Leong Mun Wai: PSP has no intention of downplaying US tariffs, will 'always put country ahead of party'

PSP's Leong Mun Wai put up a post on Apr. 9 after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's speech in Parliament on the impact of U.S. tariffs on Singapore and around the world.

In it, Leong said he welcomed the PM's "reassuring message" to Singaporeans.

"The Progress Singapore Party welcomes the Prime Minister’s reassuring message to Singaporeans in Parliament today - “do not fear”(the tariffs)."

At the conclusion of his speech, PM Wong said: "So Mr Speaker, I say to this House and to fellow Singaporeans – do not fear.

Now, more than ever, we will stay resolute and united."

Leong said this is the same message PSP would like to send to Singaporeans.

He went on to say that PSP have no intention of downplaying the tariffs, calling them a "game-changer" that potentially signifies the end of the "post-war system of free trade and globalisation".

Leong also noted that this same system had "underpinned Singapore’s prosperity for decades".

He said PSP would continue to represent Singaporeans' concerns on these issues, but noted that Singapore had a "good track record" of overcoming challenges.

"But as a nation, we have a good track record of overcoming challenges like the oil crises, Asian Currency Crisis, SARS and Covid. We are confident that we will be able to find our way forward to adapt to a new era of deglobalisation and protectionism."

He went on to say that since Singapore is a "far larger economy" and more "diverse society" than before, the approach to deal with adversity would be to have a "free contestation of ideas", rather than groupthink, in the face of this "new world order".

Leong further he hoped Singapore would be able to secure a deal with the U.S. moving forward.

"Many countries have reportedly already approached the US to seek a deal. We should take this opportunity to secure a new trade deal with President Trump and work with the US to address their concerns, which may include making adjustments to internal policies or making strategic investments in the US.

At this key inflection point that could either take Singapore forward as a key economic powerhouse in the region or sideline us as a global trading hub, we hope the Government will be able to secure the best deal for Singapore, for the sake of all Singaporeans."

He ended off by reiterating PSP's stance on foreign policy:

"On foreign policy, PSP has always supported the national interest. We will not do anything that will compromise the Government's ability to protect Singapore's interests abroad, and we will always put country ahead of party even as we challenge the PAP on its policy ideas. That remains our commitment to Singapore and Singaporeans during this uncertain time."

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Image from Leong's Facebook