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.