The same trick doesn’t work twice: PM Wong’s emotional appeal faces backlash online

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered his first National Day Rally speech on 18 August, marking a significant milestone in his leadership as Singapore’s 4th Prime Minister.

The speech introduced several key initiatives and concluded with an emotional appeal for national unity and resilience.

In his address, PM Wong outlined his vision for Singapore’s future, announcing several major policy initiatives.

These include the introduction of the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme to assist unemployed workers, an expansion of maternity leave to include ten weeks of shared parental leave, and the discontinuation of the Gifted Education Programme (GEP).

He also revealed plans to give singles priority for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats and announced the relocation of the Singapore Sports School to Kallang.

As he concluded his speech, PM Wong spoke passionately about Singapore and its people.

His voice trembled slightly as he emphasized the importance of staying united in the face of challenges, drawing on the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as an example.

“When the going gets tough, we do not back down. We press on, we strive to do better. We stay united and stand by our fellow citizens,” he stated.

“We care for one another, and we help each other along. We move forward together as one united people. That is how we make this little red dot shine ever more brightly.”

PM Wong’s emotional speech faces backlash amid concerns over living costs

Many netizens have criticized the Prime Minister on ST’s social media pages, Facebook, and TikTok.

Some users argued that Singaporean citizens, who are grappling with high living costs and overcrowding, should shed tears.

One commenter questioned why PM Wong was emotional, suggesting that citizens should be the ones crying instead.

Another user sarcastically remarked that while PM Wong might be emotional about pay increases, citizens are struggling with rising costs of essentials like food, water, and electricity.

With another, posting on TikTok, “that time when you jacked up the GST to 9%,this little red dot shone much brighter than ever before…”

Another user, claiming to be an actor, suggested that PM Wong’s display of emotion was merely performative, comparing it to an act meant to evoke sympathy.

The actor questioned what in the speech could have triggered such a reaction unless it involved a personal loss, implying that PM Wong’s tears seemed out of place in the context of his address.

Frustration with PM Wong’s leadership was evident among some netizens.

One user accused him of being a “useless puppet” and a “seat warmer,” arguing that despite his emotional appeal, Singaporeans still face high living costs, rising COE prices, and increased GST.

Another user drew a comparison between PM Wong and the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, emphasizing that Mr Lee always prioritized the people.

They criticized PM Wong for raising the GST to 9% amid high inflation, arguing that this decision showed how disconnected he is from the struggles of ordinary Singaporeans.

The user also noted that while the late Mr Lee was synonymous with the People’s Action Party (PAP), today’s PAP is not the same as the one led by Mr Lee, suggesting a significant departure from his leadership style.

Supporters defend PM Wong’s emotional speech

While some netizens criticized PM Wong’s emotional National Day Rally speech, others defended his display of emotion.

One user argued that PM Wong’s tears demonstrated empathy, countering criticisms by suggesting that the detractors themselves lacked this quality.

Another supporter highlighted the benefits of good governance, pointing out that Singapore’s current state of prosperity is a result of collective efforts by the community and the government.

This user emphasized that respect and appreciation for the country’s leaders are important, even if their policies are not always perfect.

Another user appreciated PM Wong’s background and approach, describing his leadership style as refreshing and less elitist compared to previous leaders.

They noted Wong’s rise from a non-elite background, including his experience with HDB living and his diverse personal and professional journey.

Netizens link PM Wong’s Speech to upcoming general election

Some netizens have connected PM Wong’s recent emotional speech to the upcoming General Election (GE).

One user highlighted the disparity between the wealthy and ordinary Singaporeans, noting that while some people earn millions, many struggle to make ends meet.

They pointed to luxury condos in areas like the CBD, Orchard, and River Valley, where wealthy expatriates live, contrasting this with the sight of Singaporeans working as cleaners, security officers, gardeners, and food delivery riders.

The user urged Singaporeans to recognize these issues before the GE and suggested that unity among voters could lead to a more balanced outcome.

The user proposed that the Workers’ Party (WP) should win all the seats they contest, with the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) also gaining representation in parliament.

Another wrote, “cry one time only.. the only time when election coming.. we the people cry everyday u dont know ah?”

They recommended that the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) remain in power but with a strong opposition presence to hold them accountable.

Another user emphasized that political parties should be judged by their actions rather than their rhetoric.

One wrote, “All problems can be solved if you stop imposing any new taxes, provide sustainable living for Singaporeans.”

They argued that tangible results are a better measure of a party’s effectiveness than merely their public statements.