Heavy loss to my Cabinet: PM Lee
PM Lee Hsien Loong says losing Aljunied GRC is "a heavy loss to my Cabinet."
Speaking at a People's Action Party (PAP) press conference after GE results were announced on early Sunday morning, PM Lee said the losing PAP team led by Foreign Minister George Yeo was made up of "five good men and women".
Besides Mr Yeo, the team that lost to the Workers' Party team included two ministers -- Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Hwee Hua -- as well as Cynthia Phua and promising new candidate Ong Ye Kung.
PM Lee, who is the PAP's secretary-general, said, "Aljunied put up a strong fight, but we were disappointed that the PAP lost not just over the last nine days, but for the last five years and even longer. We were disappointed but respect the voters’ decision."
He said he had spoken to Minister Yeo over the phone and that "he has accepted the voters' decision."
Although the PAP won 81 out of 87 seats in Parliament , the ruling party were returned to power with the lowest overall margin of victory -- 60.1 per cent of votes -- since 1963.
Acknowledging the strong signal that sent to his team, PM Lee promised the PAP would engage in "soul-searching" and "analyse results, improve ourselves and serve you better."
Flanked by DPMs Teo Chee Hean and Wong Kan Seng, a solemn PM Lee said, "We hear all your voices... It is a different world and a very different Singapore".
He added many Singaporeans wanted to see "a different style and approach in government, with a new generation who want to see more opposition."
"It has been intense and emotional. We have heard you on issues like the cost of living, housing, about our political system and values. There has been ventilation on the frustration of aspirations in person and on the Internet," said the PM, who successfully defended his own seat in Ang Mo Kio GRC.
Recognising the role of new media played in these elections, PM Lee added the electorate of today is "different, with many young voters with different educational qualifications".
With the WP also successfully defending their seat in Hougang SMC, they will have six elected Members of Parliament.
Two from the Workers Party, from Joo Chiat and East Coast, and Lina Chiam, who narrowly lost in Potong Pasir, are expected to form the nine Opposition voices in Parliament.
PM Lee said he was looking forward to them "presenting, arguing, offering alternatives, to debating in a constructive manner. We encourage them to carry out their duties with diligence and dedication."
With the Elections over, PM Lee said it is now time for the Singaporeans to "close ranks" and move forward as one.
"There are no easy choices, and we need to find better answers and workable solutions… But the GE was yesterday. Today is already the day after... It is a time for healing...let us close ranks to secure our future together."
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