SINGAPORE: Netizens have challenged Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s recent remarks, in which he urged Singaporeans to stay united and support a capable government to ensure the country’s continued success.
Some mocked whether SM Lee was calling for unity by rallying support for the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) ahead of the upcoming election.
While he highlighted various handouts and vouchers announced by Prime Miniter Lawrence Wong in the 2025 Budget, netizens argued that a reliance on vouchers is an unsustainable approach to addressing pressing issues on the ground.
They stressed the need for a lean and effective government with prudent spending, while prioritising welfare and reducing the cost of living.
SM Lee urges unity, says Govt has long-term plans to navigate global uncertainties
In 22 February, during a speech at the Teck Ghee Education Merit Awards at Townsville Primary School, SM Lee claimed that Singapore is well-prepared to navigate global uncertainties, assuring that there is no need for fear as the government has been planning for such challenges “for a very long time.”
“We have good plans which will enable us to move forward with confidence − plans for this year to come ahead, and plans for many years beyond this year, and stretching beyond.”
However, he stressed that the government cannot achieve this alone and urged Singaporeans to stay united and rally behind it.
Lee acknowledged the evolving international landscape, pointing to the new US administration and its “fundamentally different view of the world,” which has led to dramatic policy shifts with significant global repercussions.
“It has made dramatic policy changes, which have major consequences for the US and for other countries too,” he said, citing its approach towards defence, Ukraine, China and tariffs.
While the government cannot predict precisely how these developments will unfold or affect Singapore, he emphasised the need for vigilance.
He pointed out to Budget 2025 announced by PM Wong last week, which includes a S$143.1 billion spending plan featuring increased CDC vouchers, tax rebates, and financial aid for families, seniors, and lower-income households.
He further shared that in the budget, Singapore is investing in workforce upskilling through the expanded SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme and allocating S$5 billion for coastal and flood protection.
To drive economic growth, the government is funding AI, quantum computing, and infrastructure projects like Changi Terminal 5 while exploring clean energy options, including nuclear power.
Budget 2025 aims to support all Singaporeans, with more benefits for lower-income families and extended initiatives like CDC and Climate Vouchers to private property owners.
The Climate Vouchers and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme have also been expanded to benefit more citizens.
In celebration of SG60, every adult will receive SG60 vouchers ranging from S$600 to S$800, with seniors receiving a higher amount.
SM Lee emphasised that collective effort is essential for all Singaporeans to share in the nation’s progress.
Netizens question SM Lee’s call for unity ahead of upcoming election
Observing comments on CNA’s Facebook page, some mocked whether SM Lee was urging Singaporeans to ‘stay united’ by supporting the ruling party and voting for the incumbent ahead of upcoming election, which must be held by November this year.
Others questioned if the government had genuinely improved citizens’ lives over the past decade, highlighting the rising cost of living and increasing retrenchments affecting locals while foreigners retained jobs.
Some express intent to “move forward with more opposition” in Parliament
Some FB users expressed support for having more opposition to prevent policies from being easily pushed through.
They believe a stronger opposition is necessary to challenge the government for the people’s benefit.
Instead of short-term vouchers, they called for lower living costs, reduced taxes, lower ministerial salaries, and cutting unnecessary government expenditures.
‘No need for excessive persuasion if PAP had truly improved lives’
One netizen suggested that if the PAP government had genuinely improved Singaporeans’ lives, there would be no need for excessive persuasion or campaigning to secure votes.
“That’s why Lamborghini have no commercials. Same theory if you party has been adding value to people’s life and they can feel that you can lead them to a bright and promising future, naturally you will be voted in. ”
Another comment expressed concerns that if the PAP maintains a two-thirds majority for two more terms, future generations may struggle to find opportunities in Singapore and be forced to work overseas as labourers or domestic workers due to the rapid influx of foreigners.
The comment urged the 60% who consistently vote for the PAP to reconsider their choices, arguing that the current leadership differs from Lee Kuan Yew’s era.
Govt should prioritise long-term support over short-term relief like CDC vouchers
While SM Lee boasting several handouts and couchers announced by PM Wong in 2025 Budget speech, some voiced concern over policies of vouchers-denpendancy, criticising giving out vouhcers is not sustainable to address pressing issues on the ground,
A comment speculated that the wealthy individuals will support the PAP as rising housing and COE prices do not significantly affect them, while lower- and middle-income groups struggle with economic pressures.
The comment pointed out that the government, as a major landlord, has considerable influence over rental conditions and should focus on long-term support rather than temporary solutions like CDC vouchers.
While these vouchers provide short-term relief, they do not address the deeper affordability issues faced by the majority of Singaporeans.
The netizen emphasised the need for policies that promote long-term economic stability rather than maintaining Singapore’s status as one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Calls for lean governance and lower cost of living Without PAP
Some suggested that Singapore can still progress without the PAP, as the country has a capable and efficient Civil Service.
They emphasised the need for a lean and effective government with prudent spending. Prioritising welfare and lowering the cost of living should be the key focus moving forward.
Netizen questions if PAP truly prioritises Singaporeans amid growing wealth gap
A netizen questioned SM Lee’s claim that everyone benefits from the nation’s progress, highlighting the stark contrast between politicians’ high salaries and average Singaporeans struggling with high living costs.
The FB user criticised the government’s reliance on short-term solutions like vouchers instead of implementing long-term policies. The widening gap between the elites and ordinary citizens has led some to doubt whether the PAP genuinely prioritises Singaporeans’ well-being, the user criticised.
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