DPM Lawrence Wong vows transparency amid CPIB probe into PAP minister

DPM Lawrence Wong ensures transparency and accountability as Transport Minister S. Iswaran takes a leave of absence amid a CPIB investigation. Mr. Wong stressed the government’s commitment to stringent standards of integrity and zero tolerance against corruption.

DPM Wong rejects suggestion to implement pricing allocation framework for place of worship onto HDB flats

Deputy Prime Minister Wong dismissed the suggestion of adopting a pricing framework for HDB flats similar to that of Places of Worship. He emphasized the unique nature of these two property types, highlighting the challenges in applying a common valuation approach.

Lawrence Wong appointed Chairman of MAS Board of Directors, replacing Tharman

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, will take on the role of Chairman of the MAS Board of Directors from 8 July. Wong to chair MAS Board, succeeding Tharman Shanmugaratnam after 12 years. Gan Kim Yong appointed Deputy Chairman. Wong also named GIC’s investment strategies committee Chairman.

Adding one extra “leg” to the renewed social compact in Singapore

While not traditionally known for political freedom, Singapore has been experimenting with more consultative governance. Simone Galimberti discusses how the People’s Action Party (PAP) is leveraging these consultations to develop a new social contract, with goals for a fairer, stronger society. However, Galimberti argues that true progress requires not just improved social and economic structures, but also increased personal and political freedoms.

A reality check on equality of professions for Singapore’s new social compact

Leong Sze Hian: Despite Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s aspirational speech on equality of professions for Singapore’s new social compact, the reality remains harsh: 6 out of 8 occupational categories in Singapore’s resident workforce have seen hardly any real wage growth in 21 years.

Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister pitches a new approach to success and skills for the nation’s refreshed social compact

In his speech at the Institute of Policy Studies’ 35th anniversary conference, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong presented a new vision for Singapore’s social compact. He proposed a holistic, inclusive approach to success and societal roles, emphasizing fulfillment and purpose over material wealth. Mr Wong advocated for greater recognition of diverse contributions and a revamped social support system to aid different segments of society. The ideas Mr Wong spoke about echo the key focus of the Forward Singapore initiative, which Mr Wong launched last year, which is set to conclude with a policy recommendation report in mid-2023.

We hear of danger, trouble and storms more than any other citizens

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have recently been emphasizing the challenges and dangers Singapore may face in the near future, issuing warnings about a “troubled and dangerous” world. However, Augustine Low criticizes this consistent painting of a gloomy picture, arguing that the Singaporean government, particularly the People’s Action Party (PAP), has been employing fear to suggest that the citizens are better off under their leadership. Low also points out the leaders’ oscillation between pessimistic views and sudden optimistic statements. He notes that this pattern of rhetoric, which has been ongoing for more than two decades, indicates a lack of fresh ideas and messaging from the government.

A reality check on Lawrence Wong’s claims: Are today’s HDB flats as affordable as those in the 1980s and 1990s?

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s assertion that today’s HDB flats remain as affordable as those in the past seems challenged by historical data and price-to-income ratio analysis. With incomes increasing only about 3.3 times against a 5.8-fold rise in BTO prices, are public housing truly in tandem with incomes as claimed?

No action to be taken by POFMA office despite blogger flagging several falsehoods in DPM Wong’s speech

Despite blogger Phillip Ang flagging several inaccuracies in Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s speech about public housing, the Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) office seems to remain inactive. The office responded that the relevant ministry or ministries are “in the best position” to assess the veracity of a statement, raising questions about the exercise of POFMA powers by ministers.

PAP CEC member led NTUC, bestows Medal of Honour on Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honour by the NTUC at their annual May Day Awards. His contributions towards improving employment and wage conditions, especially for low-income and disadvantaged workers, were praised. NTUC is led by Ng Chee Meng, a former Minister and PAP CEC member who lost at the Seng Kang GRC in the General Election 2020.