Yam Ah Mee: An Internet sensation

THE ELECTION results are OUT and Mr Yam Ah Mee is IN, on the internet at least.

Netizens are abuzz over the Returning Officer (RO) after his appearance on national television announcing the general elections results early on Sunday morning. Although he put out arguably the most monotonous performance seen on television, he became an overnight superstar.

At least 8 videos of Mr Yam, 53, have appeared on YouTube. One video set his announcements to Auto-Tune, while another mixed them with club music.

"This is just for fun, of course. Full respect to the guy!" wrote YouTube user FallenSuperheroSG, creator of the Yam Ah Mee Club Mix video. Singaporean blogger Alexis Cheong wrote that she had made the mix into an i-Phone ringtone.

In less than 24 hours, more than 30,000 Facebook users "liked" the fan page titled "Yam Ah Mee, Returning Officer Extraordinaire". Mr Mohammad Khairul posted: "Mr Yam Ah Mee you're my idol and my inspiration!!!"

One fan even created a "Yam Ah Mee for President" fan page on Facebook where fans said they would vote for him. Mr Joseph Lee posted: "He has all the necessary credentials to qualify & run for President...".

Explaining his impassive delivery to The Straits Times, Mr Yam said: "I felt it was important to announce clearly, concisely and impartially."

On Monday (May 9) he replied to his Facebook fans: "Hi everyone, thanks for all your interest :) Just trying to do a good job as RO."

(Sources: ST, AsiaOne, Razor TV)