Augustine Low

214 posts

Don’t expect the PAP to change their playbook

In his recent opinion piece, Augustine Low criticizes the People’s Action Party (PAP) for sticking to their old playbook and failing to bring about change and reinvention. Despite all the talk of change, the PAP cannot bring itself to ditch the playbook that it has relied on for decades. Low argues that the PAP preys on insecurity, vulnerability, and division, and promulgates the idea that it is indispensable to a glorious one-party system. Low highlights Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s speech in which he outlined various “storms” that Singapore faces, calling it out of sorts messaging. PM Lee called on Singaporeans to stay united as one people, which really meant to unite as one behind the PAP. The Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stuck to the playbook as well, warning that the PAP might not win the next election and taking a potshot at the opposition. Low argues that those who still hope for change from the PAP are hoping in vain. The onus is on the people to change, and as long as they keep giving the PAP their parliamentary supermajority, the PAP sees no need to change. Low believes that it is time for the people to take responsibility and change the status quo.

False priorities and false courage will lead us nowhere

The opinion piece by Augustine Low questions the government’s priorities and their ability to bring about meaningful change in Singapore. Low highlights the case of Parti Liyani, Liew Mun Leong, and Karl Liew as a reflection of the deep-seated stratification in Singaporean society. While the government has been talking about combating stratification, improving social safety nets, and shaping a new social compact for years, Low argues that little has been done to address these issues.

The sameness of cabinet ministers cut from the same cloth, straight from the same assembly line

Augustine Low, a Singaporean commentator, discusses in his latest op-ed how the “degree of training” that Singapore’s leaders go through before moving up the ranks sets them apart from leaders of other countries. However, he points out that to get the full story, we have to ask what purpose this training serves and to what end. According to Low, there is a sameness about the ministers in the cabinet, making it difficult to tell one minister apart from another. They are all cut from the same cloth, straight from the same assembly line, making conformity and groupthink their trademark.

Political elites are out of touch with ordinary Singaporeans

The irony of how the harder Singapore politicians try to show they know the needs and worries of ordinary people, the more apparent it is that they have become out of touch with realities on the ground.

Leong Mun Wai gets to sharpen his debating skills while PAP MPs get to sit and watch

Opinion: Leong Mun Wai gets to sharpen his debating skills in Parliament with Ministers taking shots at him while Members of Parliament of the ruling party sit at the back to watch.

The idea that money buys success and its ripple effect on our society

Opinion: The formula for success for a nation is not as simple as paying the world’s highest salaries, and you attract the best, the brightest, the most talented to run the country.

Drifting sideways, sliding backwards, has the country turned directionless?

Singapore faces a sense of directionlessness as it grapples with political issues, leadership uncertainty, and inequality, writes Augustine Low. The nation’s once-promised rainbow of hope appears increasingly elusive, with short-term solutions to long-term problems becoming more prevalent.

New citizens will never let the PAP down

Augustine Low writes that Singapore’s new citizens, who receive numerous benefits and privileges, owe their allegiance to the country. As new citizens are likely to back the ruling People’s Action Party, the low fertility rate gives the party an excuse and an opportunity to welcome more new citizens each year.

Is Lawrence Wong destined to wait in vain like Heng Swee Keat?

An opinion piece discusses the uncertainty surrounding Lawrence Wong’s potential appointment as Singapore’s Prime Minister, and the lack of clarity on Lee Hsien Loong’s retirement plans. The author questions whether Wong will follow in the footsteps of Heng Swee Keat, who was also a PM-in-waiting but eventually stepped down from the role, and suggests that Lee may delay his retirement once again.

Why turn the Lee family saga into the Singapore saga?

by Augustine Low When the Lee family saga first erupted, Singaporeans saw…