Analysts say call for Punggol East by-election is speedy but not surprising

SMU Assistant Professor of Law Eugene Tan commented that the decision to hold a snap by-election in Punggol East could come across as counter-intuitive. However, he is of the opinion that: "PM Lee would like to clear the decks, to enable Singaporeans to focus on the big issues, such as the White Paper on Population, and Our Singapore Conversation. If the by-election is going to be a distraction then it's important that that distraction be taken out." He also said that he expected PAP to field a new candidate. What's interesting to watch, he added, is how the opposition will manage what promises to be a keen contest.