More balanced Parliament will not result in more divided S'pore: WP's Pritam Singh

Workers' Party secretary-general Pritam Singh responded to Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s rebuttal, in which Lee called Singh’s point — that losing key ministers would not weaken the People’s Action Party (PAP) — a “ridiculous argument”.

At a doorstop on Apr. 29 with PAP's Aljunied GRC candidates, SM Lee emphasised the importance of strong government leadership, noting that some play "more critical" or “complementary roles.”

"If it doesn't matter who is in the team, then there should be no difficulty making a good government with anybody. You don't need to assemble a strong group of [people]," said SM Lee.

Later on, at a doorstop in WP-held Hougang SMC on the same day, Singh was asked about SM Lee’s remarks.

He responded that he “expected” SM Lee to make such comments.

"He wants to stump for all his candidates. And I respect that. I understand that, but if Singaporeans do that, we won't have a balanced parliament."

Singh noted that while not even one-third of Parliament is contested by the opposition, the Workers’ Party has put forward a slate of “very strong individuals.”

He reiterated that this is the strongest team the party has ever presented.

"And I think these people will represent their constituents and voters faithfully in Parliament, and I urge Singaporeans to vote in favour of a more balanced political system."

Ready to take on more responsibility

Singh was also asked for his thoughts on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s remarks at the PAP’s lunchtime rally, where Wong said the opposition wanted “more seats but not more responsibility.”

In response, Singh said he welcomed the opportunity for greater responsibility.

“You can have us on committees. We can make our contribution,” he said.

He cited 1959 as an example, when all parties collaborated on designing Singapore’s state flag.

“So there’s nothing stopping the government from reaching out, and we help with that. Because if we want to work in the interest of all Singaporeans, then that is one way to do it.”

Need to work together

PM Wong had also commented during the lunchtime rally that a weakened mandate for the PAP would make it "harder to advance Singapore's interests", adding:

"But with a clear mandate from you, my team and I can speak up for Singapore confidently. And we will do our utmost to ensure this little red dot continues to shine brightly, even in a troubled world."

In response, Singh said: "I think that reflects a very unsatisfactory appreciation or assessment of Singaporeans."

"I believe, when you have a diversity of views in Parliament, as long as we are rowing in the same direction, this red dot will continue to be a bright, shining red dot."

Singh added that he has spoken to many people who support the PAP, who are "quite conscious" of the idea that Singaporeans need to work together, especially when there is "trouble."

“A more balanced parliament will not result in a more divided Singapore," he said.

Top photos by Khine Zin Htet/Mothership