Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chairman Paul Tambyah stood by his party’s decision to press the People’s Action Party (PAP) on the question of a 10 million population target, saying the ruling party has now been forced to clarify and assure Singaporeans that there are no such plans.
He said the PAP could have clarified matters earlier but did not do so, adding: “They have kept quiet all through. They have fed this ambiguity. Now finally, for the first time, they have said no.”
Speaking to reporters yesterday during a walkabout in the Bukit Panjang single-member constituency that he is contesting, Professor Tambyah said: “We got the PAP to give us a straight answer. Normally, when you have a little kid, you ask them ‘yes or no’ and the kid doesn’t give you an answer. Finally, the kid has given us an answer and they said ‘no’, which is good.”
“So we’re going to try and hold them to it… And that’s why we’re hoping to be elected, so that when they say ‘no’, they mean ‘no’.”
He said it also “baffles” him that the PAP called the 10 million target a “falsehood” perpetuated by the SDP. The SDP cited the figure from a press report, he said.
SINGAPORE: Voter are “fair-minded” enough to draw a distinction between the opposition checking the Government and “checkmating” it, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing on Saturday (Jul 4).
Mr Chan was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a walkabout at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre. He leads a five-candidate People’s Action Party (PAP) team contesting Tanjong Pagar GRC.
“When every voter goes to the polling station, every voter will have to decide who they want to be their Member of Parliament, who they want to take care of them and their families, and who can best help them to secure their jobs,” he said.
“These are the fundamental questions … it is about the survival of the families and our country.”
Various issues have been raised over the past few days, Mr Chan said, citing topics like the NCMP scheme, if the opposition would be wiped out, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
But he said the focus of this election should be how Singapore can get through the COVID-19 crisis – rather than the survival of any particular party.
The People’s Action Party’s candidate for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Indranee Rajah, speaking to residents during a walkabout at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centreon Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Hanidah Amin)
This is something that is “glaringly missing”, he said.
“I think Singaporeans are fair-minded,” said Mr Chan. “If the Government has done well, should we affirm the Government, or should we punish the Government by having the Government with even fewer seats?
“If the opposition has not done well, should we reward the opposition with more seats, just (based) on the slogan that they will provide more checks on the Government?” he asked.
“I think voters will have to decide if they want the opposition, or if they believe the opposition is ready to check the Government. Or is the opposition trying to checkmate the Government in providing more effective governance, more decisive governance for us to get through this crisis?
“So I believe Singaporeans are fair-minded. And I think that will determine the outcome of the results.”
When asked to comment on what others have said about Singapore increasing its population to 10 million, Mr Chan said the issue had already been very “well discussed”.
“I think we can take note of what has been said, and I think the people will judge who is saying the right things, and who has been upfront with the people,” he said, again reiterating that this is “not the most critical issue” confronting Singapore at this point.
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)’s Chee Soon Juan raised the issue in a political debate on Jul 1, which the PAP called a falsehood. On Friday (Jul 3), the PAP also issued a statement criticising other opposition leaders for “opportunistically jump(ing) into the fray”.
FISCAL CHALLENGES
Mr Chan also responded to a statement made by Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh on Friday.
Mr Singh had said during a walkabout in the Punggol West single member constituency that the Government should make clear its revenue and expenditure projections for the rest of the decade, so that Singaporeans can properly assess whether the GST should be raised.
“I think anyone watching Parliamentary proceedings for the last 2 years would have an absolutely clear idea on our fiscal challenges going forward,” said Mr Chan. “It is not as if this has never been shared.”
The People’s Action Party’s candidate for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Indranee Rajah, during a walkabout at ABC Brickworks market on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Hanidah Amin)
Mr Chan outlined some of the challenges Singapore faces in the years to come, including infrastructure renewal, an ageing population and the need to continue attracting investment in a “more fragmented world”.
“Today, every S$5 we spend on the Budget, S$1 comes from the returns from our reserves,” he said. “The question for us is, going forward, with an ageing population, do we expect to have more returns from our reserves?
“Or do we expect that we will get less, and if so, where else would we raise the revenues?” he asked.
“So these are very real pressures that we present to Singapore upfront,” he said. “And we are not about to hide this from fellow Singaporeans because we want ownership of this challenge by all Singaporeans.”
The People’s Action Party’s candidates for Tanjong Pagar GRC during a walkabout at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Hanidah Amin)
Mr Chan also spoke about the timing of the polls, when asked if the Government had neglected the COVID-19 situation in calling an election at this point.
“I can touch my heart and say that at no point in time have we ever neglected the lives, livelihoods and lifelines of the people,” he said. “But we have to go to the polls and get a fresh mandate because the challenges will not be with us only for the next few months.”
“If by the end of this year, we are hit with a subsequent wave of infections, how will we be able to move decisively?” he asked.
“Imagine from January to April next year there’s no Parliament, because Parliament is dissolved and we’re waiting to call elections. How will we be able to respond decisively to the huge challenges that are confronting us?”
Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chairman Dr Paul Tambyah has responded to the contents of a People’s Action Party (PAP) statement issued last night, calling it a “sign of desperation”, and describing it “sad”.
He spoke to the media after his walkabout in Bukit Panjang SMC where he is contesting.
The PAP had hit out at both SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan and Dr Tambyah over Singapore’s purported “10 million population target”, a topic which spilled over from a televised live debate on Wednesday (July 1).
In a statement issued on Friday night, PAP expressed disappointment that “Chee and the SDP have dug their heels in, repeated their falsehoods, and refused to apologise to Singaporeans for misleading them”.
It also added that the party is “disappointed and surprised” that Dr Tambyah “has joined his chief in this charade”.
SINGAPORE: As a new candidate in West Coast GRC, it is “very important” to listen to the concerns of the people and “to do so face-to-face” no matter how many years of experience one may have as a Member of Parliament, said Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee on Saturday (Jul 4).
Mr Lee, along with fellow People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate Ang Wei Neng, had left Jurong GRC to stand in West Coast this General Election. The two will contest alongside West Coast incumbents Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran and Ms Foo Mee Har, as well as new face Rachel Ong.
They are up against a Progress Singapore Party (PSP) team led by Dr Tan Cheng Bock, a former Ayer Rajah MP when he was with the PAP.
Mr Lee said he has been campaigning in Boon Lay by visiting families door-to-door and walking in the community with a small group of volunteers.
“It is one thing to walk around 10 events. It’s another thing to spend time door-to-door allowing people to open up their hearts to you,” he told reporters after completing a walkabout at Boon Lay Place Food Village with the West Coast PAP team on Saturday morning.
The People’s Action Party candidate for West Coast GRC, Desmond Lee greeting a resident during a walkabout at Boon Lay Place Food Village on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)
Noting that he is “not entirely new” to Jurong West after representing the Jurong Spring ward in Jurong GRC for more than eight years, Mr Lee said: “Our mission, front and centre, our most immediate mission if elected, is to bring government schemes to the ground. To ensure that the schemes that the Government enacted to help citizens at this time of crisis, reach the families who need the help.”
Residents have shared their concerns with him – asking for help to apply for the relevant schemes, concerns about family who are overseas, and getting the rental rebates from their landlords – Mr Lee said.
“And so, we campaign by helping people solve their difficulties. And going forward, if elected, that will continue to be the posture that we take.”
The People’s Action Party team for West Coast GRC during a walkabout at Boon Lay Place Food Village on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)
Mr Iswaran said Mr Lee has “devoted significant attention” to Boon Lay. Mr Lee is replacing former MP Patrick Tay in the Boon Lay ward of West Coast GRC. Mr Tay will contest in Pioneer SMC for the upcoming General Election.
“I think much of the experience and knowledge he brings will be very relevant for the residents of Boon Lay in particular, but actually, for all our residents. Because we have a demographic that is mainly working class people, and they are concerned about the important bread and butter issues,” said Mr Iswaran.
“They are concerned with the impact of COVID on jobs and livelihoods. And we are working on that at the national level and at the local level.”
Noting that the PAP’s candidates for West Coast GRC will work as a team, Mr Lee said: “We bring our experience to help the team look after residents. (From) MSF and MND, I’d like to bring those skill sets to help the residents not just in Boon Lay but all of West Coast.”
Pointing to the SG Cares community network that he started, which is modelled after a local initiative in Jurong Spring, Mr Lee said he plans to strengthen it in Boon Lay and all over Singapore.
The People’s Action Party candidate for West Coast GRC, new face Rachel Ong during a walkabout at Boon Lay Place Food Village on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)
“That idea that by coming together and coordinating and sharing information and working together, we can help to tackle inequality by rolling up our sleeves and solving it practically family by family,” he added.
Responding to questions about what areas of West Coast’s social safety network need to be improved on, Mr Lee said that different agencies focus on different areas, including mental health, disability, housing and financial assistance.
“But they’re focused on the problem. I think it’s important to look at families as a whole, to look at the individual as a whole, understand what are the complex array of issues, often interlocking, that need to be resolved in order for the family to find relief for them to be able to take ownership of their lives, to be able to stand on their own two feet,” he added.
The People’s Action Party’s West Coast GRC candidate Ang Wei Neng speaking to the media at a walkabout at Blk 207 Boon Lay Place on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)
“There are some people who might suggest broad slogans that may be able to solve inequality, but if you speak to social services, social workers and professionals every family faces a different set of issues,” he said.
“And by understanding what the strengths and assets (are), and also the problems that they face, we’ll be able to better harness the collective strength of the community, as well as government agencies to tackle difficulties they face one by one in order to enable them to stand on their feet.”
On other matters, Mr Lee said he is “excited” to bring the 1 million trees movement to the constituency.
“We can seek to find the cure or vaccine for COVID. But many of our friends in environmental circles will tell you, there is no vaccination for climate change, and it will hit us hard,” he said.
More than 100,000 trees will be planted in West Coast, including the industrial areas, and Mr Lee plans for families and enterprises to be involved with the tree planting.
“As you know the industrial belt are some of the warmest areas in Singapore. I think we can really make a difference by planting trees and getting industry to have a stake and partnership in doing it,” he said.
SINGAPORE: The finances of the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) are healthy and the Workers’ Party (WP) has produced a newsletter to explain its financial position to residents, said party chief Pritam Singh on Saturday (Jul 4).
Mr Singh said the party has produced a special edition of its town council newsletter Good Neighbours, which gives a “broad sweep” of what the town council’s financial position is.
On Friday night, Mr Singh said in a constituency political broadcast for Aljunied GRC that AHTC’s financial statements were given a clean and unqualified opinion last year, and it received a green banding for corporate governance from the Ministry of National Development.
WP leaders had been embroiled in a trial over the mismanagement of funds at the town council, and are appealing a judgment that found them liable in the landmark case involving more than S$33 million of town council funds.
“We are in a very healthy position, but I don’t want to get carried away with this. It wasn’t solely our efforts, it was also the efforts of a lot of our contractors who worked very hard … and residents of course, who were very cooperative with the town council in many, many ways,” Mr Singh said on Saturday.
The Workers’ Party’s (WP) candidates for Marine Parade GRC accompanied by Sylvia Lim during a walkabout at 50A Marine Terrace market on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Jo Yee Koo)
He was answering reporters’ questions while out on a walkabout with WP candidates for Marine Parade GRC – Mr Yee Jenn Jong, Mr Ron Tan, Mr Fadli Fawzi, Mr Nathaniel Koh and Mr Azhar Latip.
Along the way, they bumped into People’s Action Party’s (PAP) Goh Chok Tong and the party’s Marine Parade candidate Tan See Leng, who were also engaging residents near Marine Terrace Market on Saturday morning.
The Workers’ Party’s (WP) secretary-general, Pritam Singh, greeting Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong during a walkabout at 50A Marine Terrace market on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Jo Yee Koo)
POSSIBILITY OF OPPOSITION GOVERNMENT IS “FEAR MONGERING”
Mr Singh also said that comments by Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing at a Lianhe Zaobao dialogue session that the three biggest opposition parties could come together to form a government was “fear mongering”.
“I think it’s important to take a historical perspective to this. It took 16 years after our independence for the opposition to win even one elected seat and 23 years after 1988, when the GRC (Group Representation Constituency) system was introduced, for the opposition to win one GRC,” Mr Singh said.
“So let’s put this fear mongering in perspective, and I hope that historical look-back is helpful in terms of how realistic this prospect Min Chan thinks is possible – I don’t think it’s possible at all.”
The Workers’ Party’s (WP) secretary-general, Pritam Singh, speaking to the media during a walkabout at 50A Marine Terrace market on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Jo Yee Koo)
Mr Singh was also asked about earlier responses that he had made about Singapore increasing its population to 10 million – a statement raised by the Singapore Democratic Party, and which has been repeatedly denied as a falsehood by the PAP.
Mr Singh said he did not “jump into it” but had answered a question on the “hot button” issue when asked by the media earlier.
He pointed out that there was a line in the Population White Paper released in 2013 that the Government was going to review the population size at the end of the decade. When he asked in Parliament about this review, he was told that it was already done in 2018, he said.
“I’m not sure how many of you knew there was a review of the population policy in 2018,” he said, adding that it would be helpful if the public could better understand what the Government is thinking or what is its way forward.
Mr Singh was also asked about the issue of jobs and whether he has received feedback from citizens he interacted with about it.
Singapore’s unemployment rate has risen since the COVID-19 outbreak began, but the Government has promised to create 100,000 new job opportunities and set up a National Jobs Council headed by Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Mr Singh said he has heard questions on how many of the new jobs the Government has promised will be “low hanging fruit”.
“How many of them are those sort of jobs that are really going to propel Singapore into another league, where we can take on the challenges of the decades to come,” he said.
“Rather than challenge the PAP on that because they’ve got a very difficult job in that regard – they are going to form the Government – I think our role as opposition is to make sure that when we represent the people in Parliament, we are bringing their voices into Parliament on that front.”
He added: “Because people are suffering on the ground, I mean there are a lot of COVID-19 related issues involving jobs … we really need to come together to try and envisage good outcomes.”
SINGAPORE: Framing the contest between the People’s Action Party (PAP) and the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) in West Coast GRC as a choice between two ministers and Dr Tan Cheng Bock is “wrong”, said Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran on Saturday (Jul 4).
Responding to a question about how voters may be torn between voting for two ministers on the West Coast PAP team and choosing a PSP team led by Dr Tan, Mr Iswaran said: “I think that is a wrong way of framing the choice, because that means we are focused on personalities, rather than on the substance of what the two sides have to offer.”
The People’s Action Party’s West Coast GRC candidate Rachel Ong speaking to the media at a walkabout at Blk 207 Boon Lay Place on 4 Jul, 2020. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)
The PAP and its team in West Coast have touched on and implemented policies at the national and local level, said Mr Iswaran. He added that there are “many more” being implemented to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying economic challenges.
“So that is what you have on one side – a party and a team that has understood in detail, with depth, the concerns and needs of our people and has mounted national programs as well as local programs in order to meet those needs,” he added.
“On the other side, you have a team that has basically put out a very short manifesto with broad statements, but lacking in detail. Detail about how they will implement the national programmes … Or for that matter what they’re going to do at a detailed level, other than broad promises that they have run town councils before. That is not enough.”
The People’s Action Party’s (PAP) West Coast GRC team led by S. Iswaran speaking to the media at their walkabout at Blk 207 Boon Lay Place on 4 Jul, 2020. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)
Citing the opposition’s stance on wanting to review all of Singapore’s trade agreements, he said that every trade agreement is a “carefully balanced set of benefits and trade offs”.
“When you say you want to, for example, review the trade agreement because you don’t agree with the trade off, then please tell us, what are you going to give up in order to secure the things that you want? Because the other countries are not going to just give you a free pass,” added Mr Iswaran.
Adding that voters in West Coast GRC and Singaporeans “deserve to know”, he said: “You can’t make broad statements and then leave it to the imagination of the population.”
“So I think the contest is not about personalities. It’s not about who’s leading them, which ministers we have. We have emphasised, we are a team. And we will work as a team to serve the entire West Coast GRC,” he added.
Mr Iswaran also responded to questions about Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing’s remarks that the three biggest opposition parties could become a “replacement for the Government” if they join forces.
The Progress Singapore Party candidates for West Coast GRC breaking for coffee during walkabout at Telok Blangah food centre on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Ruth Smalley)
What Mr Chan said about the opposition parties is “an arithmetic reality”, said Mr Iswaran.
“When you add up all the people who are contesting, and if they get elected then they will be the majority and they will form Government,” he added.
“What will happen, how it’ll happen I think is up to voters to decide. But I think you can’t fault Mr Chan for basically spelling out what is an electoral arithmetic reality that people should take into account.”
It won’t be an over-exaggeration to call it the most surprising move that took place on Nomination Day when Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat showed up at the nomination centre for East Coast GRC. This was especially so as he had been serving the residents of Tampines GRC for his last two terms as MP.
Workers’ Party (WP) say that this is an “unfair” dilemma for the East Coast GRC constituents as they now have to choose between DPM Heng, who is widely tipped to be the next Prime Minister, or the WP members.
ALSO READ: GE2020: East Coast GRC is the one to watch with DPM Heng set to face off against WP’s Nicole Seah
Speaking to the media, WP’s Nicole Seah, who is contesting for East Coast GRC said: “It is a bit unfair that the voters of East Coast GRC have been put in this personal dilemma where they have to make these decisions… and it’s going to be a very difficult one.”
SINGAPORE: This General Election is not about the survival of any particular opposition party, or how many seats in Parliament the People’s Action Party (PAP) is going to get, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing.
It should be about how Singapore is going to get through the COVID-19 crisis and save jobs, said Mr Chan, who is part of the PAP team contesting Tanjong Pagar GRC.
Speaking to the media on Saturday (Jul 4) on the sidelines of a walkabout at ABC Brickworks Market and Food Centre, Mr Chan stressed that every party – including the PAP – must have plans to share with voters how they intend to get through the situation.
“Many issues have been talked about in the last few days, including whether the opposition will be wiped out, whether the NCMP (Non-Constituency Member of Parliament) scheme is good or no good … I read through all the things that have been said,” he said. “There is one part that is glaringly missing.
“And that has to do with how we are going to get through this COVID-19 crisis.”
The People’s Action Party’s candidates for Tanjong Pagar GRC during a walkabout at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Hanidah Amin)
Mr Chan cited the work of the multi-ministry task force on COVID-19, the National Jobs Council and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in continuing to try and “secure lifelines” even amid the “disruption of the global supply chains”.
“All these are the critical issues which we have to tackle in this election, and beyond this election,” he said. “So I hope that all parties and candidates can really focus on how we can help our country get through this difficult moment in history.”
HOLDING ELECTIONS AND NEGLECTING COVID-19 SITUATION “NOT THE CORRECT CHARACTERISATION”
Mr Chan also responded to a question from the media on whether the Government is neglecting the COVID-19 situation by holding the elections now.
On Friday, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for Bukit Panjang SMC, Dr Paul Tambyah, said in his constituency political broadcast that the PAP “recklessly decided to risk the public’s health” by holding the elections during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of “wiping out” the opposition.
The People’s Action Party’s candidate for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Chan Chun Sing, during a walkabout at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Hanidah Amin)
Mr Chan, however, said this was “not the correct characterisation” of what Singapore is facing, pointing to each point of the epidemic curve.
The first wave of infection, he said, came in from tourists, and was “quickly controlled”, while the second wave came when Singaporeans returned from overseas, and was also controlled. The third wave, from the situation in the foreign worker dormitories, has been “brought under control”.
“If you look through the timeline on this, it is very clear where our efforts have been and what the results are,” he said, stressing that the Government is still managing the challenges.
Even at this point, he added, the Government has explained to Singaporeans why it needs to call the elections now.
“You will notice there are a few of us that are perhaps not doing as much of the usual campaigning,” he said, citing examples such as Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, both of whom chair the task force.
The People’s Action Party’s candidates for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Alvin Tan and Joan Pereira, speaking to a resident during a walkabout at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre on Jul 4, 2020. (Photo: Hanidah Amin)
Mr Chan was at the market together with his team from the PAP, including incumbents Indranee Rajah and Joan Pereira, as well as new faces Eric Chua and Alvin Tan. The group had coffee together, before walking around the market to greet residents and shop owners and hand out flyers.
“I think Singaporeans are fair-minded,” he said. “Has the Government done well? If the Government has done well, we should affirm the Government.”
There’s nothing that you can’t do with the magic of Photoshop it seems. And netizens are making use of their photo-editing skills to add some lighthearted fun amid the serious political discourses that are taking place during this election season.
After People’s Action Party’s (PAP) Tan Chuan-Jin uploaded an Instagram video of him running down HDB corridors and stairwells in a bid to meet as many residents as possible, the clever people at the Facebook page It’s a Repost took a photo of him in motion and did something magical.
They inserted an image of Tan running alongside the stars of several famous movies and shared their PSD template online last night (July 3). And netizens have gone wild with it.
Tan noticed it soon after and shared the post, saying: “This is just too hilarious! They even had an image for you to use and create your own scenarios. #RunCJRun #JinChuan”
SINGAPORE: The chief of the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) said on Saturday (Jul 4) that his professional experience means he is familiar with matters related to the running of an estate.
When asked about his credentials for running a town council, SPP secretary-general Steve Chia said: “I have been the secretary of a condo management committee and I was the chairman before in condo management, so I am familiar with all the management issues that an estate requires.”
He is a self-employed trader.
Mr Chia leads the SPP’s Bishan-Toa Payoh team, which also comprises vice-chairman Williiamson Lee, Mr Osman Sulaiman and Mr Melvyn Chiu.
All four were on a walkabout, canvassing votes at markets in Toa Payoh on Saturday morning.
The Singapore People’s Party’s team for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC during their walkabout at the Toa Payoh Lorong 7 market on 4 Jul, 2020. (Photo: Cindy Co)
Mr Lee and Mr Chiu, who are both 40, said that they would like to speak up on issues facing those in their 30s and 40s.
The issues are: Problems in getting housing, the sandwiched middle class, the rising cost of childcare and professional, managers, executives and technicians (PMET) issues.
“This is what we share in common and we hope to be able to speak up for more people in this area, because who else will understand better?” said Mr Chiu.
When asked how their strategy to campaign in Bishan-Toa Payoh will differ this year, Mr Chia said that the lack of physical rallies meant that the “reach” will be different.
Instead, the party has spent time talking to individual voters about the importance of an alternative Parliamentary voice and building up alternative credible parties, he said.
SPP also contested Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC against the PAP in 2011 and 2015.
The People’s Action Party (PAP) has been “harping” on the COVID-19 pandemic, said Mr Chiu. He was asked if shifting the country’s focus to the General Election could worsen the pandemic.
“I think there is more to the General Election than this pandemic,” he said, adding that voters should look towards the future and ensure there is “proper debate” and “proper balance” in Parliament.
The Singapore People’s Party’s four-member team for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC during their walkabout at the Toa Payoh Lorong 7 market on 4 Jul, 2020. (Photo: Cindy Co)
On the likelihood of forming a coalition government with other opposition parties, Mr Chia said that it is “very certain” that the PAP will remain the Government.
“Probably they will still swipe the whole Parliament of mandatory seats,” he said, adding that the PAP could still form a coalition government as a majority party if it lost power.
“It’s not a bad thing to have a coalition government,” he said, as more views would be considered in policymaking.
