Singapore –Opposition party, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) celebrated their first year anniversary on Saturday (March 28) and released a commemorative statement, reminiscing on the path toward a “changed Singapore” and pushing the need for a change in governance.
PSP’s Assistant Secretary-General, Mr Leong Mun Wai, in his commemorative message celebrating the party’s first anniversary looked back to see if “they did enough (for the country) given a chance.
“When Dr Tan Cheng Bock started an alternative party to the ruling PAP (People’s Action Party) exactly one year ago, many Singaporeans saw a new glimmer of hope,” said Mr Leong. Now, the party has over 1,000 members.
Singapore is a changed country today
“Beneath the veneer of prosperity, many Singaporeans face a myriad of problems in their day-to-day lives,” said Mr Leong.
Problems such as a stagnant wage growth amid a possible increase in population, the difficulty for low-wage workers to jump to a higher wage bracket or the increasing concern for personal pursuits while forgetting about the plight of fellow countrymen were mentioned in the statement, leading to a call for change.
“While progress should come with happiness, it should also include transparency, independence and accountability,” said Mr Leong. “Over the years, it is observed that these three fundamental values of good governance have been compromised.”
He mentioned a few examples of compromises such as the constitutional changes on the 2016 Presidential Elections, the 2018 leakage of private health information and the frequent MRT system breakdowns since 2011 despite increasing Government expenditures.
“For transparency, (the) Government can look to justify the spending by way of public disclosure of the details of such expensive projects.”
The PSP is also calling for more accountability by increasing the number of alternative voices in Parliament. “Right now, the PAP has a majority in Parliament with 93% of the seats. This gives the Government the power to change the Constitution at will.”
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with walkabouts and ground campaigns placed on hold and the public urged to stay home and practice social responsibility, “we may be asked to participate in the General Elections,” noted Mr Leong. “While the expectations is for PAP to win another big landslide if elections are called in the near future, you have the final say.”
Attached in the PSP’s statement is a video, entitled “Building the Dream – A Year in Review” which highlights their journey, thus far.
https://www.facebook.com/progresssingaporepartyofficial/videos/220145232397225/?v=220145232397225