<TABLE id=msgUN cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD id=msgUNsubj vAlign=top> Coffeeshop Chit Chat - </TD><TD id=msgunetc noWrap align=right> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=msgtable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="96%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=msg vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgbfr1 width="1%"> </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR class=msghead vAlign=top><TD class=msgF noWrap align=right width="1%">From: </TD><TD class=msgFname noWrap width="68%">kojakbt_89_ <NOBR></NOBR> </TD><TD class=msgDate noWrap align=right width="30%">5:06 am </TD></TR><TR class=msghead><TD class=msgT noWrap align=right width="1%" height=20>To: </TD><TD class=msgTname noWrap width="68%">ALL <NOBR></NOBR></TD><TD class=msgNum noWrap align=right> (1 of 9) </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgleft width="1%" rowSpan=4> </TD><TD class=wintiny noWrap align=right>50822.1 </TD></TR><TR><TD height=8></TD></TR><TR><TD class=msgtxt id=msgtxt_1>SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed said he has always been dedicated to serving the people and the nation, and that the results of the May 7 elections will not change his resolve.
In his first media conference on Thursday after the People's Action Party (PAP) team was defeated by the Workers' Party team in Aljunied GRC, Mr Zainul said he will do what he can for so long as he is able.
He said sad as he is with the result, he is energised by the love and concern shown by his family, friends and Aljunied residents who have not voted for the PAP team.
Furthermore, many residents of Aljunied have also come out to say how much they liked and appreciated the efforts of the team.
But there were also many residents who voted based on issues above and beyond Aljunied GRC.
On issues concerning the Malay-Muslim community, Mr Zainul said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had felt that his remarks on Malays, Muslims and integration in his recent book, "Hard Truths", did not affect the Malay support for the PAP negatively.
However, Mr Zainul said Singaporeans need only ask the Malays and Muslims in the country.
He said many were hurt by those remarks and remain so.
Mr Zainul said this goes to show how easily the knots of racial harmony in the community can unravel.
Mr Zainul added that while it is unlikely he will stand in the next election due to his age, he will leave it to the party to decide.
He will continue his involvement as Adviser to the Aljunied Grassroots Organisations.
Mr Zainul also put to rest the issue of being offered the post of Speaker of Parliament.
He said he will not accept the offer even if the Prime Minister offered it to him.
There are provisions in the Singapore constitution to appoint a non-elected Speaker of Parliament.
- CNA/cc
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In his first media conference on Thursday after the People's Action Party (PAP) team was defeated by the Workers' Party team in Aljunied GRC, Mr Zainul said he will do what he can for so long as he is able.
He said sad as he is with the result, he is energised by the love and concern shown by his family, friends and Aljunied residents who have not voted for the PAP team.
Furthermore, many residents of Aljunied have also come out to say how much they liked and appreciated the efforts of the team.
But there were also many residents who voted based on issues above and beyond Aljunied GRC.
On issues concerning the Malay-Muslim community, Mr Zainul said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had felt that his remarks on Malays, Muslims and integration in his recent book, "Hard Truths", did not affect the Malay support for the PAP negatively.
However, Mr Zainul said Singaporeans need only ask the Malays and Muslims in the country.
He said many were hurt by those remarks and remain so.
Mr Zainul said this goes to show how easily the knots of racial harmony in the community can unravel.
Mr Zainul added that while it is unlikely he will stand in the next election due to his age, he will leave it to the party to decide.
He will continue his involvement as Adviser to the Aljunied Grassroots Organisations.
Mr Zainul also put to rest the issue of being offered the post of Speaker of Parliament.
He said he will not accept the offer even if the Prime Minister offered it to him.
There are provisions in the Singapore constitution to appoint a non-elected Speaker of Parliament.
- CNA/cc
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