Opposition leader Pritam Singh echoes PM Wong's call for unity following US tariffs on S'pore

A "trade-exposed nation" like Singapore will have to remain "nimble and fleet-footed", Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, who is also the chief of Workers' Party, said in a Facebook post on Apr. 5 in reaction to trade tariffs imposed by the United States (U.S.).

He agreed with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's call for a united population in the face of significant uncertainties.

Prior to this, PM Wong addressed the implications of the tariffs on Singapore in a Facebook video on Apr. 4.

A united population

Expanding on his point, Singh said a united population requires Singaporeans, regardless of our differences, to "row in the same direction, more so as we enter another strait of uncharted waters".

A Parliament that represents all Singaporeans is also a reflection of a united society, he added.

"Unity in diversity, regardless of race or religion, is Singapore’s best response to an unknown future," he said.

Singh underscored that this is precisely why the WP has "long called for rational and responsible opposition politics" in Singapore.

"That call continues to evolve with the importance of a loyal opposition — one that is loyal to Singapore," he wrote.

He noted that change and unpredictability are "an ever-present reality" for nations heavily reliant on trade.

As Singapore faces a new chapter in its history, Singh reaffirmed that the WP is ready to "step up and do right" by Singapore, together with all Singaporeans.

U.S. tariffs

The United States President Donald Trump announced a slew of tariffs on its trading partners on Apr. 2.

Cambodia was hit with a 49 per cent tariff, Myanmar 44 per cent, Vietnam 46 per cent tariff, Thailand 36 per cent, Malaysia and Brunei both struck with 24 per cent, and the Philippines 17 per cent.

Singapore was hit with a 10 per cent tariff.

Singapore and the U.S. have a free-trade agreement in place, intended to eliminate customs duties on imports from either country, but this appears superseded by the Trump tariffs.

Trade between the two countries reached US$89.2 billion (S$131 billion) in 2024.

While the tariff's direct impact on Singapore may be "limited" for now, as it is placed in the lowest base tier, PM Wong warned that the U.S. approach would bring wider and more profound consequences.

"If other countries adopt the same approach as the U.S — abandoning the WTO, and trading only on their preferred terms, country by country — it will spell trouble for all nations, especially small ones like Singapore.

We risk being squeezed out, marginalised, and left behind."

Nevertheless, PM Wong expressed his confidence in Singapore in navigating the "harsh reality" of the world today:

"We will stay vigilant. We will build up our capabilities. We will strengthen our network of partnerships with like-minded countries. We are more ready than many other countries, with our reserves, our cohesion, and our resolve."

How did other S'pore leaders respond to Trump's tariffs?

Top photos from Pritam Singh/Facebook and MDDI/YouTube