INCONSISTENT TRACK RECORD
In its post, the PAP also highlighted inconsistencies in WP’s track record, particularly in housing policy.
In 2019, the WP had called to slow construction of Build-to-Order (BTO) flats due to a soft resale market, even suggesting a cap of 9,000 new flats annually. However, in 2023, the party urged the government to reduce waiting times for BTO flats.
“Had we accepted the WP’s suggestion, the shortfall during the COVID period, when construction came to a halt, would have been far worse and the waiting times for BTO flats would have got far longer,” the PAP said.
“In some cases, had the government heeded WP’s proposals, the consequences would have been severe,” it added.
SELECTIVE NARRATIVES?
The ruling party also said that the WP had claimed credit for policies that deviated from its initial suggestions.
It pointed out that in 2023, WP chair Sylvia Lim had urged the government to mandate banks to fully reimburse scam victims. Her proposal was rejected by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, who said that it would not be fair or desirable.
In 2024, the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre raised its adjudicating award limit to S$150,000.
“Bizarrely, the WP now claims Ms Lim’s proposal influenced the increase in the adjudicated award limit for financial disputes between consumers and financial institutions,” the PAP said on Saturday.
“Surely it knows mandating banks bear full responsibility is fundamentally different from having an impartial dispute resolution mechanism determining the quantum?”
The PAP said that it welcomes “all constructive ideas – including from the Opposition”, adding that it is “gratified” the WP thinks “so well of our accomplishments”.
