Singapore’s future depends on strong governance and national unity, says SM Lee amid election year

Singapore’s continued survival and prosperity in a rapidly changing world depends on maintaining a capable and trusted Government and a united citizenry, said former Prime Minister and current Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 8 February. Speaking at a Chinese New Year dinner at Teck Ghee Community Club amid public concerns over cost of living and housing, SM Lee outlined the Government’s plans to address immediate challenges and secure long-term growth ahead of the general election, which must be held by November 2025.

Two pillars of Singapore’s success: governance and unity

SM Lee stressed that Singapore’s ability to thrive in an uncertain global environment relies on two fundamental factors: a competent and stable Government and a cohesive, supportive population. “We need a strong and competent Government that anticipates challenges, earns your trust, and makes good decisions. And we need to stay united as one people who understand the challenges we face and work closely with the Government to achieve our dreams,” he said. Highlighting Singapore’s stability over the past 60 years, SM Lee contrasted this with other nations where frequent political turnover leads to unstable policies and lost opportunities. “We’ve avoided the political churn where governments fail to deliver, and policies keep chopping and changing,” he remarked, attributing Singapore’s consistent progress to long-term governance and public trust. He also celebrated Singapore’s multicultural unity, acknowledging the importance of shared festivals like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya in strengthening social cohesion.

Economic achievements and future challenges

SM Lee pointed to key achievements in 2024, including a 4% economic growth rate and a smooth leadership transition. According to SM Lee, inflation has eased, bringing some relief to households, while the Housing Board (HDB) is on track to launch 100,000 Build-To-Order flats by 2025 under the new Standard, Plus, and Prime framework aimed at keeping housing affordable and accessible. However, he cautioned that the path forward is fraught with uncertainty due to global tensions. SM Lee cited strained US-China relations, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and a new US administration’s transactional approach to international relations. “The US is no longer prepared to underwrite the global order, and this makes the international environment far less predictable,” he said, warning that Singapore must remain adaptable to external shocks.

Addressing immediate concerns: cost of living and housing

Acknowledging public concerns over rising costs, SM Lee highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts to ease financial pressures. In his Malay and Mandarin remarks, he detailed various assistance measures, including CDC vouchers, GST vouchers, and U-Save rebates. In January, households received $300 in CDC vouchers on top of earlier support provided in 2023. “There is more help to come in the upcoming Budget,” he promised. On housing, he assured residents that the Government is committed to tackling affordability. He referenced the Central Trio BTO project in Teck Ghee, noting that it is part of the enhanced housing policy under the Plus framework, which provides greater subsidies to eligible buyers. SM Lee also noted that HDB has cleared its Covid-19 construction backlog, enabling more young couples to secure homes sooner.

Long-term investments and infrastructure development

Beyond immediate issues, SM Lee outlined major investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and workforce development. Projects such as Changi Airport Terminal 5 and the Tuas Megaport will boost Singapore’s global connectivity. New transport links, including the Thomson-East Coast Line and the Cross Island Line, aim to improve accessibility and convenience for residents. He acknowledged temporary inconveniences caused by construction but emphasised the long-term benefits. “These projects will make Singapore more liveable, and your patience will be rewarded,” he said, urging residents to bear with the disruptions. On environmental sustainability, SM Lee highlighted the Long Island reclamation project, which will protect Singapore from rising sea levels while creating new development opportunities. Green initiatives, including the installation of solar panels on HDB rooftops, will reduce energy costs and ease the burden of rising service and conservancy charges for residents.

Strengthening the social fabric

SM Lee also underscored the importance of addressing inequality and fostering social mobility through programmes like ComLink+ and the Fresh Start Housing Scheme. He introduced SGShare, a national giving initiative linked to Singapore’s 60th year of independence, aimed at boosting volunteerism and community engagement. “We are building a Singapore where every citizen belongs, where everyone will have every opportunity to succeed, no matter their starting point,” he said.

Mixed public response

Despite the speech’s focus on governance, unity, and social programmes, public reaction remains divided. Comments on CNA, The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao reflect frustrations over rising costs and perceptions of declining leadership effectiveness. Some commenters criticised what they saw as repeated rhetoric. “All these speeches about unity and strength feel like recycled rhetoric. People want real solutions, not reminders of past achievements,” said one commenter. Others questioned leadership credibility, pointing to ongoing controversies such as the Iswaran case, which has raised concerns about accountability in governance. Some users compared the current leadership unfavourably with the late Lee Kuan Yew, with one remarking, “We need a Government with competence and vision—qualities we had under LKY but seem to lack today.” Calls for greater opposition representation and political change were common among those dissatisfied. However, there were also voices supporting continuity, with one commenter arguing that the People’s Action Party (PAP) remains Singapore’s best option for navigating future challenges.