Opposition is here to stay but PAP govt must hold its own, win votes for S'pore to keep doing well : SM Lee at Serangoon National Day Dinner

While opposition is here to stay in Singapore's politics, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the People's Action Party (PAP) government must continue to hold its own, win votes, and secure seats in elections for Singapore to keep on doing well.

Speaking at Serangoon National Day Dinner on Jul. 26, SM Lee acknowledged that the number of opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) has grown, as has the sentiment for opposition, which he deems as "natural" and "understandable".

However, beyond a certain point, he warned that it would become harder for the PAP to form a team, govern Singapore effectively, and it would become more challenging to garner support for policies needed for Singapore to work and progress.

"And when that happens, the quality of the government will go down... We will become more unhappy with the government.

You can elect more opposition MPs to check the government, to bold it to work better, but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction."

The right balance

SM Lee called for the right balance between having stronger alternative voices versus supporting and electing an effective government.

He said that Singaporeans are used to and expect a government that would deliver high standards and good results; one that also would make "the tough but necessary decisions to secure our long-term future."

SM Lee said that the general election results showed that Singaporeans understand the need for collective wits, resolve and unity to secure our future. The uncertainties faced by Singapore in May, when the general election was held, remained.

"Now three months later, all those question marks remain, and they have not grown smaller, they have grown bigger. We have gotten a bit more used to

the uncertainties and the trouble, but the troubles are still there, and they are affecting us and will continue growing. So in this world more than ever, we will need our collective wits, our resolve, our unity, in order to secure our future, our safety and success.

So I was very happy and relieved that during the general election, Singaporeans understood this and gave the PAP government a clear mandate, and once again put your trust in us, and showed that Singaporeans understood [what] was stake."

With the general elections over, SM Lee assured that the PAP government will continue to take care of all citizens, regardless of the constituency they live in or the party they voted for.

While Serangoon Gardens is now a part of Aljunied GRC, SM Lee shared that Serangoon Gardens used to be a part of his area, Ang Mo Kio GRC, and he always thought of Serangoon residents as his old friends.

He also acknowledged that the grassroots advisors and grassroots leaders in Serangoon and Aljunied do not have an easy job, as they are unable to help in the same way other grassroots advisors and grassroots leaders would in a PAP-held ward.

Still, he reassured residents that they will always do their best.

"This is an exceptional country, Singapore. There is no other country like this — where the government and Singaporeans have enjoyed strong trust and partnership with each other for more than 60 years," he noted.

Top photo via MDDI