I REFER to Mr Michael Tan's letter last Saturday ('Chiam should
have spared a thought for loyal voters').
I must balance the interest of Singapore and the interest of the
residents of Potong Pasir.
To have a strong democracy, Singapore must have enough
opposition in Parliament to balance the strength of the People's
Action Party. Singapore has had only two opposition MPs for far too
long, without the prospect of a successful opposition bid in
capturing a group representation constituency (GRC).
I have decided to make a sacrifice by coming out of my comfort
zone to capture a GRC in order to expand the strength of the
opposition. I have not abandoned the residents of Potong Pasir.
Their interest is always with me and so, for this reason, I have
chosen my wife to take my place and represent me in Potong Pasir.
She has been helping me all these years in parliamentary and
constituency work.
I chose her because she is able and trustworthy, and not because
she is my wife. Unlike Mr Low Thia Khiang (the other opposition MP,
for Hougang), who is much younger than me, I have completed six
elections. It is time for me to move forward to help the opposition
grow. I seek your understanding and support for my decision, which
was not an easy one to reach. In time, I hope Mrs Chiam will be
able to earn the residents' trust to serve them.
I thank all residents for their unwavering support all these
years and for my choice of the new candidate.
Chiam See Tong
MP for Potong Pasir
