Yio Chu Kang Member of Parliament Seng Han Thong was discharged from the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) yesterday after being treated for almost a month at its Burns Unit.

He was warded on Jan 11 after a man poured thinner on him and set him alight at a grassroots event at Yio Chu Kang Community Club.

Former taxi driver Ong Kah Chua, 70, has been charged in court for causing grievous hurt to the MP and a temple chairman who had come to Mr Seng's rescue.

Ong is currently remanded at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

For six days following the attack, Mr Seng, 59, had to be hooked to a respirator in the intensive care unit. He suffered about 15 per cent burns to his face, arms and chest and had to undergo a skin-graft operation.

A statement from Mr Seng's family yesterday said he will recuperate at home and has been advised to rest until he has completed his rehabilitation.

He will be making regular visits to the hospital for reviews.

Said his doctor, Associate Professor Colin Song, senior consultant plastic surgeon and head of SGH's department of plastic reconstruction and aesthetic surgery: 'Mr Seng is progressing well. His wound has largely healed. He will require intensive rehabilitation and his follow-up treatment centres on how the scars progress.'

In the meantime, the six MPs in Ang Mo Kio GRC will carry out Mr Seng's duties in Yio Chu Kang, a single-seat ward.

A roster has been drawn up for the next three months.

Mr Aw Chui Seng, 69, the Chu Sheng Temple chairman who helped Mr Seng beat out the flames on his body, was discharged from hospital last month.

He suffered burns to about 10 per cent of his body and underwent a skin graft on his hands.