The Man For The Job?

As I had said before, when the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) lost the Aljunied GRC (Group Representation Constituency) in the general election (GE), it was a tidal wave result as the GRC system was designed to safeguard seats for the PAP. It seems that the PAP felt that way also.

Even though the next GE is 4 years away, the PAP has tasked former cabinet minister Lim Boon Heng to form a team to retake the GRC. This shows how important the PAP believe the Aljunied GRC is to the long-term well-being of the PAP. However I have to wonder why Lim Boon Heng was the one picked for the task.

Although a party veteran, Lim Boon Heng had retired from politics before the GE so I find it especially strange that with some many members to choose from, the PAP picked a “retired” party veteran for this task. Now I’m not saying he’s not up to the job of winning the constituency back from the opposition Workers’ Party (WP), but why would the PAP picked a retired man for the job?

Even if George Yeo is not available, it would make much more sense if the PAP picked someone who is still currently active in the PAP for the job. It could be a promising up-and-coming member of the PAP or even a current MP or minister, but it’s strange to pick a man who is supposed to be retired to spearhead the task.

The only reason I could come up with is that the PAP is having a hard time finding people to be its figurehead in Aljunied. If that is the case, then the choice of Lim Boon Heng would make sense. As he is retired, his standing would not be hurt if PAP failed to win back the GRC in the next GE and he is of a high enough standing that he could get things done.

Guess in the next GE, we’ll all find out if he is the right choice.