The Unexpected Passing of Yaw Shin Leong Leaves a Void in Singapore’s Political Landscape
On November 10, 2023, Yaw Shin Leong, a former Workers’ Party (WP) Member of Parliament (MP), passed away at the age of 47. His sudden death was announced through an obituary posted on his Facebook and LinkedIn accounts on November 14, 2023. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Yaw, who had served as MP for Hougang in 2011, was expelled from the party in 2012 following allegations of an extra-marital affair.
The obituary, posted under the alias Amos Rao—a name Yaw had used since 2017—expressed deep grief, with the message: “Your sudden passing leaves a void in our hearts that cannot be filled.” The post went on to describe Yaw as a beloved husband, father, brother, and leader, while also acknowledging his contributions to Singapore beyond politics, including his service in the National Service.
Yaw’s involvement with the Workers’ Party was brief yet impactful, and his departure from the party stirred controversy. In 2021, he posted on Facebook, under the same alias, to dispute the official narrative of his expulsion from the WP, particularly challenging Pritam Singh’s account.
The obituary requested privacy for Yaw’s family during this time of mourning, remembering him as a passionate individual who left an indelible mark on Singapore’s political scene.
