The People's Action Party (PAP) team which contested -- and subsequently lost -- in Sengkang GRC in the 2020 general election will "evaluate and regroup" so they can do better in the future, PAP member Ng Chee Meng said at a post-election press conference held early Saturday morning, July 11.

Ng's four-member team, made up of Lam Pin Min, Amrin Amin, and new candidate Raymond Lye, was narrowly defeated by the Workers' Party (WP) team, which comprises familiar face He Ting Ru, as well as newcomers Jamus Lim, Raeesah Khan, and Louis Chua.

"Wonderful journey" in Sengkang

Saying that the results "didn't quite go the way [they] had wanted", Ng said the team wanted to thank the "activists, volunteers, sisters and brothers" that have helped in their campaign and served the residents.

He added that it has been "a wonderful journey" in Sengkang in the last few weeks, and thanked residents and voters who supported them.

He said:

"Walking the town, talking to different residents, the smiles, the welcoming hellos, and especially the kids that I've met really warmed our hearts."

Ng said his team will "have to evaluate and regroup and see how [they] can do better in the days to come", reiterating their "heartfelt thank you" to volunteers and activists who have stepped forward to help in the campaign.

He said: "You've done your best and can hold your head up high."

Loss of three office-holders

The PAP team's loss in Sengkang GRC meant the party lost three office-holders from its 4G leadership.

Ng, who served as Labour chief and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, was supposed to be the anchor minister for the four-member PAP team.

Lam, who served as Senior Minister of State for Health and Transport, was a 14-year MP, and helmed Sengkang West SMC in the 2011 and 2015 elections.

Amrin, who served as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and Health, was previously from Sembawang GRC.

Lye, a lawyer, chairs the Punggol East Citizens' Consultative Committee.

PM Lee encourages Ng's team to continue serving Singapore

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in a post-election press conference held by the PAP, admitted that the loss of the three office-holders is "a significant loss" for the 4G leadership, and a loss to the PAP as well.

Nevertheless, he encouraged the team to continue serving the people in different ways, adding that the team knew it was going to be a tough fight, and that they "gave it their all".

He added that the PAP respects the voters' decision, and that the party will fight to win back all three opposition-held constituencies.

Top image via CNA