Netizens criticise SM Lee’s 'fearmongering' remarks, call for stronger opposition for checks and balances

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.

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.