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s observed by analysts and the media alike during the campaigning period, Saturday’s general elections had potential to be a political watershed for Singapore, and it really happened.

The signs of change were already showing in the way the People’s Action Party (PAP) leadership conducted their campaigns. All but gone was the arrogance that was the main topic of discussion and protest among the voters and the populace at large.

Instead, it promised to listen more to and address the people’s complaints and problems. The PAP even said sorry for the mistakes and deficiencies of the government in handling the prices hikes and the number of immigrants allowed to stay in Singapore.

Meanwhile, the opposition candidates, especially of the main opposition party, the Workers’ Party, came out credible and responsible compared to the earlier in the 2001 and 2006 elections. They managed to get enough candidates to compete for 82 of the 87 seats.

They could get their points through to the voters, mainly on the need for more control and balance of the government to counter the PAP’s overwhelming majority and to pay more attention to the plight of the small people, including the immigration issues.

Third is the enthusiasm of the electorate, especially the youth, to participate fully by attending rallies and using social networking instruments to the maximum. This segment of the society has spoken this time, and it is for the good of Singapore’s future.

The results showed that Singapore has been able to move politics from a very paternalistic nature into one that is indeed more democratic. That could happen because everyone participated in an active and responsible way: the PAP (government), the opposition and the electorate, especially the young voters. This augurs well for Singapore to be able to politically develop in a peaceful and evolutionary way, and in so doing establish a more open and flexible political system vital for their future. The younger generation will welcome this future openness.

The new trends seemed to be well understood by PM Lee Hsien Loong when he gave his assessment in the wake of the elections. Changes are needed for Singapore and for its younger generation. It would be good if the older generation of leaders do not intervene too much, however well-meaning, but trust PM Lee more to lead the change.

On the defeat of Foreign Minister George Yeo, we all regretted it because he is such a good friend of Indonesia and the region. But for Singapore’s future interests, the Workers’ Party victory at the most contested Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Aljunied is a victory for Singapore as well. I believe that Minister Yeo understands that fully. I am confident that his service is still needed and he will have other important appointments in store of him.

However, to make these changes relevant to the future of Singapore, the civility, goodwill and trust by contending parties in the elections should continue. At the end they are for the good of all Singaporeans.

Majulah Singapura. Congratulations.

The writer is vice chair of the board of trustees for the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Foundation.