My father, Lee Kuan Yew, was the founder of Singapore. He guided the nation through its first 31 years with a firm hand as prime minister, pioneering a system of government that some have called benevolent autocracy.
His People’s Action Party monopolized political power and denied the people some basic freedoms. Under my father, it was also dedicated to ensuring shared prosperity, clean government and high-quality public services such as affordable housing. Singapore became a spectacular success, an oasis of stability, prosperity and efficiency.
Today that luster is tarnishing.
The party, which has governed uninterrupted since 1959, is no longer living up to its obligations to the people. At the same time, it is becoming more authoritarian, introducing oppressive laws in recent years. Singapore is still an autocracy but no longer the benevolent one my father envisioned.
Link here to article.
In 2011 PM Lee Hsien Loong promised that the PAP would engage in "soul-searching" and "analyse results, improve ourselves and serve you better." What did the soul search find?
Link here to Facebook post.
Is the PAP of today exceptional, with unmatched competence and delivery? Afterall, that is their justification for the highest salaries in the world. Let’s look at its more recent track record.
Link here to Facebook post.
The PAP argues yet again for a “strong mandate”, this time invoking the tariff bogey-man. Is a Parliament full of PAP MPs really better for Singaporeans? A 2024 Financial Times article describes how in-depth research reveals that whether a government is weak or strong, left or right, does not seem to matter much for the economy. Markets seem to sense decay as leaders become stale over time. The wide-ranging research shows that the one political fact that matters is fresh faces and that incumbency is adverse for the economy, with longer incumbency accentuating that adverse effect.
Link here to Facebook post.
Over the years, Singapore’s Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) has become increasingly partisan, unrepresentative and unfair. PSP’s Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai moved a motion on 7 August that the Government review the process by which electoral boundaries are determined in order to increase transparency and fairness.
Link here to Facebook post.
A company closely linked to the Singapore government has been involved repeatedly in corruption scandals in Singapore and overseas over many years. The largest scandal involved the payment of $55 million in bribes. Nonetheless, Singapore has decided not to prosecute or hold those involved to account.
Link here to article on The FCPA Blog.
In a few weeks’ time, GST will go up. The PAP government will raise GST by 14.3% (from 7% to 8%) with another similar rise a year later, making a total increase of 28.6%. No matter the compelling and reasoned economic arguments against this rise, no matter the appeals for compassion and the pleas to delay.
Link here to Facebook post
It is way past time for Singapore to involve young people in democracy, political participation and their own future. Singapore is one of only seven countries in the world where voters have to be 21 or older.
Link here to Facebook post
Fundamental policy changes which are transparent and equitable on public housing has become critical. The future cannot be a lottery at the whim of the government.
Link here to Facebook post
The front page of The Straits Times 25 Oct 1986 contained very serious allegations involving Lucien Wong, now the Attorney General.
Link here to Facebook post and TOC's article.
These last few weeks, I have walked the ground and many of you have welcomed me into your homes with much warmth and shared your stories. In the streets and hawker centres, there have been good wishes and encouragement. Thank you. Please know that your support means the world to me.
Link here to Facebook post.
Singaporeans have shown that it is possible to be loyal, to love Singapore, to recite with pride “We the citizens of Singapore”, and to vote for the Opposition.
Link here to Facebook post.
Was the government putting the economy ahead of people's lives?
This video is from a PSP webinar on Facebook.
Voting for the opposition is the safest choice for Singapore. It is not ‘rocking the boat’ but saving our boat from sinking.
Link here to Facebook post.
"Lee Hsien Yang explains why he’s chosen to speak out now against the system his father helped create; whether he is a voice for the people or has a hidden agenda; and whether there’s a chance of the siblings reconciling." Link here.
This election year, Singapore is seeing a surge of credible and capable alternative candidates.
Link here to Facebook post.
“I have chosen not to stand for political office because I believe Singapore does not need another Lee.”
“I do not seek power, prestige or financial rewards of political office. I hope to be a catalyst for change.”
Link here to Video.
You may not be interested in politics, but politics is interested in you.
Link here to Facebook post. and this.
Many Singaporeans feel they are running a rat race in a maze designed by the government, which decides who to dispense rewards to.
Link here to video and text on Facebook.
It is possible to be loyal Singaporeans. To be proud of what has been accomplished in the past, to recite with pride “we the citizens of Singapore”. To love Singapore, and yet to not vote PAP.
Link here to video.
What Singapore needs right now is a singular, all-consuming focus to take every necessary measure to beat Covid-19.
An election during Covid-19 could cause cases to spiral faster.
Links here to: Facebook post, Malay Mail Online article and Oriental Daily article in mandarin.