SDP: Next PAP leader & potential S’pore PM Lawrence Wong ‘no different from his colleagues’ in future outlook for country

Opposition Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has released its statement on the newly-endorsed leader of the People’s Action Party (PAP) 4G team, paving the way for him to become the country’s next prime minister. SDP congratulates Mr Lawrence Wong on his selection as the next PAP leader and potential prime minister, said the party.

“However, while the party has finally announced its new leader among the group of younger ministers, it remains worrying for Singapore as we head into the future. This is because Mr Wong appears to be substantively no different from his colleagues in terms of his outlook for our country,” said SDP.

The party noted that decades of groupthink and conformity have made PAP leaders unable to see that Singapore is in dire need of reform of its economic, social and political systems.

SDP highlighted that Mr Wong would likely continue to lead the country without clear direction “if unable to imagine enlightened governance” where one relies on “openness and democracy instead of its archaic practice of intimidation and manipulation.”

“Mr Wong has so far articulated no bold vision for Singapore and looks set to rely on past practices that, while comfortable for him and his party, will keep this nation from achieving its full potential.”

Different person, same story. Therein lies the danger for Singapore, added SDP.

Members from the online community commented on SDP’s statement, agreeing with the party’s points.

“I feel that Singapore is run as a profit-and-loss entity. Do we care about the welfare of our citizens? Main bulk of the citizens have to work until they die,” said Facebook user Kw Yong.

“That day, I came across an auntie in her 60s. She told me this government now is no longer like the 1st gen. 1st gen genuinely care and works for the people, and now past 2 gens are all for money and money, and they did not do a good job as a government. Really sad to hear this however, I have to agree with her,” added netizen Yap Bernard.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong released the announcement on Thursday (April 14), noting that all government MPs in a party caucus had endorsed Mr Wong.

After consulting with ministers, Mr Lee asked former minister Khaw Boon Wan to reach out to government leaders on the decision.

“Mr Khaw met each one of them individually to sound out their personal views in confidence and to facilitate a new consensus on a 4G leader,” said Mr Lee.

“Mr Khaw found that the overwhelming majority of those consulted supported Minister Wong as the leader.” /TISG

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