Deflecting and diverting instead of fixing system and policies

In this opinion piece, Augustine Low criticizes ministers for deflecting responsibility and avoiding solutions to pressing issues like high cost of living and housing affordability. Low calls out the ministers’ statements on rising incomes as insufficient explanations for these problems and urges the government to focus on addressing the concerns of the living instead of prioritizing “people not yet born.”

Singapore to plant 10,000 trees to commemorate Lee Kuan Yew’s 100th birthday

Singapore plans to plant 10,000 trees to commemorate the 100th birthday of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The initiative, part of the LKY100 series, aims to honor Lee’s values and ideals that shaped the nation.

Kenneth Jeyaretnam slams PAP’s “fake solidarity” in May Day speech

Reform Party Secretary-General, Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam launched a scathing critique of Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and its leaders, particularly Mr Lawrence Wong, accusing them of feigning concern for ordinary Singaporeans while undermining their interests. In a passionate opinion piece, Jeyaretnam highlighted income disparities, questioned housing arrangements, allegations of nepotism, and called out the lack of transparency. Urging citizens to scrutinize the PAP’s claims of unity, Jeyaretnam emphasized the need to examine Singapore’s reserves and question who truly benefits from their management.

Can’t afford to match the competition but can afford the world’s most expensive cabinet

DPM Lawrence Wong recently admitted Singapore cannot outbid the “big boys” for investments, emphasizing the need for ingenuity and innovation. However, with the world’s most expensive cabinet, one would expect Singapore to outperform the competition. Instead, Singaporeans see misplaced priorities such as raising GST amid high inflation and reviewing sky-high political salaries. Low argues that It’s time for these highly-paid leaders to focus on the right challenges.

Price of 4-room HDB flats in new town sold at $27,000 and not $40,000 in 1980

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed public housing concerns at the May Day Rally 2023, claiming that new HDB flats are more affordable now than in 1980. However, historical data reveals a different story, suggesting that new flats were more affordable in the past. The Workers’ Party argues that the focus should be on first-time buyers’ median income, rather than national median income.

DPM Wong promises to have people’s back, but netizens skeptical of PAP’s capability to deliver on promise

At the May Day Rally in Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the importance of tripartism, lifelong learning, and the People’s Action Party (PAP)-National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) partnership for the nation’s competitiveness. However, many netizens expressed skepticism about the ruling party’s promises, citing past broken promises and concerns about the rising cost of living, housing prices, and GST. Some also questioned the government’s strategy for transitioning away from cheap foreign labor.

DPM Wong’s remark on BTO flat prices “moving in tandem” with income draws backlash from netizens

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed housing affordability concerns in Singapore, insisting that public housing remains accessible and affordable. He cited the rise in median household incomes in tandem with BTO flat prices and available housing grants. However, netizens criticized Mr Wong’s remarks as disconnected from reality, pointing to the high inflation and struggling families unable to meet housing and living expenses.

They promise us the moon and the stars but what we see going up and up are GST, COE, BTO, S&CC and plenty more

In an opinion piece by Augustine Low, the author critiques Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s recent May Day speech, comparing it to an election rally speech. Low points out the numerous pledges and promises made but also highlights a list of concerns left unaddressed, such as cost increases in various aspects of life in Singapore. The author asserts that more people are growing fearful and struggling to cope with these cost increases, and they can’t rely on promises of sunshine and rainbows alone.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally Speech: An Election Campaign Prelude?

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally speech highlighted Singapore’s economic challenges amid global uncertainties, stressing the need for economic transformation, lifelong learning, and the importance of the PAP-NTUC partnership. Amid growing election speculation, his speech resembled an election campaign address, focusing on key issues such as housing affordability and the well-being of Singaporean workers.

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.