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.

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.

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.

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.

Christopher de Souza remains Deputy Speaker despite guilty verdict for assisting client to conceal breach of confidentiality order

Singapore’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Christopher de Souza, has been found guilty of professional misconduct by a disciplinary tribunal for not making full and frank disclosure to the court when he was aware that his client had breached a search order. Despite the verdict, de Souza retains his position as Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Workers’ Party rebuts out of context narrative spread by PAP’s social media channels on its 2019 Housing Paper

SINGAPORE — The Workers’ Party has issued a statement on Saturday evening…

PAP gave go-ahead for Tin Peiling’s appointment at Grab without knowing her job scope as Director of Public Affairs and Policy

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s ruling party, the People’s Action Party (PAP), did not…

How is it that the government knows us better than we know ourselves?

by Augustine Low At 42, Jacinda Ardern is stepping down this week…

Peoples Voice says PAP should get rid of POFMA if it is serious about balanced discussions on social media

SINGAPORE — Political party, Peoples Voice (PV) says that People’s Action Party…

PAP to await verdict of appeal by Christopher de Souza before determining course of action

SINGAPORE — People’s Action Party (PAP) will await the verdict by the…