WP’s position seems to shift with the ‘political winds’, PAP must take the wider view: PM Wong
He raised two examples: housing and foreign manpower.
The Workers' Party has frequently altered its stances on policies, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who highlighted this inconsistency during the PAP's biennial conference at Singapore Expo on October 25. Wong emphasized that the opposition party's positions often shift based on current concerns and perceived public appeal, rather than a holistic, long-term strategy. He pointed to housing and foreign manpower as examples where the WP's stance oscillated over time.
In the case of housing, the WP initially advocated for fewer new flats in 2019, only to criticize the government for insufficient housing supply later, when construction was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The party's position remains inconsistent even as the situation stabilizes, as it continues to call for more new flats while preserving green spaces. Wong stressed that every decision, such as selecting sites for redevelopment, involves trade-offs that must be carefully weighed.
Regarding foreign manpower, Wong noted the WP's earlier advocacy for greater flexibility in foreign worker policies, which shifted later as the party faced debates over population projections and manpower shortages. The party's position on foreign manpower policy cannot simply fluctuate with momentary pressures, as the consequences of such changes are far-reaching. Wong argued that the PAP, as the governing party, must consider these broader implications and make long-term decisions.
Wong also cautioned against populism, urging the PAP to avoid simplistic solutions and confront difficult realities. He warned that a fragmented political landscape could erode trust in institutions and hinder consensus-building, making it increasingly challenging to address Singapore’s core concerns, such as livelihoods and the future of future generations. Wong concluded by stating that the PAP must take responsibility for its decisions and not avoid contentious issues due to their unpopularity.
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