With the official results of Singapore's 2011 General Election out already, history was made as the Worker’s Party (WP) took Aljunied GRC from the People’s Action Party (PAP). It was historical not only because of the WP’s breakthrough win in a GRC but also for the loss of a few popular politicians in Singapore.
Foreign Minister George Yeo, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Hwee Hua (both lost in Aljunied) and opposition veteran Chiam See Tong (who lost in Bishan-Toa Payoh) will all be missing in the new parliament. However as historical as the GE was, it wasn’t a watershed election as many had hoped. The PAP won over 60% of the votes casted and will hold a 81-6 advantage in the new Parliament. Despite what some may say, a 60% win is more than enough. Many other ruling parties in many other countries would be delighted with getting 60% of the total votes cast. That is just a fact.
It’s only been a day but it does seem that for all the noise Singaporeans make, when push comes to shove, they will still vote for the PAP. As they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The new Parliament will be about the same as the old Parliament.
3 comments:
I agree with you. There is a tinge of disillusion within me as results of ministers whom people condemned are being returned to office, and with good margin. I do not know why my fellow Singaporeans 'say one thing then do another thing'.
I am just as lost as pre-election time.
Do not underestimate the strategic placement of New Citizens by the White Party. The margin says a lot about how we voted.
I'm proud we made a clear statement, in spite of all the odds.
60% of the total votes cast is a big number. Say what you want about the new citizens, the numbers do not lie. Singaporeans are still happy with the PAP.
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