In the 1979 by-election, Chiam contested the Potong Pasir seat for the first time, again as an independent, and got 33% of the votes against the PAP's candidate Howe Yoon Chong.
In the 1979 by-election, Chiam contested the Potong Pasir seat for the first time, again as an independent. He got 33% of the votes against the then-Defence Minister Howe Yoon Chong.