My answer to "What has George Yeo done to deserve this?"

Okay, I see this so often that I decide to blog about it.

People have been saying that he is a good minister, and that PAP deserves to win Aljunied GRC because he is good, and should be re-elected.

But there is a serious flaw in this argument. It doesn't take into account of the context. George Yeo is running for elections in Aljunied GRC, where it is a 5 member constituency. It is no longer George Yeo vs an opposition. Taking into account just high-profile politician, it is George Yeo vs. Chen Show Mao, Low Thia Khiang, Sylvia Lim and Pritam Singh. Is this a fair 'fight'? Definitely not. And this is one of the flaw of the GRC system. It does not run on meritocracy. This is also evident in Marine Parade GRC.

Now, back to the question of "What has George Yeo done to deserve this?"

He didn't do anything. He did his job well, fought for the interest of the people, etc. But he is just an unfortunate victim of the system in place - The GRC system. Obviously, in Singapore, the GRC system is more favorable towards the PAP than opposition. Hence, there is absolutely no reason to change all constituencies into single-member. However, while the PAP is able to manipulate this system to their advantage, the opposition is able to do so as well. Hence, the latter placed three heavy-weight oppositions in Aljunied GRC.

Yes, it's not fair. I agree with many of you. Put him up in any SMC against one opposition candidate, and he'll probably win. But if PAP wants to adopt a system which allows them to preserve power in majority of the constituencies, they have to accept that the opposition is able to manipulate this system to their advantage too. Hence, it is a trade-off that was made at the top-tier of the government, something that is out of control of you and me, and even MPs.

In all, it is not George Yeo's fault that he failed to be re-elected. It is also not your fault, and it is definitely not the fault of the Aljunied voters. They chose what they perceived to be the best TEAM.

Our dear George Yeo is but a victim of PAP's attempt to preserve power.