PM Lee congratulates Workers’ Party on by—election win, calls on people to come together as one

Singapore: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has congratulated the Workers’ Party and MP—elect Ms Lee Li Lian for winning the Punggol East by—election.

He said in a statement issued just after the by—election results were announced that he respects the choice of Punggol East voters.

"Now that the Punggol East by—election is over, we should re—focus on national issues" said Mr Lee in his media release.

He said Singapore has a heavy agenda coming up, such as The White Paper on Population that will soon be debated in Parliament, and Budget 2013 which is less than a month away.

"Let us come together as one people to do our best for Singapore" said PM Lee.

He said the PAP fielded a good candidate and Dr Koh Poh Koon had showed character and courage in contesting this election, and did the PAP proud.

Mr Lee noted that many voters were impressed by Dr Koh’s sincerity and commitment. But unfortunately there were not enough of them for him to win, as he went on to thank all those who voted for Dr Koh and the PAP.

— CNA/sf