It is widely agreed that Singapore is experiencing one of the most important elections in her history. The GE2011 has successfully attracted many to follow it closely.
Many people have stayed up since yesterday night to 4am today just to hear for themselves the results of one of the most important elections in Singapore history. Despite the announcer, Yam Ah Mee who successfully hypnotized some tired people to sleep, most managed to persevere and get the results personally. As expected, the PAP once again won with more than 60% of the election seats, but there was something different altogether.
The Aljunied GRC, where the Foreign Minister George Yeo led PAP's group to face against the Worker's Party led by Low Thia Kang, lost. WP had managed to gain 54.71% of the votes in Aljunied, leaving PAP with 45.29% of the votes. This had meant that Singapore had lost one of its valuable ministers.
The battle of Aljunied GRC was not centered on PAP against WP, it was instead centered on the people's voice in the government against a talented minister. The hottest topic in the elections were about the results that would come out in Aljunied GRC: would the people rather lose a valuable minister for their voice in the parliament? Or would they remain silent to retain talented ministers? The people have chosen. And this is their choice.
This election has clearly showed the PAP who have governed Singapore for 52 years straight since 1959: The people are more aware of politics, and they can no longer afford to ignore the people's voice. Singapore if advancing into a new political era, where the people, instead of the country, is the focus of the country.
Yes, I also feel that the loss of George Yeo as our foreign minister was a significant loss. He was one of the best ministers who did his best to serve the people. However, I think he really deserves a good rest away from the fast-paced politics as he has already been a minister for 23 years. At the age of now 57, I feel that he should take a break from politics. It would be a boon to Singapore if he opted to run for the Presidential Elections this year but he decided to retire fully from politics, completely. You can watch a clip of his final speech here... http://www.ge.sg/video/#top
ReplyDelete(Look at "Statement by George Yeo")