The Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, has observed a positive impact on the quality of parliamentary debates due to the increased participation of opposition Members of Parliament (MPs). However, he also expressed reservations about whether the public’s understanding of the issues has indeed improved.
During an interview with the Singapore media, PM Lee discussed the evolving nature of parliamentary debates with a greater presence of opposition voices. He noted that discussions on non-contentious or non-political matters such as accidents or internet scams have resulted in constructive debates, with both the ruling party and opposition contributing valuable ideas.
Nevertheless, PM Lee pointed out that discussions on politically charged topics often devolve into attempts to score political points rather than engaging in constructive dialogue aimed at improving policies. He explained that the opposition has a strong incentive to “score points against the government” during debates, leading to a confrontational and less solution-focused approach to crucial matters.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister cautioned against the consequences of desiring a PAP government with increased opposition presence as a check and balance. He warned that this could potentially weaken the government and hinder the formulation of creative policies, ultimately resulting in fewer benefits for the people.
Looking ahead, PM Lee emphasized that the trend of seeking opposition as a check and balance could have significant long-term repercussions for Singapore’s political system. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the People’s Action Party (PAP) to providing high-quality governance for the country.
Addressing concerns about declining support for the PAP, PM Lee acknowledged the party’s better-than-expected performance in previous elections but admitted that the recent election results fell short of expectations. He underscored the importance of the party’s ongoing efforts to persuade voters and deliver governance that meets the needs of the people.
In contemplating a scenario where the PAP loses power, PM Lee stressed the importance of the people voting for the best team to lead the country, even if it involves voting for the opposition. He acknowledged that a loss of support for the PAP could signal a malfunction in the political system, posing significant challenges for Singapore.
PM Lee’s insights highlight the nuanced dynamics at play as Singapore navigates the evolving landscape of its political system, with the participation of both the ruling party and opposition MPs contributing to an ongoing dialogue aimed at addressing the country’s needs.
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