Mr George Yeo has lost his seat in Parliament after 23 years of service
By Nigel Tan
Chief Editor
The night of 7 May 2011 was probably the longest night in George Yeo’s stellar political career.
By 11 pm, it had become evident that he would become the highest-ranking PAP minister in history to lose his seat in a general election. News had broken from the counting centre that the Workers’ Party had won in Aljunied GRC by a margin of some 10 per cent, meaning that a recount would not take place.
Mr Yeo and his Aljunied team sat in a huddle, grim-faced, at Bedok Stadium, and one by one, supporters and colleagues – including Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who had defended him strongly in the lead-up to the polls – came up to him to offer him their commiserations as well as pats on the back.
When the official results broke just after 2 am, Mr Yeo stood stoically on stage, thanking his supporters and remaining dignified in defeat. Following his concession speech, which he began by congratulating the victorious WP team, he spent considerable time shaking hands with supporters while sporting a dignified stateman’s smile that barely concealed his reddened eyes.
When Mr Yeo was first fielded by the PAP in 1988 as a 34-year old new candidate coming off the back of an accomplished military career which saw him rise to the rank of Brigadier-General, he could not possibly have imagined that his political career would end in such a manner.
Shortly after his election into Parliament – he won with 56.33% of the votes in the then three-member Aljunied GRC against a strong SDP team – Mr Yeo was appointed a Minister of State, and was elevated to the cabinet just three years later. He had served in four portfolios, namely Information and the Arts, Health, Trade and Industry and Foreign Affairs, before his electoral defeat. As Foreign Minister, Mr Yeo was one of the leading advocates for the ASEAN cause, and was held in high regard within the international community.
Despite the physical and emotional stresses of the past two weeks, Mr Yeo found time to engage with his supporters on Facebook. He updated his fan page – which now has over 66,000 “likes” – with two messages, informing everyone that he spent his Sunday having lunch with his family at Changi Point, practising taiji gong, and that he was going to have dinner with his defeated PAP team mates to discuss the general election results.
Elsewhere on the internet, there have been calls to reinstate Mr Yeo to Parliament by calling a by-election in Marine Parade and fielding him in place with Ms Tin Pei Ling, the new MP-elect who has attracted nationwide scorn and ridicule.
A Facebook group called “We want George Yeo in Parliament, not Tin Pei Ling” was set up shortly after the poll results were announced, and has attracted an incredible 32,561 “likes” in less than 24 hours. Many netizens have also said that they would support Mr Yeo if he decides to run in the Presidential election later this year. Some opposition supporters have also cheekily urged him to join the Workers’ Party or form his own party, claiming that he would be a huge asset to the opposition.
The public outpouring of emotion for Mr Yeo has demonstrated that he remains very popular despite the loss of his Parliamentary seat. Make no mistake, Mr Yeo’s electoral defeat was in no way a damning indictment of his performance. As he himself pointed out in his concession speech, he was simply unable to fight against the irresistable tide of nationwide anti-PAP sentiment, with huge swings of up to 16 per cent in some wards. The fact that he came up against the opposition’s strongest candidates only served to seal his fate; if anything, his departure is an indictment of the GRC system itself.
Many of the comments on Mr Yeo’s Facebook page expressed disappointment that he had been made a scapegoat for the policies of more unpopular ministers, something which Senior Minister Goh himself alluded to in a television interview last week.
Indeed, Mr Yeo may also have been dragged down by his colleagues, particularly Ms Cynthia Phua, who has been slammed for being a cold and uncaring MP, and Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, who scored an own goal during the hustings when she attacked Mr Low Thia Khiang for mismanging the accounts of the Hougang Town Council.
Mr Yeo himself probably reduced the margin of the PAP’s defeat with his vow to act as a voice of change and reform from within the PAP in the days leading up to polling, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to exert his influence on his former cabinet colleagues and keep his promise. Even though he is no longer a minister, he is still a member of the influential Central Executive Committee – the party’s highest decision-making body.
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The author is Chief Editor of The Satay Club
GRC system was created to protect incompetent candidates like Kate Spade Tin and son of KY, it’s a good system to protect the timid, the weaks and the slow learners, just give them 10 to 15 years to learn, be patient. Maybe eventually we will have some real good leaders like George Yeo, Ong Teng Cheong, Tony Tan…..
As for Cynthia Phua and Lim Hwee Hua, I don’t know who these 2 aunties are, probably just some bored housewives who can speak very good singlish, like to give orders to others and bang tables in parliament….
High pay is not a way to bring talents into the gov, if the incompetents are brought in, not only money is wasted, the damages done by these incompetents will require years of repair, and slow down those smart ones and demoralize the entire nation.
The only quality I see in these incompetents is counting their million dollar salary, ensuring they don’t miss a cent……problem-solving wise, Zero.
It is a good thing that he is ousted out:
It is a sign so necessary to tell the one ruling party that they are not
indispensible, that the same very ploy of GRC that they invented to suppress the Opposition has turned around to destroy them.
Things happens for a cause, and this oust-out of him is a good and necessary cause indeed to bring the message across.
The main topic on everyone’s mind is not abt BG Yeo & gang out.Old fart story.only MSM keepin the stench alive with daily mournin on SG media- whores.
the New Qn is Like Who Wts to Be Millionaire?
Who Within PAP Will Be out In YR2016?
a) Is it Vivian Bala
b) Is it KBW
c) Is it MBT
d) Is it NHK
or All of above!!!
WKS & old dinosaurs omitted as dead or retired likely no offense, just Nature’s Hard Truth
That is the Million oops sorri no insult multi Million dollar qn.
George Yeo is the person to call , if you want to diffused a potentially heated situation , his gentle ways calms you and disarmed you and if are hopping mad , George is like cool water pouring onto your over heated skin
George Yeo is born a peace maker , he is not good at confrontations and conflicts , he wins you over by his charm and this man have not a single ‘ evil bone’ in him
BUT , politics is dirty , politicians need to be cunning and shrewd and sometimes downright filthy
I will not believe for a single minuite that George Yeo will relegate himself to that level,
George Yeo, from the bottom of my heart is a nice guy and nice guys don’t always win
the only way now open to MR GEORGE YEO to vindicate for his ALJUNIED SUPORTERS,FOR HIMSELF,HIS TEAM AND PARTICULARLY FOR THE ‘TRUTH’.is to COURAGEOULY STAND FOR THE ELECTED PRESIDENCY even if he prefers to be a ‘free spirit;….he could consider to make sacrifice for ‘TRUTH’ and for NATION as he could step down after 5 years and still be able to enjoy his many remainng years in free spirits and HIGH SPRIRTS!
MR YEO,SIR,you may not need singapore or singaporeans to make your life better but SINGAPOREANS AND SINGAPORE need you!
sir,there are just simply too many half-hearted ‘lions’ in CABINET and in Parliament and in govt,your CONTRIBUTIONsTHE PEOPLE’S ELELCTED PRESIDENT will be most valuable.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YORU FAMILY ABUNDANTLY for UPHOLDING THE TRUTH.
Fm TKL’s Blog by reader. Can he be the next SG “Anwar” though better morales and gd man to lead and unite the opposition.History has funny way of springing up very unlikely heros…we wait
Open Letter to All Opposition Parties in SG,
Post GE2011: For SG & Singaporeans Need For An Alternative Voices
Dear All Opposition Parties Of SG,
All: Moving On you need to have a joint meeting on next step forward outside your own party planning and post election evaluation.
1.Take note you tried to have a few towards the start of election but was not enough time.
2.The political landscape will change further esp winning WP team will draw more able candidates than now bec of success and results.
Not to take it negatively all opposition parties, this is natural and right step for political development.
3.But on your side continue to improve and change to build up your own parties and approaches to win gd candidates esp SDA, NSP.
4.But you all as Opposition Parties need to meet and engage in joint dialogue inorder to move forward as opposition parties in SG as end of day despite different party ways and manifestoes, you share a common goal to represent Singaporeans and challenge PAP’s arrogant and out of touch policies for the people of Singapore.
5.The reality of Post 2011 election towards YR2016 will see a bigger slate of opposition candidates to contest on WP cards in next elections which means 3 corner fights will be inevitable.But cn be done in a civil, proper equal playing field whic does not dilute opposition votes.
6.But unlike the SDA fiasco in Punggol East by Desmond which did not help any opposition party or SG people, this can be done in a better way.
7.Meaning a joint meeting and discussion needs to start moving forward by all opposition parties to some discuss on possible wards they will focus on in YR2016 minus the PAP’s continued plans for more gerry manderring or changes which cannot be avoided.
8.Least give each party an opportunity to focus on key wards or repeat wards and opportunity to build a base there and continue efforts than last minute changes and switches to new locations.
The latter normally erodes voter support as last minute parachutting vs incumbent PAP as they are there already.
9.So please start talking among yourselves, least a decent start based on whoever comes forward among you, reform party, NSP,SDA and WP.
10.Least a better strategy and gives you room to build your resources, work on target wards effectively and do not disappear as that will play into ruling party’s hands and make no mistake they are all changing and will prepare for the YR2016 fight starting from now.
11.For your survival, relevance in representing SG and most impt success for next GE2016.
Last Note; Mr Tan Kim Lian, you as a respected man by many in SG and a friend of the opposition and Singaporeans can step in to initiate a first meeting after this election so this can happen as is impt for our political landscape and survival as we want change.
Think opposition parties can talk and be civil as this is not like asking PAP to join in as they don’t even listen to you and anyone.
There is only a winner and a loser in a fight or contest. In this case the loser is the PAP in Aljunied GRC election. Why all the good word for the elites? After all we were called the loser all the while when we support the non PAP. Cut the crap. Life goes on with no regret for the losing MP. The so called fear factor in you keeps you in this shit hole of state and you need to say good word for the loser? Why do we need to feel sorry when we ourselves has to feel sorry first before the election result? Wise up Singaporean.
Chinese newspapers saying that Tharman and Lim Hng Kiang are the two front runners for the Foreign Minister post.
They can’t move Raymond Lim there because he is Minister for Transport. The Second Minister for Transport (Lim Hwee Hua) also got booted out.
Looks like Lim Hng Kiang will go there. And maybe Chan Chun Sing or Heng Swee Keat will become Minister for Trade and Industry.
Tin Pei Ling should be made Foreign Minister.
She will be receiving lots of Kate Spade bags from foreign dignitaries.
And when she needs to go and conduct negotiations with other countries, she will just stomp her feet and say “I don’t know what to say!”
Most likely, the other countries foreign ministers will take pity on her and give in.
Before he leaves office, could he kindly explain why Singapore persists in having relations with corrupt, dodgy and shambolic regimes like Burma (Myanmar)?
George, please run for President. Then you can fulfill the legacy of the late People’s President Mr Ong Teng Cheong, and finally hold the PAP government accountable for our reserves. If you run for President, confirm the whole of Singapore will support.
Well the PAP has to realise that they will reap what they sow and trust me for all the sowing Mr Lee Kuan Yew did, he and his generation to come have lots more to reap and harvesting has just started. Sheer arrogance is being repaid with anger and repulsion rather than fear, as expected by the bully. Sadly George Yeo became the first victim. As Goh openly claimed , the GRC scheme served to bring in potential Ministers without having them to take the risk of fighting in a SMC. Now he knows that he can also lose not one but 3 Ministers (not that I care for the other two) while proven duds like the Kate Spade babe can get in without a sweat. Having worked under George, I know him be a good, honest, humble and caring person. I have always felt that he was not always comfortable with the PAP ways and had to put himself on check from speaking out against them. Well George, I hope now that you are freed from your chains, you will speak up for the ordinary citizen and be true to your faith and belief. You need not join the opposition to do that but serve the people on other ways. God bless you George.
PAP style meritocracy – Tin Pei Lin Wins, George Yeo loses. Don’t blame Aljunied residents, blame PAP style GRC.
George Yeo out !
Tin Pei Lin In !
Insanity at its highest level , if madness have a word , this is it !!!
They could also make Tharman the Foreign Minister and make Heng Swee Keat the Finance Minister.
Although what is far more likely is that Vivian or Raymond Lim (2nd foreign minister) will be tasked with the role.
The residents of Aljunied have been a let down to the rest of Singapore.
Because of their irrational decision, the nation has now lost 2 cabinet ministers, a Speaker of Parliament and a future minister (Ong Ye Kung). They voted irresponsibly and illogically. Even ASEAN leaders have praised George Yeo and said that he would be a great loss as he was a firm advocate for ASEAN. What can the WP candidates do? George Yeo’s contributions were overlooked by most of the voters who failed to understand the important role that he plays. Singapore has taken a big step back and the fact that George Yeo was voted out makes us a laughing stock within ASEAN. Other countries’ foreign ministers who worked with him will think that Singaporeans are daft and silly.
I have no doubt that the Aljunied residents will promptly wake up and vote the PAP back in during the 2016 elections.
The MM can vouch that Singaporeans are daft.
To avoid the same thing happening, Parliament should amend the constitution to either make Singapore into one big GRC or have lifetime appointments or sinecures for our ministers. Or the President or Emperor could also decree that all those who have voted irresponsibly be deprived of their citizenship and all assets including SA and Medisave? That way we will not have silly Singaporeans and Singapore will be an even better paradise than North Korea. I look forward to Paradise On Earth.
I think the PAP made the bed and GY just has to lie in it…
Sorry but I don’t think it would be fair to have one rule for them and another rule for the rest…
I can’t imagine the GY does not know about the pitfall of the GRC system…
My biggest fear right now is that Vivian becomes Foreign Minister.
Think about it. He fits the role quite well.
I share the same exact sentiment!
walau LOL
Sorry but I don’t feel sorry for George Yeo at all.
He was in the PAP’s inner core. And he was responsible for suggesting the idea of the casinos. The scandal with the Romanian diplomat also happened under his watch.
George, you did well, but you were in the wrong party.
Blame the GRC system which your own PAP created.
If not for GRC system, you wouldn’t have lost. No chance that you will lose in a one-on-one fight. Your team mates dragged you down. And the old man also dragged you down with his threats.
So you live by the sword, you die by it.
No regret.
Who will be Singapore’s next foreign minister?
Will it be Raymond Lim who is currently the second minister for foreign affairs?
If this happens, it might be interesting because Raymond Lim is in East Coast. If WP goes back to East Coast and wins again, the Foreign Minister post may be seen as a curse.. whoever hold that post sure kena whack by WP
George, please walk away from the dark side. They have betrayed you by leaving you out to dry. Maybe it’s time to change your white for blue. I can guarantee that you will receive massive support from all Singaporeans. You could become the Anwar Ibrahim of Singapore.
But who is the first to offer backside?
Yes, I have to admit, GY was one of the better ministers and it is sad that we have to lose him as opposed to other idiots like WKS and MBT.