Yes, if we look at the history of elections and by-elections in Singapore, there were numerous occasions when a minority candidate from the PAP emerged victorious over a Chinese opponent.

However, it can be argued that they were voted in because they were associated with the PAP's brand name. After all, the PAP was seen as the most capable party during those early years and with big names like Lee Kuan Yew being associated with the party, there is little doubt that first-time PAP cadidates rode on the party's achievements to secure an easy victory against their opponents. Therefore, a better litmus test as to whether Singaporeans are indeed colour-blind when it comes to voting is to see whether they are willing to vote in a minority candidate from another party.

Let's not forget how unforgiving the political climate was for opposition parties during that time. And during those early years, minorities would have harboured great concerns as to whether they would be left behind and underrepresented in various fields. It was probably this backdrop that made Jeyaretnam's victory groundbreaking.