Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Chee Soon Juan might have lost this by-election, but he has touched the residents of Bukit Batok in more ways than even he might have guessed.

The SDP Sec-Gen secured 38.8 per cent of the votes, losing to People's Action Party (PAP) candidate Murali Pillai. This means that the PAP suffered a 11.8 per cent swing against it, compared to the General Election 2015 result just eight months ago.

Undeterred by the disappointing loss, a petition was set up by someone with the username, Matthew Soh, on ipetition, after the sample votes, pleading for the SDP candidate to continue serving the residents.

I am touched by your speeches in your rallies and believe that you are not given enough time to prove your worth, so please continue to stay on path and help the poor residents of Bukit Batok residents .

Dr Chee , stay on Bukit batok to serve

The comments on the page were mainly calls for Chee to keep true to his word that he was in Bukit Batok for the long run.

Dr Chee, we need you to serve us at BB. Show us you are not just talk n u do not disappear until the next election.

But, if you feel really disappointed with my follow residents in BB, I can understand. You are free to quit politics or nvr to step foot on BB. We understand.

I believe this will show the people of Singapore your sincerity to serve them. Unless of course you only meant to get into parliament... Then, oh well....

I'd like Dr Chee to walk the talk and stay on to serve residents of Bukit Batok. Serve me in particular since he wishes to wholeheartedly to be my MP.

and perhaps best summed up by a user with the name, Ding Hua.

Chee, don't bye.

On his part, Chee expressed a desire to stay in Bukit Batok in his concession speech.

"I will be around to persuade you, to continue to serve, to work, to convince you the next round to vote for the SDP."

You can view the petition here.

Top image from Edwin Koo. 

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