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GRC system to blame for Yeo’s decision: netizens

Foreign Minister George Yeo leaves politics. (Yahoo! photo/ Henry Lim)
Foreign Minister George Yeo leaves politics. (Yahoo! photo/ Henry Lim)

Netizens are blaming the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system for Foreign Minister George Yeo's decision to leave politics.

The five-member PAP team led by Yeo was defeated by the Workers' Party in Aljunied GRC by a significant margin of nine percentage points in the recent General Election.

And on Tuesday, Minister Yeo announced his decision to leave politics, saying it was time for "someone younger" to take over.

Popular Singapore blogger, Lee Kin Min, also known as mrbrown, told Yahoo! Singapore that "the GRC system lets the ruling party win big but now we know they can also lose big".

"George Yeo just happened to be in the GRC that fell first. It probably won't be the last GRC to fall this way. I am surprised they didn't send reinforcements after the 2006 results," he said.

Another local blogger, Benjamin Lee, also known as Mr Miyagi, said Minister Yeo was a "casualty of the GRC system."

He said, "He (Minister Yeo) didn't leave politics. I think politics left him. Sadly, he'll be missed by the Foreign Ministry because he's demonstrated himself to be a really good ambassador for Singapore."

Other netizens also said Yeo's decision was a big setback for Singapore.

Alamak Chua wrote on Yahooo Singapore's Facebook page, "What a waste of talent. The GRC system is a great mockery! Tin Pei Lin [sic] is an elected MP but not George Yeo."

Another user, Yan Zhenghao, added, "PAP getting a taste of their own medicine... The usage of the GRC against the opposition has finally backfired."

Joann Lim also wrote, "Thank you for hearing the voice of the people. You are one of the few that really listen. You are a great man and will earn the respect of many".

Comments and well-wishes for the popular Mr Yeo also poured in on micro-blogging site Twitter.

@yeokaiting posted, "Saddened by the news that George Yeo is possibly not going to contest in the next GE. Sigh, a dedicated leader who has contributed so much."

@tammynerd chose to look on the bright side, "I shall remain positive, thinking that @georgeyeo will participate in the next election, just not Aljunied GRC :) Go George Yeo!"

Andrew Loh, chief editor of The Online Citizen, urged the 57-year-old father of four to continue to put his vast experience in serving the nation to good use.

"As the Prime Minister, Senior Minister and various Ministers have said, George Yeo is an invaluable asset not just to the PAP but also to Singapore. I, as do many Singaporeans, hope that whatever his plans are, he will continue to contribute to our nation. His wealth of experience in various ministries throughout the years should not be wasted."

While the Minister said he wants to take a break to spend more time with his family, some netizens have called for the media-savvy politician to run for the presidency later this year.

However, Yeo himself said he will not be running for the presidency and said he is a free spirit and not temperamentally suited for that role.

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