Netizens urge media to scrutinise Lawrence Wong’s leadership, not his guitar skills

The online community is bewildered by Singapore’s pro-establishment media’s excessive focus on PM-to-be Lawrence Wong’s guitar skills instead of evaluating his leadership abilities amidst global challenges and uncertainty.

While acknowledging respect for Deputy Prime Minister Wong’s hobby, netizens are urging the media to pose tougher questions to him regarding policies and solutions for pressing issues faced by Singaporeans, such as the cost of living, job insecurities, rising HDB resale prices, and economic downturns.

On 15 April, Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office officially announced Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s decision to step down, with DPM Wong slated to succeed him on 15 May 2024.

After the announcement, mainstream media (MSM) in Singapore commenced extensive coverage of DPM Wong’s background, encompassing his childhood, his political career, and notably, his guitar hobby also garnered the attention of the MSM.

For instance, CNA previously reported on DPM Wong’s video where he answered questions about his passion for playing the guitar as part of International Guitar Month.

Recently, DPM Wong was featured in Mothership’s music program ‘Making.wavs’ interviews, engaging in discussions with three emerging Singaporean musicians, Sherman Zhuo, Shazza, and Josh Makazo, regarding their love for music.

During the interview, DPM Wong, who also serves as Finance Minister, shared his journey of teaching himself chords and notes to songs; despite the challenging process, he found joy in learning and transcribing songs by ear.

He also recounted how, while studying in the U.S., he bonded with his roommate over music, experiencing firsthand the universality of music in bridging cultural gaps.

Reflecting on Singapore’s evolving music scene, he acknowledged the challenges faced by local musicians amidst a small and fragmented market.

“Hopefully, we will be able to inspire and get many more Singaporeans to listen to your music, [and] get many more young people to pursue their aspirations too,” he said.

Focusing on DPM Wong’s musical abilities overshadows leadership and policy priorities

In the comments section on the Mothership’s Facebook page, amidst DPM Wong’s guitar journey revelation, some netizens are expressing confusion.

They note that over two weeks have passed since the 15 April announcement, yet the media is still fixated on stories about DPM Wong’s guitar skills, which were already widely known before his appointment as PM.

A comment pointed out that there has been more than enough coverage of DPM Wong’s guitar skills.

The netizen expressed concern that focusing predominantly on his musical abilities does not do justice to his role as the future PM and emphasized the importance of highlighting aspects of his leadership and policies rather than his hobby.

‘We need a leader, not a busker’

Another comment sarcastically pointed out that while DPM Wong promised to dedicate “every ounce of his energy” to his role as PM, it seems he’s dedicating more ounces to TikTok and guitar.

“We need a leader, not a busker.”

A netizen emphasised the need for a leader who prioritizes the country’s growth and welfare over personal pursuits.

The comment also criticized the focus on feel-good publicity and urged DPM Wong to take his role as PM seriously, comparing it to a life task rather than a “game of cards.”

A netizen raised concerns about the abundance of guitar-related stories about LW, urging for more substantial coverage on his stance regarding global and political issues, including the disparity in job opportunities.

Echoing similar sentiments, another comment expressed disinterest in DPM Wong’s guitar skills, emphasizing the need for solutions to reduce the cost of living and the soaring prices of HDB flats.

Some individuals expressed confusion, questioning why the media is focusing on Mr Wong’s personal hobbies, as he believed that Mr Wong’s private life is not a matter of concern for the average Singaporean.

Bloomberg columnist: Wong’s guitar skills unlikely to aid his premiership duties

In an opinion piece for Bloomberg, columnist Karishma Vaswani cautioned that Singapore is entering uncharted territory following PM Lee’s departure.

She warned that the global landscape Singapore faces could be more precarious than ever before, and emphasized that Mr Wong will need to bring fresh ideas, wisdom, and experience to effectively lead the country.

Vaswani suggested that while Wong is known for being sincere and hardworking, he will need more than that to handle diplomatic challenges effectively.

Interestingly, Vaswani quoted Ian Chong, a non-resident scholar at Carnegie China and a political scientist at the National University of Singapore, who remarks on Wong’s lack of a clear political vision.

“We know the hobbies of the new prime minister, but we don’t know what he has planned for the country.”

“It’s a bit strange that the person taking over, and has had ample time to lay out a path, has yet to do so. Perhaps what that tells is you that no one in the government knows yet,” said Ian Chong.

Ms Vaswani acknowledged Wong’s popularity on social media due to his guitar skills but suggested that such talents are unlikely to prove useful in his new role as prime minister.