SINGAPORE: Police were called to a meet-the-people session (MPS) in Bedok after a resident became aggressive, causing a disturbance, according to Member of Parliament (MP) for East Coast GRC Tan Kiat How.

Mr Tan, who represents the Kampong Chai Chee ward, addressed the incident in a TikTok video posted on Monday (17 September).

In the video, Mr Tan, who is also Senior Minister of State for National Development, emphasised the need for mutual respect at these sessions, which are intended to be safe spaces for both residents and volunteers.

“It was unfortunate that the police had to be called to MPS today when a resident became a little more aggressive,” Mr Tan said, acknowledging the incident that occurred during the Monday MPS session at Block 408 Bedok North Avenue 2.

Mr Tan expressed empathy for the challenges faced by residents but urged individuals attending MPS to remain respectful towards volunteers.

“Sometimes you see such cases at MPS, where one of the residents get more aggressive and can be a little bit more violent,” he noted.

He added that while efforts are made to assist residents, certain matters are beyond their control.

“For example, we can’t write to a government agency to demand the agency to offer a job to a person … but we can facilitate and make sure that opportunities are available for our residents,” he explained.

@tankiathow

It was unfortunate that the police had to be called to #MPS today when a resident became a little more aggressive. We always do our best to help #KampongChaiChee residents, but some things are beyond our control. Let’s work towards mutual respect and ensure MPS remains a safe space for both residents and volunteers. #caringeastcoast

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Netizens Question Volunteers’ Handling of Situation and Call for Greater Action from MP

The incident drew numerous responses on TikTok, with some expressing support for Mr Tan and others sympathising with the unnamed resident.

One comment suggested that the individual may have been “desperate” for a solution to their issue, while another urged patience, noting that not all cases can be resolved immediately.

Separately, Mr Tan responded to one user by confirming that he had previously helped the resident’s parents.

Some questioned whether the issue arose from a lack of tact by certain volunteers in handling the situation, suggesting that they receive proper training to address residents’ concerns effectively.

In response, Mr Tan emphasized that his volunteers always do their best and that empathy is crucial in such situations.

Another user noted that empathy should be mutual, suggesting that while residents are trying their best, they may feel they have no other solutions, urging Mr Tan to show greater understanding.

One comment pointed out that something significant might have affected the resident, possibly leading them to drastic actions, and called for more proactive measures from the MP rather than just expressing empathy.

This is not the first time an MPS has been marked by aggression.

In 2018, Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng was assaulted by a 32-year-old man, leaving him with injuries.

The assailant was arrested after rushing into the MPS area and attacking Dr Tan.

Similarly, in 2009, Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Seng Han Thong was attacked when a resident doused him with paint thinner and set him on fire. Mr Seng survived but required extensive medical treatment.

During his speech at the Annual Public Service Leadership Ceremony 2024 on 17 September, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong cautioned that both the public service and Singaporeans need to be aware of the risks if politics becomes more fiercely contested.

He warned that if electoral margins get slimmer, the government will have less political space to do the right things.

“It will become harder to disregard short-term considerations in decision-making. The political dynamics will become very different,” he said.

Mr Lee, who served as Prime Minister for 20 years, highlighted that Singapore has successfully navigated its six decades of nationhood by effectively managing domestic issues and asserting itself internationally.

“All this has only been possible because Singapore has been well-governed all these years,” he added, emphasising three key factors: effective policies and politics, a strong public service, and a positive relationship between public service and political leadership.

SM Lee praised Singapore’s approach to public finance, noting that despite political pressures to increase spending or lower taxes, the country has adhered to fiscal discipline by avoiding deficits and building reserves through prudent savings and investments.

He detailed the process behind the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase, which was carefully planned and communicated over several years.

“In the 2011 General Election campaign, more than a decade ago, we said that we did not need to increase the GST just yet. In the 2015 General Election campaign, we assessed we could still hold on, and said we did not need a GST increase immediately, but we could see the need for one down the road. ”

Following that election, the Ministry of Finance reviewed projections and determined that an increase was inevitable within a decade, he said.

“The Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat announced this in the 2018 Budget and to make sure – make absolutely sure – everyone got the message, I said this again the next year at the 2019 PAP Party Convention. ”

“We knew it would cost the ruling party some votes, but we felt strongly that we needed to be responsible and upfront with voters,” he said.

While acknowledging Singapore’s significant progress since 1959, he also outlined future challenges, including global uncertainties such as great power competition, deglobalisation, and climate change.

He referenced Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s plans under the Forward Singapore initiative, which focus on economic upgrading, maintaining international relevance, supporting an ageing population, and consolidating social harmony.

SM Lee also reflected on Jean-Claude Juncker’s observation that governments often know the right actions to take but avoid them due to electoral risks, leading to populism and short-termism in many countries.

He warned that Singapore, despite its current stability, is not immune to these pressures.

He noted that as growth becomes harder to achieve, revenues less buoyant, and political competition more intense, the country faces potential risks.

Netizens highlight persistent issues despite PAP’s strong electoral margin post-GE2020

However, comments on CNA’s Facebook post reveal differing opinions from those of SM Lee.

Some netizens accused SM Lee of employing fearmongering tactics to secure a stronger mandate in the upcoming election, arguing that such remarks aim to manipulate voters rather than address their concerns.

Others suggested that closer electoral margins are beneficial as they indicate public willingness for change and serve as a check on potential abuses of power, advocating for a fairer and more accountable system.

Additionally, some comments pointed out that even with a strong electoral margin for the ruling party in the 2020 General Election, issues like rising prices and COE and HDB costs persisted.

A netizen argued that comparing Singapore’s governance style to the populist approaches of larger countries like China, India, or the USA is unfair, noting the complexity of managing such vast nations.

Calls for stronger opposition to strengthen checks and balances

Some called for a stronger opposition presence to provide necessary checks and balances on the ruling party and ensure greater accountability.

A netizen criticised the government’s focus on high salaries rather than addressing citizens’ struggles with the cost of living, emphasizing that a responsible government should prioritize the needs of its people.

Additionally, a netizen expressed frustration over how the government’s policies have left her parents in a continuous financial struggle, particularly noting her sick and weak parent’s ongoing worries despite the government’s claims of success.

She compared their situation unfavourably with those in other countries who, she feels, are better off despite lacking similar management systems.