George Yeo: Time to work together

By Teo Wan Gek, The Sunday Times, 25 Mar 2012

Former foreign minister George Yeo yesterday urged Singaporeans of all political stripes to work together for the interests of the country, saying Singapore has been divided since last year's general election.

The election, which saw the ruling People's Action Party's (PAP) vote share slip to 60.1 per cent, showed that many had 'lost faith in the Government'.

'That is not a good thing,' he said. 'When a country is divided, many problems will arise.'

He called for all to 'link the hearts together, broaden our minds'.

The effort goes both ways, he made clear, whether for politicians in opposition parties or those within the Government.

'This is an effort everyone must pool together - Government, people, all political parties,' he said.

He cited as example his former grassroots leader, Dr Ang Yong Guan, who crossed over to the Singapore Democratic Party last year. Dr Ang had previously chaired the Punggol Community Club management committee. 'He had served this community for a long time. He has joined the opposition, but never mind, we can all work together... and if we do so, our future will be very bright,' said Mr Yeo.

Mr Yeo was speaking at a dinner at Punggol Community Club last night, organised by the grassroots in Aljunied GRC's Bedok Reservoir-Punggol ward to say thank you and goodbye for his 23 years as their adviser.

He had stepped down on Jan 1, after saying he was retiring from politics in the wake of the PAP's defeat in the GRC in the last election. He was succeeded by grassroots veteran Anthony Loh.

Mr Yeo said: 'After the elections, some of the heartfelt letters sent to me read like obituaries. but I told my wife... I'm not retiring yet. I'll be doing some other things, I still plan to contribute in other ways.'

About 1,000 residents and grassroots volunteers attended the dinner. Other guests included People's Association special adviser Lim Boon Heng.

The night was peppered with moving tributes from grassroots leaders, and performances from residents. Mr John Tan, 59, a hawker, said it was with a heavy heart that he attended the farewell dinner.

Mr Yeo was the first of the five defeated PAP candidates in Aljunied GRC to step down as grassroots adviser and branch chairman. The Sunday Times understands that announcements of the retirement of two others - Mrs Lim Hwee Hua of Serangoon and Madam Cynthia Phua of Paya Lebar from their grassroots and branch posts - are impending.