When Dr Tan Cheng Bock founded the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) in 2019, it ignited the local political scene abuzz. For here is a former MP from the ruling Party doing an about-turn, jumping ship to join the opposition. His words, “I worry because I see the foundations of good governance eroding”, held gravitas. In…
The Government must review its budget policies to help Singaporeans while continuing to save for future generations, declared Non-constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Leong Mun Wai in parliament on Wednesday (7 Feb). Letting the motion sink in, Mr Leong looked smug. It was as if he had just broken the fourth wall in his theatre…
On 22 November 2023, a debate unfolded in parliament between PAP and opposition MPs over proposed constitutional changes for the President of Singapore. This debate revealed much about the Opposition and their desire to advance their own agenda over that of our national interest. Indeed, these changes are a stride toward empowering the President to…
On 18 October 2023, the Workers’ Party (“WP”) issued a media statement on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. That statement makes Israel the target for criticism and contempt – it accuses Israel of disproportionate action, disregarding international law and norms and engaging in collective punishment of innocent civilians. Leaving aside the accuracy of…
When news about the billion-dollar money laundering bust first broke, speculation was rife about how such a large sum of dirty money could have gone unnoticed for so long. Singapore is a washing machine, used to launder ill-gotten gains. Singapore caved to foreign powers! Then came the assertions that our authorities had swept these criminal…
Be Transparent about Transparency 1. What does it mean to be “transparent”? This is a question that requires our urgent attention following accusations by Mr. Pritam Singh, Leader of the Opposition and Secretary-General of the Worker’s Party, that the government has been “less than upfront and forthright with Singaporeans”. 2. It is difficult to establish…
1. Mr. Pritam Singh, the Leader of the Opposition, accused the government in Parliament today (2 August 2023) of “either been slow to clear the air or been less than upfront and forthright with Singaporeans when it had to deal with potentially embarrassing issues”. He gave three examples that allegedly support his accusation. This serious…
Politics exists to provide good leadership, safeguard the national interest, foster unity and cohesion, and formulate a common vision for a brighter future. In the cut-and-thrust of politics, however, it can be easy to lose sight of this fundamental purpose of politics. First, transparency and integrity are basic tenets we expect and even require of…
Singapore’s reputation for integrity is more than a badge of honor; it’s the lifeblood of our nation, a beacon that has drawn respect and investment from around the globe. Ranked fifth in an international anti-corruption index, we stand as a shining example for other Asian countries. But now, that reputation is under attack, not from…
We saw PM deliver a Ministerial Statement this afternoon in relation to the CPIB investigations involving S. Iswaran and the resignations of former Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and MP Cheng Li Hui. As expected, Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh rose to obfuscate matters and said the PAP government is less than transparent and hypocritical in…