Singapore's founding father to quit cabinet

Lee along with fellow former prime minister Goh Chok Tong in a joint statement today said they have decided not to take cabinet positions in the new government after the May 7 general election in which their ruling People' Action Party saw its vote percentage eroding.
In last week's election, the ruling party was returned to government but lost a number of key members of parliament to the opposition.

Lee, the founder Prime Minister of modern Singapore.The 87-year old Lee was prime minister from 1959 to 1990 after which Goh took over until 2004. Both won parliament seats in the May 7 election.

"We have studied the new political situation and thought how it can affect the future. We have made our contribution to the development of Singapore," said the two senior leaders in the statement.

"The time has come for a younger generation to carry Singapore forward in a more difficult and complex situation.

"The Prime Minister and his team of younger leaders should have a fresh clean slate.
"After a watershed general election, we have decided to leave the cabinet and have a completely younger generation team of Ministers to connect to and engage with this younger generation in shaping the future of Singapore.

"But the younger team must always have in mind the interest of older generation. This generation who has contributed to Singapore must be well looked after," said Lee and Goh in the statement issued late Saturday.

PAP ruling won 81 of the 87 seats while the opposition taking six seat but close 40 per cent of the overall votes.