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

In a recent speech, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that slimmer electoral margins could restrict the government’s ability to make long-term decisions. Netizens criticised him for perceived fearmongering ahead of upcoming election, arguing that despite a strong ruling party margin after GE2020, issues like rising prices persisted. Some called for a stronger opposition to ensure better checks and balances.

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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.

Another comment highlighted that despite the incumbent party’s strong position in elections, there is always a need for quality opposition to challenge their policies and address key issues.

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.

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Worries loom over speculative trends in HDB market as S$1M transactions dominate headlines

Four HDB flats at Bidadari’s Alkaff Vista estate recently crossed the S$1 million mark after reaching their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). The surge in property agent visits prompted residents to put up signs to deter them. Netizens are concerned about speculative trends in the HDB resale market, particularly as properties in mature estates are viewed as lucrative investment opportunities.

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2 days ago

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8 October 2024

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Earlier, it was reported that four HDB flats at Bidadari’s Alkaff Vista estate recently crossed the S$1 million mark following the completion of their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), signalling the rising demand for homes in the centrally located estate.

These high-value transactions took place between August and September 2024, with the highest being a five-room unit that sold for S$1.2 million last month.

The other three, all four-room flats located at Block 106B and Block 106A, changed hands for prices ranging from S$1.08 million to S$1.17 million.

According to HDB’s website, another unit at Block 105A, a low-floor flat, was sold for S$937,500.

Property Agents Flood Estate, Prompting Residents to Put Up Signs to Ward Them Off

In a report by Shin Min Daily News, several residents have complained about being inundated by property agents.

Some residents have reported daily visits from agents, prompting them to put up signs requesting that agents refrain from knocking on their doors, as they have no intention of selling.

At least 200 residents have reportedly placed “Do Not Disturb” signs outside their homes to ward off these unsolicited visits.

According to residents, agents typically knock on doors during weekday evenings, but since the signs were posted, many agents have taken the hint and now leave brochures instead.

Alkaff Vista is a Build-to-Order (BTO) project consisting of four blocks, was initially launched between 2015 and 2016.

Prices for four-room flats ranged from S$433,000 to S$682,000 during that period, depending on factors such as floor level and location, according to PropertyNets.SG.

Social Media Users Fear Rising Housing Costs May Impact Future Generations

Public reaction to these million-dollar flat sales has been mixed, with many expressing concerns on social media about the rising costs of public housing.

Some worry that the trend of million-dollar flats making headlines could make it more difficult for future generations to afford homes.

One comment recalled that the government had previously stated only about 2% of transactions would exceed S$1 million.

He expressed concern for future generations, stating that even with grants, they may still need to pay more than S$500,000 for a new flat.

He questioned how Singaporeans can increase the birth rate while also ensuring sufficient retirement savings.

The comment referred to a recent statement from HDB asserting that public housing in Singapore remains affordable and attainable for citizens.

It noted that million-dollar flats made up only 2 percent of total resale transactions in the past 1½ years.

HDB also pointed out that these high-value flats primarily consist of maisonettes, executive apartments, jumbo flats, and five-room units with desirable features, such as prime locations.

Netizens Voice Concerns Over Speculative Trends in HDB Resale Market

A netizen even questioned whether the current HDB resale market has “become a lottery”, with some hoping to secure en bloc or BTO units in high-demand areas. “This island is one big casino!” he remarked.

Another echoed this sentiment, noting that those who pay over S$1 million for an HDB flat are often individuals who have sold their landed properties and downsized to single-storey flats for retirement, freeing up cash in the process.

Another netizen pointed out that some view properties in mature estates as profitable investment opportunities.

The comment suggesting that buyers are rushing to purchase properties there, hoping to cash in once they are eligible to sell after the five-year mark, potentially earning a fortune for the first owner.

He suggested that if the government sells flats to citizens who no longer need them, it should take the flats back at a reasonable price and resell them to those in need.

He emphasised that these flats should not be placed on the open market, as they must adhere to HDB regulations, noting that HDB properties are not private assets to begin with.

A comment expressed frustration and concern over the government’s allowance of high-value HDB flat sales, which they believe contradicts the purpose of subsidised housing meant for poor and middle-income citizens.

He highlighted perceived loopholes in the system, as rising prices make it difficult for some citizens to afford homes, even with CPF (Central Provident Fund) assistance.

One netizen propose implementing an income ceiling for resale flat buyers and recalling subsidies for those who profit from selling their flats.

The comment also expresses dissatisfaction with the current Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), suggesting that it is ineffective in curbing speculative trends.

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SMRT cleans ‘spotty’ train flooring after Lim Tean’s public complaint

SMRT addressed concerns about train flooring in a Facebook post, sharing photos of workers cleaning the fourth-generation C151A trains. The operator noted that this cleaning has been completed on most trains in the C151A fleet. Netizens pointed out the timing, as the cleaning followed a complaint from Peoples Voice chief Lim Tean about “speckled” flooring observed while riding the East-West Line.

Published

3 days ago

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7 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: Last Friday (4 Oct), SMRT addressed concerns regarding the flooring in some of its trains through a Facebook post, explaining that the surfaces may appear “dull and spotty” due to dirt accumulation trapped within the sealant.

The train operator outlined the steps being taken to restore the flooring to a cleaner condition.

Accompanying the post were photos showing SMRT workers cleaning the fourth-generation C151A trains.

After the initial cleaning is done, workers will then apply a fresh layer of sealant on the floor.

The cleaning process involves two steps: first, scrubbing away the trapped dirt, followed by the application of a fresh layer of sealant.

SMRT also noted that this process has been completed on most trains in the C151A fleet.

While many netizens expressed appreciation for SMRT’s efforts to enhance the appearance of train floors, some suggested extending cleaning maintenance to various stations.

One user pointed out the presence of thick dust and grime, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Orchard, Dhoby Ghaut, Little India, and Farrer Park.

The discussion also referenced a recent Facebook post by Lim Tean, the leader of the Peoples Voice (PV), who first raised the concern about the train floors.

On 1 October, Lim shared an image taken while riding the East-West Line, highlighting the “speckled flooring” he claims is a common sight.

“Doesn’t this look like a train in a third-world country? Has SMRT gone Bohemian, thinking that the trains they operate should exhibit a ‘natural wear and tear’ look, in line with their philosophy of not over-maintaining?” he questioned.

Lim further critiqued the privatisation of public services, alleging that corporate shareholders reap generous returns year after year at the expense of everyday commuters.

Lim’s post has since attracted over 220 shares, sparking further conversation about the state of public transportation in Singapore.

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