Chee Soon Juan: You cannot solve the anxieties of younger Singaporeans simply by giving them more money

During Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s recent National Day Rally, opposition politician Chee Soon Juan was unsatisfied with the speech. He criticized the event, saying it was tone-deaf and won the Nobel Prize for it. While he acknowledged Singapore’s decision to provide S$70,000 in direct financial assistance to each child, Chee argued that the real issue is the type of society future generations will grow up in.

For him, it’s not about throwing money at problems, but about creating a healthier and more sustainable Singapore.

One concern Chee raised was the Maju Forest, a mature ecosystem in danger of being turned into housing. He noted that the forest serves as a "space to breathe" in a highly urbanized society, and questioned why Prime Minister Wong didn’t mention it in his speech. Dr Chee also expressed worries about Singapore’s high population density and the upcoming population increase.

He pondered if development is being carried out intelligently and sustainably, emphasizing that clearing a mature forest can’t be simply replaced with a few saplings and claimed it will improve temperatures.

Mental health was another area of concern for Chee. He pointed out that green spaces are essential for psychological well-being and that mental health should be about creating an environment where people can thrive, not simply treating the symptoms. Instead of relying on increased financial aid, Chee suggested appealing to people’s reason and education, rather than just using money to solve problems.

He urged Wong to listen to the people and consider the long-term impact of Singapore’s development, warning against destroying the things that make life worth living.