Netizens criticise PM Wong for blaming opposition while PAP policies exacerbate inflationary pressures

SINGAPORE: Netizens have challenged Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s remarks at the PAP’s biennial party conference, where he asserted that the PAP Government is doing its best to shield citizens from the worst effects of global inflation.

PM Wong also accused opposition parties of exploiting cost-of-living concerns to turn public sentiments against the ruling party.

Many criticised the government for implementing policies, including Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike they believe have exacerbated inflationary pressures, reflecting growing frustration and scepticism towards the government’s narrative.

Some netizens highlighted the importance of having opposition parties in Parliament to challenge PAP policies to hold the government accountable.

Lawrence Wong criticises opposition for exploiting inflation concerns

During the conference on Sunday (24 November), Lawrence Wong, who is poised to become PAP’s secretary-general, addressed Singapore’s cost-of-living concerns.

He outlined the government’s efforts to support citizens while acknowledging the significant impact of global inflation on many countries, including Singapore.

“We feel the pressure in Singapore too. Opposition parties have tried to exploit this issue to turn sentiments against the PAP, even though they themselves do not have good solutions,” the PAP’s deputy sec-gen said.

“We hope Singaporeans understand that these are global inflation trends. They impact all countries.”

To mitigate these challenges, PM Wong highlighted government measures such as the Assurance Package—enhanced in recent Budgets to exceed S$10 billion—and upcoming initiatives like additional CDC vouchers in January 2025.

He assured citizens that Budget 2025 would include further relief measures.

“As a government and a party, we are doing all we can… to help Singaporeans cope with the higher cost of living,” said PM Wong.

He added that PAP constituency branches have implemented local programmes to assist residents, reinforcing the party’s commitment to easing financial burdens.

Netizens criticise PAP’s support for GST hike, blames policies for rising costs

Despite these assurances, comments on social media platforms like The Straits Times’ Facebook page, Reddit, and HardwareZone reflect widespread discontent.

Many netizens pointed to PAP policies—such as GST increases, COE costs, and rising utility rates—as contributing factors to the current inflationary pressures, questioning the government’s accountability and priorities.

The GST was raised by 1% from 7% to 8% on 1st January 2023 and by another 1% to 9% in 2024.

A comment criticised the PAP government for implementing inflationary policies that have led to higher living costs, including increased GST, taxes, and housing costs.

The netizen also highlighted additional financial burdens like the recovery of electricity buffer reserves and rising insurance premiums, which exacerbate the situation.

The netizen argued that Singaporeans are paying high costs similar to Europeans but without the benefits of free healthcare, education, or social security, calling the government’s stance disingenuous.

Netizens called out PAP for shifting the blame to the opposition as the election approaches

Some expressed frustration that the 8% GST is already burdensome for the public, with the opposition’s suggestion to delay the 9% increase being dismissed outright.

Others criticised the ruling party for attempting to shift the blame to the opposition as the election approaches, suggesting that the government is deflecting responsibility for its own policies.

Netizen: Opposition MPs voted against GST hike

A comment on HardwareZone pointed out that while opposition MPs voted against the GST increase in Parliament, no PAP MPs opposed it.

The comment argued that, as a result, the PAP’s decision has created an unfavourable situation for Singaporeans, leading to additional costs on their purchases.

A Redditor argued that the CDC vouchers, along with the GST, disproportionately affect lower-income individuals.

The comment noted that while the GST taxes those who earn a living through labour, the CDC vouchers, in their view, could actually contribute to inflation.

Additionally, the lack of a capital gains tax was highlighted, questioning who truly benefits from these policies.

Netizen criticises PM Wong for using global inflation as a scapegoat for rising costs

A Facebook user argued that attributing the rising cost of living solely to global inflation is an overstatement.

He emphasised that internal policies, such as high taxes on basic necessities like water, electricity, petrol, GST, and COE, are major contributors to inflation in Singapore, and suggesting that global inflation should not be used as a scapegoat for the rising costs.

Netizen highlights importance of opposition in ensuring Government accountability

Another comment reminded that having opposition parties in Parliament is crucial to challenge government policies, ensuring accountability and preventing complacency.