NEED FOR UNITY AND “STABLE POLITICS”
Singapore’s response will involve addressing “the political issue, which is we unite as one Singapore team, working closely with the government”, said Mr Lee.
The senior minister said a strong, effective government was needed to take care of Singapore, and for the country to be strong internationally.
“When you say on foreign policy, Singapore must speak with one voice, I think everybody will agree. Even the opposition agrees,” he said.
“But the opposition go one further. They say well, overseas, we stand together. Domestically, let’s challenge. Now that is a problem.”
Mr Lee said that countries assess whether they can “make a deal” with other countries: “Will you still be here in five years time? Will your policy still be here in five years time? Can I do business with you?”
Other countries can come to the view that “this (prime minister) makes very good speeches, but actually, there’s a lot of political problems at home”.
“When you meet them, you’ll be received with the courtesies, but I think you’re not carrying the same weight, and you will not be able to defend and advance Singapore’s interest in the state,” he said.
“On the other hand, if they know you are on top of your situation at home; if they know you have strong support, good support, they know you are in touch with your population and you have got your domestic issues well under control – then they take you seriously.”
Mr Lee said “stable politics, good politics” was a big factor in Singapore being seen as a “safe haven”.
“So I know that many Singaporeans want more opposition (Members of Parliament). If you ask why, they’ll say well, we’d like a stronger check and balance on the (People’s Action Party).
“And I would say the opposition has a role to play in our democratic system. It’s here to stay. Opposition MPs are never going to disappear from parliament. I accept this. That’s the way democracies work.
“We started in a very unusual position with almost overwhelming PAP presence in parliament, almost zero opposition. And now there’s significant opposition, and I don’t think that’s ever going to change. And we will work with this,” he said.
“But Singapore also needs an effective system of government which is led by a good and capable ruling party, and that depends on elections producing outcomes which work for Singapore.
Such outcomes are when an election generates “a leadership which is capable, which is committed, which is honest, which can run a competent and efficient, effective government, defend our place in the world, and lead Singapore safely through crisis”.
“But if voters keep on electing more opposition MPs even when the government is doing a good job, then beyond a point, it must weaken the government’s ability to govern, to form the best possible team for Singapore, and to run this country the way Singaporeans have come to expect,” said Mr Lee.
