The political drama between the ruling and the main opposition party continues, this time centering Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s rally speech.
The Workers’ Party has reacted to PAP leader Lee after he gave a speech boasting about the government’s COVID-19 measures while also calling out opposition parties for various things including asserting that they had been “completely silent” on how to tackle COVID-19.
In a series of online posts after yesterday’s rally, WP reiterated the COVID-19-related policy proposals it had already included in its party manifesto.
WP chief Pritam Singh also commented on the rally again to reporters earlier today, saying that it was “a very convenient thing for the Prime Minister to just brush everybody with the same paintbrush.”
Singh then highlighted that the COVID-19 situation was important to his party and that it was even addressed in “chapter one” of its party manifesto.
Eleven parties including the PAP are contesting for 93 Parliament seats in this week’s elections. Singaporeans go to the polls on Friday.
Singh’s response was in addition to online posts WP had put up last night in response to Lee’s rally speech.
Among the seven COVID-19 proposals that the main opposition party had highlighted was setting up an independent medical advisory board to make public and private recommendations to the government’s medical team, as well as to expand the COVID-19 testing regime.
The posts also addressed comments made by the Prime Minister who told voters “not to confuse signals” by voting the opposition if what they really wanted was for the PAP to look after the country. Lee also told voters not to be “taken in” by the opposition just to have more choices.
In response to these, the Workers’ Party emphasized its stand as an independent party and one that would scrutinize the government, including its policies. It also assured voters that the PAP would continue to form the government after the elections.
“The Workers’ Party is independent. We can hold the government accountable without fear or favour, ensuring good governance,” one of its posts read.
In yesterday’s rally, PM Lee had among other things said that the opposition parties are acting like “the crisis did not exist.”
“They show no recognition that we are facing a crisis of our generation. They’ve been completely silent on how to tackle COVID-19 both in the last six months and this election campaign. What contribution will they make to the government? Adding contrast to the conversations they say. If they get elected as MPs. What will happen to Singapore if they form the government?” he said.
Lee then said that opposition parties had “prattle on” about basic minimum wage and universal income, describing them as “peacetime slogans” and not “serious wartime plans.”
He also noted that the world including investors were paying attention to the elections and stressed the need for a stable government to take Singapore through difficult times.
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