Lawrence Wong likely to ‘lead Singapore without clear direction’: SDP

·Editorial team

15 April 2022 at 9:28 am·2-min read

Finance Minister Lawrence Wong speaking at a media conference chaired by the multi-ministry COVID taskforce and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) logo. (PHOTOS: Mediacorp screenshot/SDP website)

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) on Friday (15 April) congratulated Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on his selection as the next People’s Action Party (PAP) leader but said he is no different from his colleagues in terms of his outlook for Singapore.

“Decades of groupthink and conformity has made PAP leaders unable to see that Singapore is in dire need of reform of its economic, social and political systems,” SDP said in a media release.

SDP’s statement comes a day after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that Wong has been selected as the leader of the PAP fourth-generation (4G) team. With his new position, Wong is expected to succeed Lee as Singapore’s PM.

The eagerly awaited announcement by Lee comes a year after Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat stepped aside as the leader of the 4G team, prompting the ruling PAP to rejig its leadership succession planning. Lee said on Thursday that he will announce adjustments to cabinet appointments in due course.

If the PAP is unable to govern with “openness and democracy instead of its archaic practice of intimidation and manipulation”, Wong is likely to “continue to lead Singapore without clear direction”, SDP said.

Wong has not articulated a bold vision for Singapore and looks set to rely on past practices that will keep Singapore from achieving its full potential, the opposition party added.

“Different person, same story. Therein lies the danger for Singapore,” SDP said.

In the 2020 General Election, the SDP fielded a team to contest in the Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency and lost to the PAP team led by Wong, which won by a margin of 26.36 per cent.

In response to his appointment, Wong said on Thursday that he is “humbled and grateful” for the trust and confidence of his colleagues.

"It is my privilege to be called upon to lead this team. I will do my utmost to uphold this responsibility."

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'Humbled' to lead PAP 4G team, will serve Singaporeans wholeheartedly: Lawrence Wong

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