http://wayangparty.com/2009/01/11/p...sident-right-side-of-face-is-seriously-burnt/
Yio Chu Kang SMC MP Mr Seng Han Thong was set upon fire by an elderly man at Yio Chu Kang Community Club today at 12.30pm.
Mr Seng was there to give out bursaries to needy students and cash handouts to the elderly living in the constituency. After the award ceremony, Mr Thong joined the 200 odd senior citizens for lunch.
Not long later, an old man ran into the Community Club and doused Mr Seng’s back with a bottle of kerosene before setting it ablaze with a cigarette lighter. The fire quickly spread from Mr Seng’s back to his head and face.
A temple staff, Mr Wu Shui Sheng who was sitting besides Mr Seng immediately push the old man away and caught fire as well on his body. He has to roll on the ground repeatedly to put it out.
The scene was chaotic as bystanders tried to help Mr Seng by splashing glasses on water onto him. Mr Thong was visibly shocked and was unable to speak. The old man tried to escape by running towards the exit, but was apprehended by the passerbys. He was later arrested by the police.
According to eye witnesses, Mr Seng’s right face was severely burnt as well as his scalp and back. As for the other victim Mr Wu, he sustained burns mainly on his neck and back. Mr Seng was taken by the ambulance to SGH Burns Unit.
Residents describe the attacker as being “odd” and possibly has a mental problem. He was seen frequently at the market and temple near the Community Club. Of late,
he has been visiting Mr Seng at his weekly Meet-the-People session to seek his assistance over some housing issues. It is understood that his flat was repossessed by HDB due to mortage loans default.
Mr Seng Han Thong was a one-term MP at Yio Chu Kang SMC. In the 2006 General Elections, he garnered 68.3% of the total valid votes, defeating Mr Yip Weng Yew of the National Solidarity Party. Mr Seng was assaulted by another elderly man 3 years ago in 2006 and sustain cuts on his lips. It appears that his present injuries are much more severe.
EDITORS’ NOTE: Hear what Yio Chu Kang residents say of Mr Seng Han Thong in our exclusive interview here tomorrow.