NEWS
Communication is key to winning back Aljunied GRC: Victor Lye
SINGAPORE - Communication is key to winning back lost ground in Aljunied GRC, says Mr Victor Lye.
The 49-year-old general manager of a health-care insurance company is the man chosen to lead the People's Action Party (PAP) activists in the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol ward in Aljunied GRC to make an attempt at winning it back from the Workers' Party (WP), reported The Straits Times (ST).
Will he be able to fill the shoes of predecessor George Yeo?
Mr Lye told ST that Mr Yeo is a unique leader, but he is very realistic.
"I'm not seeking to fill his shoes as foreign minister, but branch chairman. I hope to play that role well," said Mr Lye.
When Mr Yeo's PAP team lost in May's general election, he and three other teamsmates announced their retirement from politics.
This made Mr Lye the only likely candidate for the 2016 elections, reported ST. The PAP's branch chairman is traditionally its candidate in the ward to contest.
Mr Lye had been a party member since 2001 and has worked as a key activist with Mr Yeo in Aljunied GRC for a decade.
With years of experience, he is familiar with the community and its issues.
But can he help PAP win back Aljunied GRC?
Since his appointment, he has met his activists and will be focusing efforts on increasing outreach to constituents.
While he declined to elaborate on how he intends to do this, he said the PAP needs to improve on its communication.
"The electorate does not want to be talked down to and told what is good for them - or not - when it comes to their vote.
"We cannot talk down to them as though we know better. Our electorate is no longer a child."
Mr Lye does not intend to bring back the PAP's Meet-the-People sessions which stopped after the polls, but he said: "We cannot retreat."
He added: "We know there are people who will support us, maybe not now. But I don't believe that is permanent."
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