http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120526-0000083/PM-Lee-congratulates-Png,-commends-Choo
PM Lee congratulates Png, commends Choo
Updated 11:51 PM May 26, 2012
SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has congratulated the Workers' Party and their candidate Png Eng Huat for his win in the Hougang by-election.
In a statement, Mr Lee said: "I respect the choice of Hougang voters ... I look forward to Mr Png's contributions in Parliament."
He added that with the by-election over, it was time for Singapore to focus on "longer-term issues".
The statement, in full, reads as follows:
"I called a by-election in Hougang constituency because the Workers' Party (WP) expelled the previous Member of Parliament, Mr Yaw Shin Leong, from the party, causing the seat to fall vacant.
"The PAP fielded Mr Desmond Choo as our candidate. Desmond had contested in Hougang in the general election last May. Even though he did not win, he continued to work hard in Hougang over the past year.
"In this by-election, Hougang voters had to choose the best candidate to look after Hougang and represent them in Parliament. The PAP and Desmond offered Hougang a fresh start, a break from the last 21 years. Desmond promised to do his best, to work with residents to build a better Hougang.
"Desmond and his team put up a strong fight, knowing that it was an uphill battle. Both because WP has been in Hougang for so long, and also because a by-election often puts the ruling party at a disadvantage.
"I am disappointed that Desmond did not win, but encouraged that the PAP obtained 37.9% of the votes this time. This improves on our results in the two previous general elections: 2006 (37.3%) and 2011 (35.2%).
"Clearly, many Hougang voters were impressed by Desmond's sincerity, compassion, and commitment, and attracted by the PAP's message of change and hope. But unfortunately there were not quite enough of them for Desmond to win.
"I have spoken to Desmond, to thank him and his team for their hard work, and to commend them for fighting a vigorous and effective campaign. He is naturally disappointed by the outcome, but is in good heart. He is keen to continue serving in Hougang, and to contribute in any role that he can be useful.
"I would also like to thank all those who voted for Desmond and the PAP.
"I also congratulate the WP and Mr Png Eng Huat for winning this by-election. I look forward to Mr Png's contributions in Parliament.
"I respect the choice of Hougang voters. The PAP will continue to be present in Hougang, and I am confident that we will win back the constituency in a future election.
"At the national level, we set a new direction last year. Since the general election in May 2011, the PAP government has done its best to address important national issues like housing and transportation, immigration and population, economic upgrading and workers' incomes. We have made progress, but there is much more to be done.
"Now that the Hougang by-election is over, we should refocus on these longer term issues, and work together as one people to achieve the best for Singapore."
PM Lee congratulates Png, commends Choo
Updated 11:51 PM May 26, 2012
SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has congratulated the Workers' Party and their candidate Png Eng Huat for his win in the Hougang by-election.
In a statement, Mr Lee said: "I respect the choice of Hougang voters ... I look forward to Mr Png's contributions in Parliament."
He added that with the by-election over, it was time for Singapore to focus on "longer-term issues".
The statement, in full, reads as follows:
"I called a by-election in Hougang constituency because the Workers' Party (WP) expelled the previous Member of Parliament, Mr Yaw Shin Leong, from the party, causing the seat to fall vacant.
"The PAP fielded Mr Desmond Choo as our candidate. Desmond had contested in Hougang in the general election last May. Even though he did not win, he continued to work hard in Hougang over the past year.
"In this by-election, Hougang voters had to choose the best candidate to look after Hougang and represent them in Parliament. The PAP and Desmond offered Hougang a fresh start, a break from the last 21 years. Desmond promised to do his best, to work with residents to build a better Hougang.
"Desmond and his team put up a strong fight, knowing that it was an uphill battle. Both because WP has been in Hougang for so long, and also because a by-election often puts the ruling party at a disadvantage.
"I am disappointed that Desmond did not win, but encouraged that the PAP obtained 37.9% of the votes this time. This improves on our results in the two previous general elections: 2006 (37.3%) and 2011 (35.2%).
"Clearly, many Hougang voters were impressed by Desmond's sincerity, compassion, and commitment, and attracted by the PAP's message of change and hope. But unfortunately there were not quite enough of them for Desmond to win.
"I have spoken to Desmond, to thank him and his team for their hard work, and to commend them for fighting a vigorous and effective campaign. He is naturally disappointed by the outcome, but is in good heart. He is keen to continue serving in Hougang, and to contribute in any role that he can be useful.
"I would also like to thank all those who voted for Desmond and the PAP.
"I also congratulate the WP and Mr Png Eng Huat for winning this by-election. I look forward to Mr Png's contributions in Parliament.
"I respect the choice of Hougang voters. The PAP will continue to be present in Hougang, and I am confident that we will win back the constituency in a future election.
"At the national level, we set a new direction last year. Since the general election in May 2011, the PAP government has done its best to address important national issues like housing and transportation, immigration and population, economic upgrading and workers' incomes. We have made progress, but there is much more to be done.
"Now that the Hougang by-election is over, we should refocus on these longer term issues, and work together as one people to achieve the best for Singapore."
