>Ng Kim Weng, a 49-year-old rag-and-bone man, has been charged with threatening to cause hurt to Member of Parliament (MP) for Jalan Besar, Denise Phua.
He allegedly told an officer from the Ministry of Community, Youth and Sports (MCYS) "How can I not hit her?" twice over the phone on Jan 12 afternoon, a day after Yio Chu Kang MP Seng Han Thong was burnt by a disgruntled resident.
Police arrested Mr Ng last night two weeks after the alleged threats were reported. Police said he did not return to his flat and was difficult to find.
According to Shin Min Daily, the accused called the MCYS officer and said, "I can't swallow this, I can't stand it anymore. I don't know what I will do one day, I really don't know... how not to hit her? Every time I see her, I get angry. How can I not hit her?"
Appearing in court today, the scrawny and tanned Ng seemed anxious, and told the judge in Mandarin that he did not mean to threaten the MP.
He claimed that he used to receive $200 of welfare a month, but had not received the funds for the past year. He just wanted to make an appeal, and to share his thoughts and problems with the officer.
He offered to apologise to the MP, saying he was very sorry for his actions.
He also claimed that he had psychiatric problems and was on medication.
The prosecution confirmed that he had sought treatment at the Institute of Mental Health but could not confirm if he was diagnosed with any mental problems.
He also told the judge that he was afraid that his house would be burnt down as it was filled with newspapers. As his son was serving National Service, there was no one at home and he requested to return home to clear them.
Bail of $50,000 was set and he case was adjourned to Feb 17.
If convicted, he faces a maximum jail term of two years.
MP Denise Phua told Shin Min that she had helped Mr Ng apply for financial assistance and had distributed vouchers to his family for their daily expenses. She had also personally donated some money to them before.
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