The results of the final constituency, Potong Pasir has just been announced and the people of Singapore have spoken. The ruling party has been returned to power with an overwhelming majority of 81-6.
To each MP-elect, my congratulations to you and to each and every gracious opponent (Opposition and PAP), please accept my appreciation for putting up a good fight and for your willingness to serve Singapore.
I expect the media and political analysts will claim that the results were largely expected and in fact will even suggest that the political landscape is shifting with history being made - The Opposition has actually won a GRC ! Indeed, such a monumental and historical win must be credited to both the Worker's Party and more importantly to the residents of Aljunied who are willing to venture into a new frontier and register the people's frustrations with their vote.
However, for someone such as myself who have so strongly advocate for a change in the composition of our Parliament, I am curiously filled with a deep sense of sadness and frustration. My sadness stems primarily from the knowledge that in the war of politics and elections, Singapore has lost the service of a great talent in Minister George Yeo for government - Great not because he is respected both by international leaders and the people of Singapore; but because he is a Minister who actually has the heart to serve, is willing to listen to the people and most importantly is prepared to champion changes within the ruling party. I harbour hopes that the Minister will not let this stop his commitment and desire to serve but instead will allow him to pursue avenues of service that aligns to his beliefs and convictions.
To Minister George Yeo, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your invaluable service to our country these 23 years. GOD bless you and your family.
Why then of my frustrations? I'm frustrated because the decisions taken by PAP in defining the electoral rules such as the GRC and their strategy has deprived Singapore the opportunity to select the best candidates for service to our country. I am confident that all Singaporeans will acknowledge Minister George Yeo's talent and his potential amongst his peers in Cabinet. Worse, candidates/Ministers whom I feel are unworthy of their appointment were returned to office because they are placed in wards where the Opposition was either weaker or that they had a strong candidate carrying them through in contested GRCs. Either way, I sincerely hope that PM Lee will reflect on the huge loss to his Cabinet and recognize that it is not in the interest of Singapore to continue with the current electoral rules.
The Opposition has made a better showing in this election but I hope they do not rejoice over it. Indeed, headway was made with improved voter share but they should analyze the results to ensure that the vote swing was due to a deep desire to have a balance of power and instill greater accountability in the government; not because of the transitional issues of the day. More importantly, the Opposition needs to recognize that they need to band together and start creating a quality brand. Six parties is too fractitious and they will do well to consolidate by putting personal egos aside and work together for the good of Singapore. Like all the MP-elects and the government, work should start immediately on building up their mission statements and focus on what they stand for. The ability to recruit quality candidates MUST be a top priority if they are ever to be a true alternative voice and choice for the people of Singapore.
Have our nation moved into a new chapter in our young history? Probably not. However, it is encouraging to see that there is a new awakening of our people in wanting to be heard and getting involved.
It will be interesting to see how the government will conduct itself over the next 5 years - If promises made will be kept, if attitudes and the manner in which it conducts itself will change. If their apologies will translate to actions (including rescinding policies that do not resonate with the people).
Similarly, the 6 new Opposition MPs will also be closely watched as their performance and effectiveness in both their wards and in Parliament will determine if Opposition's quality and credibility can truly be established. I sincerely hope that they understand the risks and hopes the Aljunied residents have placed on them and that they will be able to deliver the goods.
Agree with you. Loss of a good MFA too,
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