the Pasir Ris-Changi Group Representation Constituency (GRC) with 67.66 per cent;

• NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Patrick Tay, who won in Pioneer SMC with 65.42 per cent;

• NTUC Desmond Choo, who won in Tampines Changkat SMC with 56.17 per cent;

• NTUC ASG Melvin Yong, who became MP-elect for Radin Mas SMC with 69.17 per cent;

• NTUC ASG Yeo Wan Ling, who was part of the PAP Punggol GRC team, won 55.17 per cent of the votes.

NTUC Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit (U FSE) Assistant Director Jagathishwaran Rajo was the only unionist who did not secure a seat in Parliament. He and his team contested in the Workers’ Party (WP) stronghold of Aljunied GRC, securing 40.32 per cent of the votes.

Congratulatory messages pour in for NTUC candidates

Congratulatory messages for the Labour MPs-elect came soon after the results.

Union of Security Employees (USE) General Secretary Raymond Chin said: "Heartiest congratulations to all our Labour MPs on your successful election in GE2025. Your dedication to representing and advocating for workers' interests in Parliament is truly commendable ... Together, we will continue to strive for better wages, welfare, and work prospects for all workers."

Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) General Secretary Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari said: “My heartiest congratulations to Brother Ng Chee Meng and our Labour MPs for their successful victories! We look forward to them serving the communities and our workers and helping Singapore grow from strength to strength.”

Built Environment And Urban Trades Employees’ Union (BATU) General Secretary Irdawaty Jammarudin addressed Mr Ng directly. She said: “This victory is not just a personal milestone, but a strong testament to the trust and confidence that workers and the wider community have in your leadership.

“Your unwavering commitment to championing workers’ interests on the ground will continue to inspire many of us in the Labour Movement.”

NTUC Vice-President and Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE) General Secretary Abdul Samad Abdul Wahab acknowledged that Mr Ng faced an uphill battle but was glad the results were in the candidate's favour. 

"We are thankful that people acknowledge [his efforts] for the workers of Singapore,” said Mr Samad.

The Labour MPs-elect will be sworn in at the next Parliament sitting.