Singapore
Singapore 2024 Review: Major lapses and disruptions undermine public confidence in PAP 4G leadership
In 2024, Singaporeans witnessed significant lapses and disruptions across various sectors, sparking criticism of the ruling People’s Action Party and raising concerns about the effectiveness of its 4G leadership.
With pressing issues such as the cost of living, housing affordability, and job security, new leader Lawrence Wong faces substantial challenges as the General Election approaches.

As Singapore concludes 2024 and prepares for the looming General Election, which must be held by November 2025, the city-state stands at a pivotal crossroads.
This year has been marked by significant challenges, with the government grappling with lapses and disruptions across various sectors. These issues have drawn strong public criticism and heightened scrutiny of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), undermining confidence in the capabilities of its 4G leadership.
Amid widespread concerns over rising costs of living, housing affordability, and job security, Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister on 15 May, faces mounting pressure to address these pressing issues.
His leadership in the coming months will be critical as he seeks to restore public trust in the PAP and reinforce the party’s position in Parliament. Meanwhile, alternative parties are ramping up grassroots efforts and exploring alliances to challenge the PAP’s dominance in the next election.
In light of these developments, we reflect on some of the key events that defined 2024 in Singapore. From political shifts to societal challenges and major disruptions, these moments have left a lasting impact on the nation.
If there are other significant events we’ve missed, we welcome you to share them in the comments section, helping us capture a more comprehensive view of this transformative year.
Transport Minister Issues Apology after Facing Backlash in SimplyGo Saga
On 9 January 2024, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) abruptly announced plans to transition to SimplyGo and phase out the older public transport payment cards, replacing the Card-Based Ticketing (CBT) system.
However, following the announcement, the LTA faced significant backlash, with numerous commuters expressing dissatisfaction and questioning the necessity of the transition.
Just two weeks later, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced the cancellation of the original plan, admitting that the LTA had underestimated commuters’ preferences.
In a separate statement in Parliament, he revealed that the government would need to spend S$40 million (US$30 million) on new hardware and system maintenance to extend the lifespan of the adult EZ-Link card system, ensuring it remains operational until at least 2030.
Singaporean Authorities Probe Individuals Showing Solidarity with Palestine Amid Gaza Conflict
In 2024, Singaporean authorities charged or investigated individuals expressing solidarity with Palestine amid the Gaza conflict, including three women accused of organising an unpermitted pro-Palestinian procession on 2 February.
The event, involving around 70 participants carrying umbrellas painted with watermelon designs symbolising the Palestinian flag, included a march from Plaza Singapura to the Istana to deliver letters to then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
In April, police investigated an incident where a banner was displayed at Gardens by the Bay calling for an end to Singapore’s arms trade with Israel. The protesters stated their actions were in solidarity with a global economic blockade across 50 cities to challenge global indifference to human rights abuses.
Critics accused the government of prioritising investigations over addressing public concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
In February 2024, the Ministry of Education faced criticism from parents over its portrayal of the Gaza conflict in the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum, with concerns about historical accuracy and teaching restrictions.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing later announced tailored lessons for different age groups but declined to release lesson slides, emphasising the importance of face-to-face teaching for nuanced discussions.
Govt Defends ERP 2.0 Bulky Design, Citing ‘Necessary Trade Off’
The new On-Board Unit (OBU) for the ERP 2.0 system faced public backlash due to its bulky design and inconvenient placement under the dashboard, making it difficult for motorists to insert and remove their CashCards.
In response, the LTA announced several updates, including the ability for motorists to leave their CEPAS card in the OBU while driving and parking, and a new feature to deactivate the card for parking payments.
During the 8 May Parliamentary session, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat defended the bulky design of the new OBU, explaining that temperature concerns in car interiors, particularly lower temperatures in footwells, influenced the decision.
He acknowledged that offering more installation options could complicate the process and increase workshop time but stressed that the trade-off was necessary for providing vehicle owners with greater flexibility. Minister Chee emphasised that this approach avoided a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
Lawrence Wong Succeeds Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister and PAP Secretary-General
On 15 May, Lawrence Wong was sworn in as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister, marking the country’s first leadership transition in two decades.
At 51 years old, he succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, who remains in the Cabinet as Senior Minister.
Wong’s leadership was solidified by his pivotal role in co-chairing Singapore’s COVID-19 task force, but his tenure faces challenges, including regaining public trust after policy lapses and rising living costs.
In response, Wong introduced various measures in the “Election Budget” in February to support struggling households.
Later, during his first National Day Rally speech, he announced policies such as the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme and a 10-week Shared Parental Leave. However, these reforms faced criticism for lacking the substantive depth required to address Singapore’s pressing challenges.
On 4 December, Wong was appointed Secretary-General of the PAP as part of the party’s leadership transition, with Lee reaffirming his confidence in Wong’s leadership at the PAP’s 70th-anniversary convention.
Lacklustre Response to 14 June Pasir Panjang Oil Spill Raises Serious Concerns
On 14 June, an oil spill at Pasir Panjang Terminal raised serious concerns over Singapore’s response effectiveness.
The collision between the Netherlands-flagged dredger Vox Maxima and the Singapore-flagged bunker vessel Marine Honour resulted in a 400-tonne fuel leak.
Questions were raised as to why the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) did not immediately deploy containment booms from its patrol vessel while waiting for contractors’ vessels.
Despite being notified of the incident at 2:22 PM, MPA’s first patrol craft arrived at the site just 11 minutes later, but the containment booms weren’t deployed until nearly 15 hours later, at 5:15 AM on 15 June.
During the 2 July Parliamentary sitting, Minister Chee explained that the lightweight booms on MPA’s patrol vessel were unsuitable for the incident, and T&T Salvage needed additional time to mobilize the necessary heavy equipment.
This contrasts with the 2020 reveal of the MPA’s next-generation patrol craft, a S$12.2 million project, which boasted efficient deployment of water booms and spraying systems during an oil spill response.
The environmental impact of the 14 June oil spill was extensive, with oil washing up along various beaches, including Sentosa Island, East Coast Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. The cleaning operation took two months to complete.
Workers’ Party town councillors settle long-running lawsuits with AHTC and SKTC
In July, Workers’ Party town councillors settled their long-standing legal battles with Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) and Sengkang Town Council (SKTC).
The disputes centered on the alleged misuse of S$33.7 million paid to FM Solutions & Services Pte Ltd and FM Solutions & Integrated Services.
The lawsuits implicated prominent Workers’ Party figures, including Ms Sylvia Lim, Mr Low Thia Khiang, and Mr Pritam Singh.
Following mediation at the Singapore International Mediation Centre, a settlement was reached on a drop hands basis, meaning both parties will drop their claims for damages and costs.
The legal saga began in 2017 with accusations of financial mismanagement by the Workers’ Party-run town councils. Despite being held liable for damages in 2019, the town councillors largely succeeded in their appeal, with AHTC and SKTC ordered to pay approximately S$388,800 in costs and disbursements for the appeals.
The Court of Appeal ruled that the town councillors and employees did not owe fiduciary duties to AHTC or SKTC and had acted in good faith when awarding the contracts. This settlement marks the end of a prolonged legal battle, allowing the Workers’ Party to focus on serving their constituencies.
Team Singapore Shines with Historic Wins at 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics
Singapore’s athletes achieved groundbreaking success at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, marking a historic year for the nation.
A 23-strong contingent represented the Republic at the Olympics from 26 July 26 to 11 August, with Maximilian Maeder making history by winning a medal in kitefoiling, Singapore’s first-ever Olympic medal in the sport.
The achievements continued at the Paralympics from 28 August to 8 September, where Singapore’s 10 athletes secured the country’s best-ever performance, earning two gold medals and one silver.
Yip Pin Xiu made history by winning her third consecutive gold in the 100m backstroke S2, cementing her legacy as Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian.
Jeralyn Tan also etched her name in history, claiming Singapore’s first-ever Paralympic boccia medal, a silver in the women’s individual BC1 final.
On 16 October, the Singapore Parliament passed a motion to celebrate the success of Team Singapore, acknowledging their hard work and dedication in bringing pride to the nation on the global stage.
Former Transport Minister Iswaran Sentenced to 12 Months’ Imprisonment
On 3 October, former Transport Minister Iswaran was sentenced to 12 months in jail after pleading guilty to accepting valuable gifts from businessmen, including Ong Beng Seng and David Lum, while in public office.
Iswaran faced four amended charges under Section 165 of Singapore’s Penal Code and one charge for obstructing justice.
The charges were reduced from corruption to lesser offences following amendments by the prosecution, leading to a non-trial of the former PAP minister, who had previously stated that he would defend himself in court.
The court found that his actions compromised the integrity of public office, particularly as his benefactors had business interests connected to his ministerial role.
During a parliamentary session on 14 October, Workers’ Party Chairperson Sylvia Lim raised concerns over the reduction of charges, questioning the handling of the case, while Minister Chan emphasised the legal process and the importance of maintaining public trust.
Six-Day East-West Line Disruption Affects 2.6 Million Passengers
Despite the government’s defense of the fare hike, citing the need to align fares with rising operating costs and ensure the reliability of the public transport system, a major breakdown occurred on the East-West Line (EWL) on the morning of 25 September.
The disruption lasted six days, affecting over 2.6 million passengers and marking one of the worst incidents in Singapore’s MRT system in its 37-year history.
Authorities identified a defective axle box as the cause of the derailment, which severely damaged 2.55km of tracks and critical equipment, leading to a widespread service shutdown.
Further stress tests revealed additional fractures in the rail, delaying service restoration and raising concerns over SMRT’s maintenance practices.
In response, on 2 October, LTA announced an investigation into the disruption, appointing an Expert Advisory Panel (EAP) to review the findings and offer technical recommendations.
Dr Lee Wei Ling, Daughter of Lee Kuan Yew, Passes Away at 69
Dr Lee Wei Ling, daughter of Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew (LKY), passed away on 9 October at the age of 69 at the family home on 38 Oxley Road.
A neurologist, she had been battling progressive supranuclear palsy since 2020, which affected her health and movement.
Dr Lee Wei Ling and her brother Lee Hsien Yang (LHY) strongly supported their father’s wish for his home to be demolished, while their elder brother, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, disagreed, leading to a public rift within the family.
In her final message, Dr Lee reiterated: “Lee Kuan Yew had directed each of his three children to ensure that their parents’ wish for demolition be fulfilled. He had also appealed directly to the people of Singapore. Please honour my father by honouring his wish for his home to be demolished.”
Dr Lee’s funeral took place on 12 October, attended by close family and friends.
Lee Hsien Yang granted political refugee status by the United Kingdom
LHY, on 22 October, announced that he had been granted asylum in the United Kingdom under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
LHY pointed to ongoing politically motivated legal actions against his family, mentioning the 2017 public dispute with his brother and the Singaporean government’s subsequent actions.
His wife, Lee Suet Fern, was suspended from practising law over allegations related to the handling of LKY’s last will, and his son, Li Shengwu, was fined for contempt of court.
LHY highlighted that these legal matters made him unable to attend his sister’s funeral due to concerns about his safety.
He was made to pay S$619,335.53 to Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan after losing a defamation suit over his Facebook post about their rental of Ridout Road properties. LHY stated the payment was necessary to protect his family home at 38 Oxley Road.
While Singaporean authorities insist he is free to return, LHY expressed fears of arrest or passport impoundment. He remains a Singapore citizen but hopes to return when it is safe.
Lee Wei Ling’s Will Affirms Parents’ Demolition Wish for 38 Oxley Road as Probate is Granted
LHY announced on 12 December that probate had been granted for Dr Lee Wei Ling’s will, reaffirming their parents’ wish to demolish 38 Oxley Road after her passing.
The probate court validated the will, appointing LHY and his sons, Li Shengwu and Li Huanwu, as executors. The will includes a clause urging the executors to publicise LKY and Kwa Geok Choo’s wish for demolition.
On 21 October, LHY formally applied to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to demolish the property, which was the home of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister.
The property’s future remains contentious, as it reflects tensions between honouring LKY’s explicit directives against turning it into a monument and preserving its historical significance.
While public sentiment largely supports demolition, the ruling PAP has argued for preservation, citing the house’s heritage value.
Allianz Abandons NTUC Income Acquisition Amid Criticism and Government Intervention
On 17 July, German insurer Allianz announced a S$2.2 billion plan to acquire a 51% stake in Singapore’s Income Insurance Ltd, aiming to elevate its position as Asia’s fourth-largest composite insurer, up from ninth.
However, the proposal faced strong public opposition in Singapore, with critics raising concerns that it would undermine Income Insurance’s social mission of providing affordable coverage, especially for lower-income groups.
The deal was ultimately halted on 16 October 2024, following Parliament’s swift passage of an urgent bill within three days to block the transaction.
On 14 October, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong revealed in Parliament that the agreement involved a planned S$1.85 billion capital extraction over three years. The government criticised the plan, stating that it prioritised shareholder returns over Income Insurance’s founding principles and contradicted NTUC Income’s commitments made during its 2022 corporatisation.
Allianz officially confirmed the withdrawal of the deal on 16 December.
Pritam Singh Undergone 13 Days Trial Over Alleged False Testimony
The perjury trial of Workers’ Party Secretary-General Pritam Singh concluded on 8 November after 13 days of hearings that began on 14 October.
Singh, 48, faces two charges under the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act, alleging he misled the Committee of Privileges (COP) in December 2021 about his guidance to Raeesah Khan regarding her parliamentary lie.
The charges focus on Singh’s claims that he urged Khan to clarify her falsehood on 8 August 2021 and later directed her to take responsibility if questioned in Parliament on 3 October 2021.
Singh denied instructing Khan to maintain the lie or conceal it indefinitely, asserting that his guidance aimed to give her the time and space to address the matter independently.
The court has adjourned until 17 February 2025, when the verdict will be delivered by Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan.
Government Issued POFMA, Ministers Threaten Legal Action Against Bloomberg and Other Media Over GCB Transactions Report
On 12 December, Bloomberg published a report highlighting the lack of transparency in Singapore’s exclusive Good Class Bungalow (GCB) market, specifically mentioning GCB transactions involving Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng and Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam.
The article disclosed Dr Tan’s purchase of a GCB for S$27.3 million in 2023 and referenced TOC’s September 2024 report on K Shanmugam’s sale of a GCB for S$88 million through a trust, with the ultimate beneficiary remaining undisclosed.
Both ministers later accused the article of being ‘libellous’ and issued threats of legal action against Bloomberg and other media outlets with their lawyer sending legal letters to the media outlets on 19 December.
The Edge Singapore took down its article and apologised to the two ministers, while Bloomberg and TOC kept theirs online. Terry Xu, Chief Editor of TOC, stated that he would not comply with the demands of the two ministers. Meanwhile, Bloomberg has remained silent on the demands and has not issued an apology.
On 23 December, the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) issued Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) correction directions to Bloomberg and other media, stating the article contained falsehoods regarding the transparency of GCB transactions and the identification of beneficial owners.
However, MinLaw did not dispute the accuracy of other key points in Bloomberg’s article, including Dr Tan’s GCB transaction.
Government’s Apology for ACRA’s NRIC Breach Sparks Accountability and Data Protection Concerns
On 12 December, veteran journalist Bertha Henson highlighted concerns over the ease of accessing full NRIC numbers via ACRA’s new Bizfile system.
The issue stemmed from a “miscommunication” between ACRA and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) regarding a July directive to phase out masked NRIC numbers for government services.
ACRA mistakenly applied this to its public-facing portal, enabling access to full NRICs when the system launched on 9 December.
MDDI Minister Josephine Teo explained that the directive aimed to dispel the misconception of NRICs being confidential, as they serve as unique identifiers. However, she acknowledged risks like identity theft and emphasised reducing reliance on NRICs for authentication.
The government’s 19 December apology framed the incident as a coordination lapse but failed to provide clear accountability, leaving many Singaporeans dissatisfied. Critics condemned the explanation as inadequate, questioning why stronger safeguards weren’t in place.
Singapore Ends 2024 with Massive Flooding in Central Singapore
On 29 December, heavy rainfall led to flash floods in Bukit Timah, particularly along Dunearn Road and Bukit Timah Road, near King Albert Park.
The floods subsided by 5.22pm, according to PUB, which noted that the Bukit Timah area is prone to flooding despite ongoing drainage improvements.
The deluge brought 134.6mm of rain within two hours, accounting for 41% of Singapore’s average monthly rainfall for December, and ranking among the top 1% of maximum daily rainfall records since 1978.
Security-Related Events in Singapore
1. Countering Extremist Sermons and Ideologies:
In response to an illegal sermon by Bangladeshi preacher Amir Hamza, the Internal Security Department (ISD) launched engagement sessions to educate migrant workers on the dangers of extremist ideologies.
Despite being flagged as a known terrorist, Amir entered Singapore under a false name and delivered a sermon at a Tuas dormitory.
This incident highlighted gaps in visa processes and border controls, prompting investigations into the organizers and emphasizing the need for stricter oversight of religious events.
2. Surge in Housebreaking Cases Linked to Foreign Syndicates:
A sudden rise in housebreaking incidents, primarily in private residential estates, was traced to foreign syndicates involving Chinese nationals. The Singapore Police Force arrested three suspects and worked with Chinese authorities to locate others who had fled.
The syndicates used sophisticated methods, targeting properties near natural cover, and stole items worth S$3.85 million, of which S$1.36 million was recovered.
The case underlined the need for enhanced surveillance and transnational collaboration to combat organized crime.
3. Multi-Million-Dollar Ponzi Scheme Exposed:
Yang Bin, a former Chinese billionaire, was sentenced to six years in prison for orchestrating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 700 investors of S$6.7 million.
The scheme falsely claimed to own cryptocurrency mining machines in China, offering fixed daily returns.
Yang’s conviction exposed gaps in regulatory oversight and investor protections. His co-conspirators face pending charges, while his sentence included the confiscation of misappropriated funds.
4. Fujian-Origin Money Laundering Syndicate Convicted:
On 26 July, Su Jianfeng, the last of 10 people convicted in the S$3 billion money laundering case, was deported to Cambodia.
The group, apprehended in an islandwide police operation in August 2023, received jail sentences ranging from 13 to 17 months and is now barred from re-entering Singapore.
The case, which concluded in June, involved billions of dollars in assets, including cash, luxury properties, branded goods, cryptocurrency, and alcohol. Approximately S$944 million (US$697 million) in assets linked to the criminals were seized and forfeited to the state.
The high-profile case led to a review of Singapore’s financial regulations. In October 2024, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Anti-Money Laundering announced measures aimed at tightening safeguards within the financial system.
Separately, 15 foreign nationals have surrendered assets worth approximately S$1.85 billion, as revealed by police on 18 November 2024.

-
Politics2 weeks ago
Li Shengwu recounts govt harassment, urges the public to fight instead of relying on others for justice
-
Opinion3 days ago
Shanmugam’s call to avoid politicising Nee Soon’s kickback case exposes hypocrisy given his 2015 attack on WP
-
Politics4 days ago
Shanmugam defends response in kickback scandal at Nee Soon Town Council
-
Singapore4 days ago
SM Lee urges Singaporeans to embrace new citizens for national unity during Chinese New Year speech
-
Opinion2 weeks ago
Contradictions in PM Wong’s claim on BTO pricing and HDB’s policies
-
Opinion1 week ago
Revisiting HDB ownership: Are flat buyers owners or long-term lessees?
-
Opinion2 weeks ago
Li Shengwu’s comments put the spotlight back on Lucien Wong’s controversial appointment
-
Letters1 week ago
An open letter to the PAP: Losing trust and the disconnect with the people