SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today (Nov 27) called
for Singapore to be united politically, with an Opposition that
“will understand Singapore’s fundamental interests in the world”
and not seek to undermine the Republic’s interests “either to court
foreign support or to gain political points”.
In his speech during the annual S Rajaratnam lecture, Mr Lee named
opposition veteran Chiam See Tong, 80, as an example of an
opposition politician who protected Singapore’s domestic interests
and policies when he travelled overseas, either as a national
delegation or as a parliamentary delegate.
“He (stands) up for Singapore and closes ranks, and that is really
the norm that should prevail in the political scene in Singapore,”
said Mr Lee.
Mr Chiam, who is Singapore People’s Party Secretary-General, was
Potong Pasir’s Member of Parliament for 27 years until 2011, when
he left to lead a team to contest in the Bishan-Toa Payoh Group
Representation Constituency during the General Election and
lost.
Mr Lee said having political unity does not mean no political
opposition. It means that citizens vote in open elections for who
they wish to run the Government, said Mr Lee. “It means that after
elections, we come together, especially when dealing with other
countries.”
http://m.todayonline.com/singapore/pm-lee-calls-political-unity-cites-chiam-see-tong-example