M Ravi will not contest the elections

RP’s visit to Cheng San in Ang Mo Kio.

Lawyer, M Ravi, whose candidacy in the upcoming elections has been a topic of speculation of late, has confirmed with The Online Citizen (TOC), that he will not be contesting the elections.

Last week, Mr Ravi, who is regarded as Singapore’s foremost human rights lawyer, was seen at a Reform Party (RP) walkabout in Ang Mo Kio GRC, together with the party’s secretary general, Kenneth Jeyaretnam, and blogger, Roy Ngerng.

In a statement to the media on Wednesday, Mr Ravi said that in the last few days, he had “given considerable thought as to what my role and service to society must be.”

“It is to the calling of service to the legal and judicial system but most of all a calling of service to my clients who depend on me to fight for them,” he said.

“It is therefore prudent and crucial that I continue to maintain my focus and serve my clients diligently when I resume my legal practice shortly,” he added. “It is here that my focus and service must lie.”

He thanked the RP and Mr Jeyaretnam in particular for the opportunity to volunteer with the party, even if it was for a short period.

Mr Ravi said he has “seen [Mr Jeyaretnam’s] dedication and commitment to the people of AMK GRC”, and described the latter as a “champion for the underdog.”

He also said he sees “the same spirit in Roy Ngerng in wanting to serve the people and being the voice for the under-privileged in society.”

The RP had also contested the GRC in the last elections, and will be running against the prime minister again in the constituency.

“I thank the Reform Party in allowing me to witness their work and outreach up close,” Mr Ravi said. “I wish them well in their service to the public.”