Second Permanent Secretary for Trade and Industry Chee Hong Tat (photo), 41, has resigned, a sign that he is likely to stand in the general election. His last day in service is Aug 11.

Mr Chee, a former principal private secretary to then Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, was recently seen at constituency events with Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Hri Kumar Nair.

Civil servants must resign before they stand for election. Last Friday, the Defence Ministry announced that Chief of Defence Force Ng Chee Meng will retire on Aug 18, fuelling speculation that he too is likely to enter politics.

PAP branch secretaries met at the party's headquarters last night to discuss election preparations.

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