GE: We need a transformed PAP, says George Yeo
"We need a transformed PAP," said Minister for Foreign Affairs, George Yeo, who is leading the PAP team contesting Aljunied GRC, the hotbed in this election.
He said there has to be better communication and greater feeling for the people.
Mr Yeo said he is aware of the feelings that this election has thrown up.
He said the Workers'
Party is being used a loudspeaker for Singaporeans who think the government is arrogant and high-handed.
He said how "we address the feelings… heartfelt feelings of many people in Singapore … which in this election it has all come out," is very important.
Mr Yeo admitted that there is "resentment against the government".
He said to the audience: "My teammates and I will be your voice in government … we will listen."
Mr Yeo said that before Thursday evening, he had told Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong about what he was going to say at the rally.
He said: "PM (Lee) said, 'George, you and your teammates say what is in your heart'."
As Mr Yeo spoke from his heart, he called out to the audience and said: ''I need your help… for us to have a voice in Parliament... in government... in PAP... We need a strong mandate."
The highlight of the evening was when Prime Minister Lee made an impromptu appearance in support of the PAP candidates in Aljunied GRC.
Prime Minister Lee said that the battle is tough and the Aljunied team are fighting to win, and "I am here to give my full support to George Yeo and his team".
Mr Lee said the team had done good work in Aljunied and nationally, adding "Please support them, give them your vote. They will service you well. The PAP looks after all our citizens."
Mr Yeo questioned many of the Workers' Party's plans and ideas.
He said his team had asked Mr Low Thia Khiang, the leader of the WP's Aljunied GRC team, about their plans for Aljunied GRC.
His answer was "vote us in first, then we will have the information", said Mr Yeo.
"Finally, under pressure from many residents, last night they came out with a plan… it is only an outline...It is nothing," said Mr Yeo.
Mr Yeo said his team has a track record, "and has carried out our promises … they (the opposition) know we will carry out the plans."
And he added: "I am not going anywhere. I am staying in Aljunied GRC."
Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Transport Minister and PAP candidate for Aljunied GRC, also spoke a the rally.
She admitted that some of the current policies are contradictory.
The issues of singles looking after the elderly, full-time mothers not eligible for tax incentives, "sometimes the rules trip them up… we understand the negative sentiments," she said.
But she stressed that "the PAP government always means well".
Mrs Lim said they are prepared to revamp and modify rules.
She said: "We want to be your voice in Parliament, government and in Cabinet. We will listen to you more … we will listen more carefully. Please give us your trust."
Ms Cynthia Phua, another PAP candidate for Aljunied GRC, began her rally speech by challenging the Workers' Party's plans for upgrading and improvement.
"After asking for seven days and the WP say they have upgrading and improvement (plans)… they talk about LUP (Lift Upgrading Programme). In Aljunied, LUP is at the last stage of completion," she said.
She promised a fitness centre for every 10 blocks, especially for the elderly, and including a CCTV in every lift to be completed by 2014.
Senior Minister of State Zainul Abidin Rasheed, who is also a candidate for Aljunied GRC, refuted recent comments by Mr Pritam Singh, the Workers' Party candidate for Aljunied GRC, on the Malay-Muslim community.
He gave details as to how much the Malay community had progressed. He said that the number of Malay kids going to tertiary organisations had tripled and the number of PMETs had quadrupled
He said: "Wake up, Mr Pritam Singh. There have been many efforts to improve the lives of the Malays and Muslims." And, he asked: "Why is there a need to belittle these efforts?"
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