Politics
PM Lee criticizes opposition’s point-scoring debates in parliament during PAP convention speech
During the 2023 PAP convention, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong admonished opposition parties for prioritizing political point-scoring over substantive parliamentary debate.
PM Lee’s comments echo his 2006 General Election speech, where he expressed concerns about the distractions caused by a sizable opposition presence, saying he had to spend all his time considering how to counter them and secure his supporters’ loyalty.
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At the People’s Action Party (PAP) awards and convention in 2023, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced his plan to hand over the reins of leadership to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Concurrently, he tasked the PAP with robustly countering the opposition’s attempts to “undermine the government” in the lead-up to the next General Election (GE).
PM Lee indicated that the forthcoming GE is slated to align with the party’s transition to its ‘4G’ leadership team, tentatively set around the PAP’s 70th anniversary on November 21, 2024.
In his speech, PM Lee brought to light the PAP’s challenges in retaining its dominance given the shifting public sentiment towards greater political diversity. He stated, “We also need to counter opposition moves to undermine the government, show them up when they are less than upfront, and defeat their tactics to create doubt and sow confusion,” signaling a mandate to bolster the party’s rapport with the electorate.
PM Lee acknowledged the changing expectations of Singaporeans, many of whom are keen to hear more alternative voices in parliament, despite “the majority overwhelmingly agree[ing]” that the PAP should remain in power. “In fact, even the opposition parties think so,” he added.
PM Lee noted a peculiar political dilemma: “I think it is fair to say that the PAP faces a political quandary which is unique in the world – an overwhelming majority of voters want us to form the government. In fact, they expect the PAP to form the government. But among those who want us to form the government, quite a significant number also want our opponents to do better.”
He reflected on the PAP’s electoral track record over 14 elections, cautioning that “Over the years we have lost some seats, but even till now the PAP has maintained a dominant position. But with each successive election, the PAP’s task has become tougher.”
Despite setbacks, such as the loss of Aljunied GRC to the Workers’ Party in 2011 and Sengkang GRC in 2020, where former Ministers were unseated, the PAP continues to hold a supermajority in Parliament, enabling smooth constitutional amendments.
PM Lee reproached the opposition for instigating political scuffles that derail productive debate. He also warned against the perils of political polarization, reminiscent of the strife in countries with seasoned democracies.
With the entry of more opposition MPs, parliamentary debates have become more frequent. PM Lee remarked, “While constructive and responsible political debate is good and necessary, not infrequently it becomes a political brawl,” where opposition parties vie for political points.
He cautioned that if parliamentary skirmishes overshadow national issues, it could lead to unresolved problems and societal division.
PM Lee stated, “Society may well become divided, Singapore and Singaporeans will suffer. And therefore I say, having more opposition MPs doesn’t necessarily make for better government.”
PM Lee’s comments mirror his 2006 GE speech, where he expressed concerns about the distraction caused by a sizable opposition presence. PM Lee then said in his campaign rally at Raffles Place, “Right now we have Low Thia Khiang, Chiam See Tong and Steve Chia. We can deal with them. Suppose you had 10, 15, 20 Opposition members in Parliament. Instead of spending my time thinking what is the right policy for Singapore, I’m going to spend all my time thinking what’s the right way to fix them, to buy my supporters votes, how can I solve this week’s problem and forget about next year’s challenges?”
Throughout his address, PM Lee stressed the imperative of strong, consistent leadership for Singapore’s continued progress, declaring, “Today’s Singapore could not have been built by a weak government hanging on to power by a slim majority, or with the governing party and policies chopping and changing after each election.”
PM Lee’s announcement of a leadership transition before November 2024 suggests that the upcoming General Election will likely be scheduled for next year, ahead of the November 2025 deadline.
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Is-warranted case so long already… no updates?. I almost forgot
I believed that important thing is for the public to be updated over the case of alleged corruption committed by the former transport minister since it seemed to be quite serious.
Crazy and evil PAP basturd LHL is a born liar, don’t believe his lies.
LHL: “Instead of spending my time thinking what is the right policy for Singapore, I’m going to spend all my time thinking how to bring in millions more of CECA Trash from India into Singapore.”
Crazy and evil PAP basturd LHL is a born liar, don’t believe his lies.
This crazy and evil PAP basturd LHL has been telling lies for decades. Remember he even said “Sorry” in 2011 elections for bringing in too many foreigners. But that was a BIG LIE and NOTHING CHANGED. He brought in even more millions of CECA Trash from India since then. Then he said that CECA Trash from India create jobs for Singaporeans!!! BIGGEST LIE EVER!!!
LHL has been screwing and backstabbing Singaporeans for the last 15 years!!!
Healthy debate? PAP?
What is the point of the question?
Need small space for sex?
Need 52 years to compile the figures?
Cotton comes from sheep?
Come from lousy school.
Fucking populist.
You tell me about healthy debate!!!!
The “people” only choose you because all the other options have been prosecuted, jailed and made bankrupt. The ruling government has also done a great job burying all the unsavoury news involving them and their cronies since the 1980s (Not too difficult to do on a small island).
But the thing about the truth is that it is eternal. It will be there for people to see, be it tomorrow, next year or a hundred years from now. No regime, no matter what political or ideological inclinations it might follow, lasts forever.
How can one stomach all these Millionaire’s lies throughout the hegemonic term of political manipulation and assassination of the average SGpns livelihoods culminating NOW a CRISIS of EPIC proportion of SKY HIGH costs of Living, likely COSTS of Dying too.
This is THE CRUX which WAS BLATANTLY evaded.
We want solutions not price increases…
Why MPs are paid full time salaries and work Part time?
Cmon, how can “proper” political debate take place, when the blatantly biased “speaker” shuts down and ends oppositional participation and positions, … just when it’s gettin “hot and bothered” and the “lightning party” looks like it’s about to be “scorched”, … or at the very least, … seared and singled out !!!
Like POOFMA, … only the pap’s propaganda and position, is ever reported and in print, … when it comes to conventions, press conferences, interviews and opinion pieces.
And just like POOFMA, … theirs is always “deemed” the truthful version, and only version !!!
Don’t forget most of not all the 3/4G “white termites” enter into SG’s political arena through the GRCs gentries setup by no one other than our 100 yr old dear leader just to keep out those people who are really interested to serve .Do you think that these white termites are really serious in helping true blue voters overcome the many problems including high COL which they currently face. OnGiven the many bad things that have happened and are persistently happening before the very eyes of all voters, your guess is as good as anyone out there.Let’s see how many… Read more »
So, Singapore Is A Company, Registered On 16th March 2023?
Can Somebody Please Explain What’s Happening?
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/OE028653
DO NOT FORGET. I REMEMBER FOREVER.
Covid-19? Vaccines? BIGGEST LIES, HOW TO FORGET.
https://covid19criticalcare.com/tools-and-guides/covid-vaccine-harm/
LHL: “….Instead of spending my time thinking what is the right policy for Singapore, I’m going to spend all my time thinking what’s the right way to fix them, to buy my supporters votes, how can I solve this week’s problem and forget about next year’s challenges?…” ————— OMG, if the above is really quoted from what Loong had said, then he is really a USELESS leader, as suspected all along. 1) If he is competent and his policies are sound, 10-20 oppies wouldn’t get into parliament. Whose fault then? 2) So he admits fixing the Oppies is his FIRST… Read more »
For the last 20 years with LHL as PM, Singaporeans may seem to be wealthier, but in reality, life has been getting more and more challenging. In the name of enticing MNCs and investors to come set up shop here, you “tricked” Singaporeans into believing FTs are necessary, hence enter into CECA and open the flood gate for many with fictitious educational credentials. In the name of stating land is to be recognised as reserve and hence cannot be sold at below market price, you inevitably push up the prices of BTOs. Very soon $1 million will be the average… Read more »
Having opposition is parliament certainly improve the lives of Singaporeans!
Let make PAP the opposition in Parliament!
AMK GRC voters please kick them out for a better tomorrow for your generation and generations after.
Does he expect opposition parties and opposition supporters to support him?
What have he done to so many capable opposition leaders over the decades of his and his late-father rules?
He wants his PAP to milk us without any threat from Opposition members which is a necessity to provide checks and balances. Even as he is ending his term , he remains a party stalwart and not a Statesman.
Playing dirty (very dirty actually) to secure ultimate control. If play fairer, I think already loss power by now
I believed that Pm Lee has done a good job in handling the affairs of Tan CJ n the important thing is to know if Pm Lee decided to follow Lee KY path to be a senior minister in Lawrence Wong cabinet after he decided to step down.
Go and Die lah.
This Dog
Very good in Taichi
The 60 may not agree .
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/lee-hsien-loong-ministerial-statement-tan-chuan-jin-cheng-li-hui-affair-3671496
Sorry, I Won’t Buy IT.
Family, From The Tiniest Microbes To The Multiverses, Is The Building Blocks For Any Endeavours, Whether Good, Bad Or Ugly.
The Dual Opposing Forces Are Necessary For A Balance Co-existence.
But, Nevermind, Authenticity In Doing Good For Humanity Will Prevails, Soon.
Who can Undermine Voldemort Vampire Loong? Everything is meticulously planned. Bend the Law like anything else … What is the law POFMA?!? Can fine and jail anyone?!?