The dip in the WP's share of the vote and the rise in support for the PAP is insignificant in the larger picture of national politics.
Even so, the fact that the WP's support fell by more than 2 percentage points signals voters' unhappiness on a number of issues. Mr Yaw's personal indiscretions, the doubts cast on Mr Png's integrity and, more importantly, the PAP's promise of estate improvements, were factors that chipped away at the WP's support.
The strong PAP campaign led by party heavyweights also helped Mr Desmond Choo improve on his 2011 General Election showing.
The final tally spoke loudly for the status quo in Hougang and residents' confidence in the WP. But voters were also, very gently, signalling something: That the WP must get its act together and do much more for discerning voters.
While the "Hougang Spirit" is undented, the demands on the WP have also increased.
Here is where Mr Choo's improved showing is equally significant. A power shift can take place if the WP continues to bungle. Also Mr Choo's performance partly reflects his success in reaching out to younger voters, an area in which Mr Png would need to do much more.
The by-election results signal to both parties that the ward can indeed be up for grabs if either party is able to win the hearts and minds of voters as well as come up with effective programmes to serve them. We will only know in the next General Election.
- http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120527-0000027/Result-shows-power-shift-possible-if,,,
Even so, the fact that the WP's support fell by more than 2 percentage points signals voters' unhappiness on a number of issues. Mr Yaw's personal indiscretions, the doubts cast on Mr Png's integrity and, more importantly, the PAP's promise of estate improvements, were factors that chipped away at the WP's support.
The strong PAP campaign led by party heavyweights also helped Mr Desmond Choo improve on his 2011 General Election showing.
The final tally spoke loudly for the status quo in Hougang and residents' confidence in the WP. But voters were also, very gently, signalling something: That the WP must get its act together and do much more for discerning voters.
While the "Hougang Spirit" is undented, the demands on the WP have also increased.
Here is where Mr Choo's improved showing is equally significant. A power shift can take place if the WP continues to bungle. Also Mr Choo's performance partly reflects his success in reaching out to younger voters, an area in which Mr Png would need to do much more.
The by-election results signal to both parties that the ward can indeed be up for grabs if either party is able to win the hearts and minds of voters as well as come up with effective programmes to serve them. We will only know in the next General Election.
- http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120527-0000027/Result-shows-power-shift-possible-if,,,
brother streetsmart is right ...never bite the hands that feed 
