PAP dream team for Aljunied GRC

The PAP fielded a very strong team in the last GE in Aljunied. Led by the highly intelligent Foreign Minister George Yeo, the other members included Minister Lim Hwee Hua, Parliamentary Secretary Zainul Abidin, MP Cynthia Phua and newbie Ong Ye Kong who was no light weight, touted to be of ministerial material. This was a very strong team but lost. If this is an indication of the strength of the WP team, PAP would have to field an even stronger team if it seriously thinks of taking back Aljunied. Anything less would be no go. It could also opt out by sending a token team of newbies like the young commando team at Teck Ghee in the last election to try their luck. By doing so it would be losing Aljunied by default.

Putting a strong team of ministers is going to be a difficult choice. How many ministers would want to risk losing their multi-million dollar income to volunteer for this battle? Hsien Loong too would not want to risk the few talented ministers he is left with in case they also join George Yeo in the private sector.

My solution, assuming that PAP wants to take back Aljunied, wants to send a strong team, and having ministers to volunteer for the job, is to field Wong Kan Seng, Mah Bow Tan and Raymong Lim. They would even volunteer for it if given a chance. This is exactly the situation that PAP stalwarts would want to prove their loyalty and bravery to fight for PAP. It is an honorable duty I am sure.

And don’t dismiss them as not ministers. The pension each is drawing, if I am not wrong, could be more than the whole team of WP MPs’ income or near there. They are really heavy weights and befitting to take on the WP with their experience in the game.

To add weight to them, if PAP still does not think they could pull it off, PAP could draw on the weight and drawing power of Chok Tong and LKY. With these two super heavyweights, it is a sure win formula. They would definitely answer the call of duty if needed. Chok Tong would love to serve another term as ESM. And for winning Aljunied, he could be honoured with the title Senior ESM. As for LKY, his charisma and aura would give him many additional votes for sure.

The only problem with this team is the lack of a minority candidate. So either Chok Tong or LKY would have to be sidelined. But the good news, PAP would be spoilt for choices for a strong minority candidate. Hsien Loong could volunteer Vivian or Yaacob for the job. They are unlikely to volunteer themselves, just my opinion. And with either one in the team, no one can say there is no incumbent minister like the last team. Perfect match.

For those who are thinking of the missing female touch, and still aware that there is a Sylvia Lim in the WP team, and wanting a female candidate, the top choice would be Intan. Then you will have a female candidate and a minority candidate in one to pull in female voters and minority voters.

For those who would want a minister in waiting like Ong Ye Kung, it is unlikely that he would return to Aljunied, there is no better choice than Janil Puthucheary. Both have the same pedigree of being scions of former Barisan Socialis MPs. Both are ministerial material. And having Janil PAP will have a 3-in-1 candidate that is difficult to find today, ie a minority, a ministerial caliber and a son of Barisan Socialis, to win them votes. And oh, maybe a 4-in-1, using a new citizen to show to the new citizens and potential new citizens that they too can become MPs and ministers too. Janil will be able to attract all the votes from ex-Barisan Socialis supporters, new citizens and of course the minority groups.