The Aftermath of PAP Loses The GE2011

when future historians look back on Singapore, they will regard the recent May 7 (2011) General Election as a turning point. It was the election where Singaporeans lost their “fear” of the ruling party, and this manifested in how the PAP lost a GRC, how its vote share fell in many wards, and how Singaporeans no longer have qualms putting their names to criticisms of policies and personalities in both mainstream and social media.” – Sumiko Tan (The Sunday Tmes, Aug 21 2011)

“One key will be the ability to debate differences with passion and wit, together with facts and civility. The Government must show sufficient respect for other views and not stonewall sensible suggestions. But equally, the citizen would be wrong to quarrel and try to terrorise the Government.” – Simon Tay, former Nominated Member of Parliament

“Policies and strategies amount to nothing without the support of the people….The new elected Government and President will be judged by their actions and how Singapore and Singaporeans benefit in the long term.” – James Ang in “A changing S’pore, a new compact?”

[Updated 28 Jul 2011 after the Presidential election 2011]

” The result is basically a replay of the General Election results, where Dr Tony Tan, the candidate close to the PAP, bore the brunt if the people’s unhappiness with the Government.” – S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Assoc Prof Alan Chong.

“Most analysts agreed that the (Presidential) election was a milestone in Singapore ‘s political history, both for how closely fought it was as well as an indicator for how the political landscape will involve in future.” – The Straits Times 28 Aug 2011

related articles:

• Governing Singapore after the PE
• How GE 2011 proved me – oh, so wonderfully! – wrong-Catherein Lim 
• The New Normal In Politics (The Straits TImes, 30Jul2011)
• One Year After GE2011

Here is the extract from the Straits Times article “The New Normal In Politics”:

2011: ‘The new norm’

Sources of unhappiness:

• High housing prices, crowded trains and buses, the large influx of foreigners, rising cost of living.
• Resentment against the PAP and desire for more opposition in Parliament.

PAP’s response:

• Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Goh Chok Tong retired from the Cabinet.
• Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong introduced an extensive reshuffle of his Cabinet, which is now leaner and younger than before the polls.
• PAP office-holders and MPs have stepped up efforts to engage Singaporeans online and face to face.
• The Government has launched reviews of unpopular policies which it had previously defended, such as ministerial pay and income ceilings for build-to-order Housing Board flats.