SINGAPORE: Speaking at a rally in Sembawang West SMC at Evergreen Primary School on 26 April 2025, Dr Paul Tambyah, chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), reiterated the party’s firm opposition to any form of foreign interference in Singapore’s elections.
During his speech, Tambyah referenced a recent incident involving Ho Ching, spouse of former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Ho had shared an article by Polish blogger Michael Petraeus, known as ‘Critical Spectator’, which likened Chinese President Xi Jinping to a “mafia boss”.
Tambyah highlighted that the article, written by a foreigner living in Singapore, may influence foreign relations.
He remarked that the issue only gained prominence because it was reposted by “one of the most powerful women in the world,” referring to Ho Ching, whose salary remains undisclosed.
While acknowledging that foreigners are free to express opinions about Singapore, Tambyah emphasised that they should not interfere in the country’s domestic or foreign affairs.
His remarks raised questions about whether Ho’s sharing of the article implied endorsement of its harsh criticisms of Xi Jinping.
By the morning of 23 April, checks revealed that Ho’s repost was no longer accessible on her page. Prior to this, it had attracted over 1,500 comments and been shared more than 400 times, reflecting significant public engagement.
Separately, at a press conference on 26 April, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong responded to a question on foreign interference.
He outlined the government’s general criteria for assessing foreign interference risks but did not specifically address whether entities such as Critical Spectator, which publicly comment on political matters, pose concerns for the upcoming General Election (GE2025).
Call for dismantling of CMIO classification
Tambyah expressed support for ending identity politics in his rally speech.
He strongly advocated for scrapping Singapore’s CMIO (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Others) racial classification system, calling it outdated and exclusionary.
Tambyah pointed out that CMIO was introduced by colonial authorities to divide the population.
He noted that the system marginalises communities such as the Arabs, Armenians, and Jews, who have contributed significantly to Singapore’s history.
He argued that ethnic-based self-help groups perpetuate divisions and lead to resource duplication.
Tambyah urged the government to “walk the talk” by eliminating racial classifications that no longer reflect Singapore’s diverse society, where inter-racial marriages are common.
Tambyah cited Cherian George, Professor of Media Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, who asserted that Singapore’s real fault lines are between rulers and the ruled, rather than between different ethnic or religious groups.
Tambyah observed that these divisions were entrenched during both the colonial and People’s Action Party (PAP) eras.
Criticism of PAP’s stance on minimum wage
Turning to economic issues, Tambyah criticised the PAP for its resistance to implementing a universal minimum wage.
He countered remarks by Siow, a PAP candidate for Chua Chu Kang GRC, who claimed that calls for a minimum wage of S$2,250 were more political than practical.
Siow had argued that the PAP’s Progressive Wage Model, targeting specific sectors, was more effective.
Separately, Gan Siow Huang, PAP candidate for Marymount, dismissed alternative parties’ minimum wage proposals as simplistic and impractical.
Tambyah defends the living wage approach
In response, Tambyah questioned why the PAP preferred complex solutions over straightforward guarantees.
He asserted that a universal living wage ensures basic necessities for families, supports fair competition with foreigners, and protects migrant workers from exploitation.
Tambyah cited the example of a bus company offering starting salaries of S$5,000, which drew over 1,300 Singaporean applicants for 20 to 30 positions.
This, he said, disproves the stereotype that Singaporeans are unwilling to work but highlights the demand for fair wages.
Tambyah noted that fears about mass unemployment due to minimum wage policies were unfounded, given that the PAP’s Progressive Wage Model functions similarly to a minimum wage without causing economic collapse.
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