Browsing Tag

Lawrence Wong

85 posts

Singaporean netizens express lack of confidence in 4G leadership despite PM Lee’s call for support

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called on Singaporeans to give their full support to the country’s new generation of leaders, led by Lawrence Wong, after a tough year dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite PM Lee’s call, many Singaporeans voiced their concerns over the struggles of ordinary people and lack of confidence in the 4G ministers. The ruling party was also criticised for being out of touch with the issues that affect modern Singaporeans, with some calling for voters to elect more opposition MPs.

DPM Wong’s call for concrete opposition policy alternatives met with rebuttals from Leon Perera and Leong Mun Wai

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has criticized Singapore’s opposition, specifically the Workers’ Party, for not providing viable alternatives to raise revenue during a parliamentary debate. Mr Wong acknowledged the opposition’s contribution but highlighted the difference between the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and the opposition in their approach to spending and revenue-raising. WP MP Leon Perera disputed Mr Wong’s assertion, stating that the opposition has been offering alternative policies in Parliament, their manifesto, and beyond. Mr Perera cited policies such as universal healthcare insurance and anti-discrimination legislation as examples. Non-constituency Member of Parliament Leong Mun Wai also addressed Mr Wong’s comments, stating that the Progress Singapore Party has put forward policy proposals to reset Singapore’s housing policy, including the Affordable Homes Scheme and the Millennial Apartments Scheme. Mr. Leong urged the government to robustly challenge these policies but not to dismiss them outright.

Netizens challenged DPM Wong to grant alternative parties access to data to present a “serious alternative agenda”

During a recent parliamentary debate in Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called on opposition party MPs to present a “serious alternative agenda” rather than opportunistic or populist ideas. Mr Wong expressed dissatisfaction with the Workers’ Party’s lack of support for the entire goods and services tax (GST) and the latest increase from 7% to 9%, citing a huge funding gap that none of the alternatives suggested by the WP could make up for. However, Singaporean netizens have challenged DPM Wong and the PAP government to allow alternative parties access to relevant data and statistics, believing that they can propose better solutions for the country. Some netizens expressed skepticism about the PAP’s willingness to consider concrete alternatives proposed by alternative parties’ MPs. There were also comments reminding others that the PAP government has a track record of adopting alternative parties’ ideas, particularly those proposed by the WP.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong calls for refresh of Singapore’s meritocracy

In a speech delivered in Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called for a shift in mindset about schools and grades, stating that Singapore’s concept of meritocracy remains too narrow. He also outlined plans to relook at social support and care for the growing number of seniors in a sustainable way.

Dark side of Singapore’s obsession with economic growth at the expense of its citizens

The opinion piece talks about Singapore’s heavy reliance on foreign workers comes at a cost of high cost of living, and stagnating wages for many Singaporeans, despite the government’s emphasis on economic growth. Six out of eight occupational categories in Singapore have hardly seen any real increase in pay over the last 21 years. More innovative and sustainable approaches should be taken towards economic development that prioritize education, training, entrepreneurship, and social welfare.

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.

Netizens skeptical of DPM Wong’s call for non-politicisation of Singapore civil service

SINGAPORE — Speaking at the administrative service’s appointment and promotion ceremony on…

Former WP NCMP suggests depoliticizing People’s Association and Elections Department in response to DPM Wong’s call for impartial civil servants

Singapore’s Public Service must remain impartial and avoid politicisation, according to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Meanwhile, former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Yee Jenn Jong endorsed Wong’s call and urged the government to depoliticise grassroots associations and the Elections Department, among other actions.

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.

Workers’ Party fight back on mischaracterization of its housing paper by PAP’s Lawrence Wong

During the Budget 2023 debate in Parliament on Friday, Singapore’s Deputy Prime…