Singapore: MP forced out

One of only three opposition members of parliament in Singapore has been forced to stand down.

The veteran politician, J.B. Jeyaretnam, lost his seat in parliament after a court ruled he was bankrupt.

Mr Jeyaretnam owes thousands of dollars to members of Singapore's governing party after they successfully sued him for libel over comments made in a newsletter.

Under Singapore law, people declared bankrupt are not allowed to serve as MPs.

Critics accuse the government of using libel actions to win massive damages and force their opponents to quit politics.

However government officials say they are merely protecting themselves from unfair attacks. Earlier this year more than 1,000people took part in a rare anti-government demonstration in Singapore in support of Mr Jeyaretnam.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service