The Straits Times
May 11, 2011
By Li Xueying
Minister George Yeo holds a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after losing the his ward, Aljunied GRC, in the 2011 General Elections.
AFTER 23 years in politics, Foreign Minister George Yeo is exiting the political scene.
He confirmed at a news conference on Tuesday morning that he will not be contesting in Aljunied GRC in the next election.
'It is better for a younger person to take on this important task,' he said, noting that he is now 57 and would be 62 by then.
'Naturally, I would help to ensure a smooth handover.'
Mr Yeo also ruled out the possibility that he might run for the elected Presidency later this year.
With a smile, he said: 'I'm a free spirit and I don't think I'm temperamentally suited for it.'
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Comments made by Dr Andrew Goh:
Hi George, you are a superbly gracious, deeply sincere and highly-respectable gentleman that all politicians should emulate. May God's blessings be generously showered on you and your beloved family. Wish you good health, continuous joy and everlasting peace in the days, weeks and years ahead. We all miss you!
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Comments made by investing101:
George Yeo is really not a politician. He is more a bureaucrat/civil servant than a politician. In fact, most of the PAP are bureaucrats. They run the country efficiently, defend it steadfastly, ensures there are savings for the future and have made your tiny island known on the international arena. Lets face it, no system is perfect but what you have is probably the most sought after by people world wide that live in imperfect societies that are fuelled by racism, economic poverty, war, crime and lots more. I live in your neighboring country and if you think you do not have freedom, come over here and live and you will see what type of freedom you will have. Do you really think that by living in a country like England or Australia will get you freedom? Freedom of what? Speech? Even if you are allowed freedom of speech, would you stand up in front of the westerners and voice out your disapprovals? 9 out of 10 would silently accept it and keep quiet.
I invite all those who criticise MM, SM, PM and all the M's about giving jobs to foreigners etc to come to your neighbor and live. At least if you are good, you can compete with them and have an equal chance. You have NO chance here.
At least you can walk the streets at night without worrying about crime. Try that in other countries. Try that in Detroit.
I am not saying the PAP is right in everything they do. They have flaws. But look beyond the flaws and at the bigger picture. Voting for someone to fix your housing estate problems by kicking out one of the most internationally respected foreign affairs minister is mind boggling stxxxxxxx.
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Comments made by MuchTravelled:
I am not a Singaporean but I did live and work in Singapore for a brief spell. I do admire what your forefathers have done by building Singapore from a scrap pit to what it is today. In order to show your anger you voted for the opposition and got rid of George Yeo who is well respected internationally as a foreign minister and former trade minister is plain stxxxxxxx.
If you look at the world in general there is no quick fix solution and every policy has its pros and cons and as well as flaws. At least you should be grateful that the PAP have initiated the HDB scheme where almost every Singaporean can afford to purchase and that the standard of living is amongst the best in the world. I always stop over in Singapore when I travel abroad to enjoy the food, architecture and the serene environment including the security of the country.
It saddens me to see people wanting the opposition in power when they have not been put to the test. The only time when they appear is during the election and find fault in the PAP. Personally, I do not think the opposition has the ability to govern and maintain the standard that the PAP has established. The opposition may have a few genius in their parties but that is not enough to take the tiny island of Singapore beyond the 20th century. The PAP have a proven track record since separating from its neighbour and became independent in 1965. Also, complete freedom and democracy in any country is not a good idea as it hinders development and progress and can be found in many Western countries.
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http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/transcripts/2010/100616_joint_press_confere...
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Tribute to Ex-Minister George Yeo - Without You by James Durbinby mraziff5,594 views
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