However, in each instance his application for the Certificate of Eligibility was rejected, due to reasons such as not finding assentors to sponsor him, and incomplete nomination forms.
Ooi contested Joo Chiat SMC in the 2001 General Elections as an independent candidate, against People's Action Party incumbent Chan Soo Sen.
His application for the Certificate of Eligibility was rejected by the Presidential Elections Committee due to his lack of experience and ability required by the Constitution.
He submitted his forms on 11 July,[5] and was found to be ineligible because his application was incomplete and he had asked for a waiver from certain requirements set forth by the constitution, which the Elections Department claims it has no power to do.
He claimed that he had lost his political donation certificate, in addition to failing to find assentors, and having his driver abscond with the deposit.