Latest News

PM Lee Says Opposition Parties Mustn’t ‘Disappear’ When Tough Issues Like 377A Surface

PM Lee Urges Opposition Parties To Address Tough Issues Like 377A

PM Lee Hsien Loong has said opposition parties are missing in action when it comes to tackling challenging issues in Singapore.

Speaking at the biennial People’s Action Party (PAP) conference, he noted that much of the opposition tended to “lie low and disappear” when it came to addressing these topics in the country,  such as 377A.

Some of these politicians also tended to target opposing groups and manipulate their emotions, something to which voters must not be susceptible.

PM Lee calls for opposition to address tough issues

During his speech at the conference on 6 Nov, PM Lee noted that the opposition was often “missing in action” regarding spiky issues.

Source: PAP on Facebook

The repeal of 377A was one such topic that the opposition had failed to weigh in on.

Conversely, the government addressed it by conducting assessments, weighing arguments, and working out the right way forward to the best of their judgement.

For instance, ministers Edwin Tong, K Shanmugam and others spent months hearing out different groups of citizens.

They listened carefully, they explained patiently, and they got all sides to accept that on such an issue, everyone has to give and take. No group can get everything it wants.

PM Lee pointed out that the opposition had not yet addressed their stance on 377A.

“Now, where is the opposition on S377A?” he asked, adding that they have not offered any support or criticism of the government’s approach.

“The opposition is missing in action,” PM Lee continued.

 

They have said nothing so far. They refuse even to say whether they have a party position, or if they will lift the whip on MPs when Parliament votes on the amendments, which is going to be done at the end of this month.

Necessary for opposition to be present for governing Singapore

The opposition’s disappearance on spiky issues is due to their tendency to avoid displeasing anyone. However, such parties cannot govern Singapore, PM Lee said.

“Governing Singapore is a serious business,” he added. So too, is acting as the opposition, especially if they are to win more seats in Parliament.

Source: PAP on Facebook

“You can’t lie low and disappear when it suits you,” he noted.

And when the opposition does that, it calls into question their fitness for Parliament, let alone to govern.

However, the biggest “sin” is when politicians and parties stir up resentment for political advantage.

PM Lee stated that several of them often pit residents against foreigners, citizens against permanent residents and other such conflicting groups.

“Sometimes they veer into racist territory,” he said. “They talk about a certain trade agreement, but actually, they are talking about a certain race.”

He added that they are not attempting to obtain information or tackle presiding issues. Instead, they deliberately exacerbate existing tensions to win votes.

Singaporeans, while not naive, may not be immune to such rhetoric. This is especially so during current tough times, with many under pressure.

“We have seen what happens elsewhere when divisive politics hold sway and unscrupulous politicians gain support, sometimes get into government,” he added.

“We have got to get Singaporeans to…  stand with the PAP, prevent divisive politics from taking hold here.”

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from PAP on Facebook.

Sudeshna Dhar

Sudeshna is a lover of all romcoms, especially Gone Girl (2014).

Recent Posts

Underage teen in S’pore buries stillborn in house yard, police digs up bones during investigation

The coroner said this was the first case of its kind he had encountered in…

23 Dec 2024, 7:05 pm

M’sia Airlines grounds new Airbus just days after maiden flight, cites technical issues

The brand-new jet suffered a series of technical issues since its first-ever flight on 19…

23 Dec 2024, 6:17 pm

Family in S’pore finds snake on side view mirror mid-drive, netizens quip ‘Snake Year is coming’

The Paradise Tree Snake may have misjudged its landing and ended up on the car.

23 Dec 2024, 4:48 pm

69-year-old man dies after fight with 71-year-old neighbour over bumping into each other

The 69-year-old was reportedly upset over his neighbour's refusal to apologise.

23 Dec 2024, 4:33 pm

Bloomberg issued POFMA order over S’pore GCB transactions article, Govt addresses ‘falsehoods’

False claims include that GCB transactions occur without government checks on beneficial owners' identities.

23 Dec 2024, 3:35 pm

Woman set on fire aboard New York subway train, suspect allegedly watches her burn

The suspect casually watched as the woman became consumed by flames.

23 Dec 2024, 3:14 pm