Police called after resident became aggressive at meet-the-people session: Tan Kiat How

SINGAPORE: The police were called to a meet-the-people session in Bedok after a resident turned aggressive and caused a commotion, Member of Parliament (MP) for East Coast GRC Tan Kiat How said on Tuesday (Sep 17). 
In a TikTok video posted on his verified account, Mr Tan addressed the incident and also called for mutual respect to ensure the sessions remain a safe space for both residents and volunteers. 
“It was unfortunate that the police had to be called to #MPS today when a resident became a little more aggressive,” read the caption of the video that was posted in the wee hours of Tuesday. 
Mr Tan, who represents the Kampong Chai Chee ward, has meet-the-people sessions on Monday nights at Block 408 Bedok North Avenue 2. 
“Sometimes you see such cases at MPS, where one of the residents get more aggressive and can be a little bit more violent,” he said. 
“I empathise with all the cases, everyone is going through a tough time. I do hope that residents who come to MPS will also respect our volunteers.” 
Although those at the meet-the-people sessions always try their best to help the residents, Mr Tan said that “some things are beyond what we can do”. 
“For example, we can’t write to a government agency to demand the agency to offer a job to a person … but we can facilitate and make sure that opportunities are available for our residents.”
Mr Tan did not provide further details on the incident. 
CNA has contacted Mr Tan and the police for more information. 
Scores of comments were left on the TikTok post, with some expressing support for Mr Tan and others empathising with the unnamed resident who caused the commotion. 
One TikTok user said the person might have been “desperate” for a solution to their issue while another urged residents to be patient as not all cases can be solved immediately. 
“We try our best. Also try to be honest and upfront on what our limitations are,” Mr Tan wrote in a reply.
In response to a TikTok user that commented “hope you can help him”, Mr Tan said that he “managed to help his parents when he came by the previous time”.
This is not the first time a meet-the-people session was marked with aggression. 
Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng was assaulted in 2018 by a 32-year-old man, leaving him with bruises on his arm and abrasions on his neck, according to TODAY.
The man was reported to have rushed into the open area of the MPS where Dr Tan was speaking with another resident. He then started hitting the MP with his fists, causing Dr Tan to fall to the floor. 
The man was later arrested. 
An MP was also attacked in public in 2009. A resident poured paint thinner on then-Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Seng Han Thong and set him on fire. 
Mr Seng, who has since retired from politics, survived the attack but required skin grafts.