DPM Teo asks voters to consider three points
Mr Teo said voters need to vote in the best MPs to help PM Lee do the best for Singapore. -- PHOTO: JOSEPH NAIR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
'THE first point is this. The PAP remains true to its values of serving the people in the best way possible. Every time we have to make a decision, we know very deeply that the lives of Singaporeans, their children, their livelihoods, hang in the balance. We don't take things lightly... If we make a mistake, (if) we don't live up to your expectations, there's deep and serious consequences.
That's why, when I sat with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at Boat Quay (on May 3) and he came forward and said 'I'm sorry, we've not met up to your expectations', he meant every word. Because he sets very high expectations for himself too. If he cannot fully meet your expectations as Singaporeans, I think he is really disappointed and sorry when he said so.
Every moment, every minute that he's awake, I know he carries the burden of Singapore and Singaporeans very heavily on his shoulders.
He works very, very hard. I see e-mails from him in the middle of the night, in the early morning. He looks at everything in great detail to try and make sure everything gets done well...
What every Singaporean needs to do is to vote in the best MPs and ministers you can have to help PM Lee do the best for Singapore and Singaporeans.
If you take away the people who can be his ministers, who is he going to work with? How is he going to serve you? How does it help you and help Singaporeans? It can only make his job more difficult. It can only make his burden more heavy. It can only increase the chances of him not being able to do the job that you expect him to do...
The second point: What kind of MPs do you want in Parliament? Do you want MPs who are prepared to work in your interests, look at how you can build consensus and bring the country forward?
Or do you want MPs to go there and produce a lot of hot air, have a lot of drama in Parliament?It's not about slapping each other. It's not about shouting at each other. It's about how you build consensus and move forward together.
The third point: Who can serve you better in your constituency? Who has the plans, the ability, the commitment, the sincerity to really serve you?
The answer is a simple one: PAP MPs. Look at what happened at opposition rallies in the last two days. They suddenly realised residents do want a plan for their constituencies. And suddenly... each is giving out a plan - which I don't know how many hours they took to draw up, but maybe in the time they took to write a speech. Are you going to them for five years on the basis of a sketch plan they've drawn up for the purposes of a rally?'
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean to voters at a PAP rally in Pasir Ris Park last night
Mr Teo said voters need to vote in the best MPs to help PM Lee do the best for Singapore. -- PHOTO: JOSEPH NAIR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
'THE first point is this. The PAP remains true to its values of serving the people in the best way possible. Every time we have to make a decision, we know very deeply that the lives of Singaporeans, their children, their livelihoods, hang in the balance. We don't take things lightly... If we make a mistake, (if) we don't live up to your expectations, there's deep and serious consequences.
That's why, when I sat with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at Boat Quay (on May 3) and he came forward and said 'I'm sorry, we've not met up to your expectations', he meant every word. Because he sets very high expectations for himself too. If he cannot fully meet your expectations as Singaporeans, I think he is really disappointed and sorry when he said so.
Every moment, every minute that he's awake, I know he carries the burden of Singapore and Singaporeans very heavily on his shoulders.
He works very, very hard. I see e-mails from him in the middle of the night, in the early morning. He looks at everything in great detail to try and make sure everything gets done well...
What every Singaporean needs to do is to vote in the best MPs and ministers you can have to help PM Lee do the best for Singapore and Singaporeans.
If you take away the people who can be his ministers, who is he going to work with? How is he going to serve you? How does it help you and help Singaporeans? It can only make his job more difficult. It can only make his burden more heavy. It can only increase the chances of him not being able to do the job that you expect him to do...
The second point: What kind of MPs do you want in Parliament? Do you want MPs who are prepared to work in your interests, look at how you can build consensus and bring the country forward?
Or do you want MPs to go there and produce a lot of hot air, have a lot of drama in Parliament?It's not about slapping each other. It's not about shouting at each other. It's about how you build consensus and move forward together.
The third point: Who can serve you better in your constituency? Who has the plans, the ability, the commitment, the sincerity to really serve you?
The answer is a simple one: PAP MPs. Look at what happened at opposition rallies in the last two days. They suddenly realised residents do want a plan for their constituencies. And suddenly... each is giving out a plan - which I don't know how many hours they took to draw up, but maybe in the time they took to write a speech. Are you going to them for five years on the basis of a sketch plan they've drawn up for the purposes of a rally?'
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean to voters at a PAP rally in Pasir Ris Park last night
