SINGAPORE - The eccentric "Parrot Man" who became a familiar face during election seasons was found dead at the foot of his Geylang Bahru block on Saturday night (Nov 16).

Mr Zeng Guoyuan, 66, had earned the moniker after blaming his pet parrot for getting him into trouble with the law.

A police spokesman said: "A 66-year-old man was found lying motionless at the foot of (Block 68 Geylang Bahru) and pronounced dead at scene by a paramedic. Investigations are ongoing."

The former businessman led a colourful - and often controversial - life that came with its share of setbacks and health challenges.

He had attempted to contest various elections as an independent candidate between 2011 and 2015, but had ultimately changed his mind or been rejected in each case.

Mr Zeng was diagnosed with nose cancer in 2014 and had to undergo surgery that left him with some facial disfigurement.

But the cancer spread and he underwent surgery to remove part of his large intestine, forcing him to use a colostomy bag.

He told The New Paper in 2015 that doctors had said his condition was terminal.

At the time, he was selling tissue paper outside the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple at Waterloo Street.

He made headlines two years later when he became involved in a spat with the management of Ngee Ann City mall.

Mr Zeng had frequently peddled tissue paper from his wheelchair at an underground walkway leading to the mall.

The police were called more than 30 times in six months, with the mall's management even putting up a notice telling passers-by not to give him money, as he was a "capable person" who could walk and ride a bike.

Last year, Mr Zeng was arrested for disorderly behaviour in Orchard Road. He was also given a stern warning over a separate incident at Geylang Serai Market, where he hurt two police officers.

A police senior staff sergeant who intentionally damaged a walking stick belonging to Mr Zeng during another run-in in 2016 and then lied about his actions, was jailed earlier this year.