[Bigiron]

The next few years will be very difficult & it's not fearmongering: Heng Swee Keat on tariff war - Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world
https://mothership.sg/2025/04/the-next-f...ariff-war/

[Bigiron]

When analyzing an article for potential "bullshit" (i.e., exaggerated, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims), it's important to critically evaluate the arguments, framing, and evidence presented. Below are some aspects of the **Mothership.sg** article that might raise skepticism or warrant closer scrutiny:

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### **1. Fearmongering vs. Legitimate Warning**  
   - **Claim:** Heng Swee Keat states that the next few years will be "very difficult" due to the tariff war and insists it's "not fearmongering."  
   - **Potential BS:**  
     - The line between a legitimate warning and fearmongering is thin. Is he providing a balanced assessment, or is this framing designed to justify policy measures (e.g., austerity, tax hikes, or political maneuvering)?  
     - The article doesn't critically assess whether the "difficulty" is being overstated for political reasons (e.g., preparing the public for unpopular decisions).  

---

### **2. Attribution of Economic Struggles Solely to Tariff Wars**  
   - **Claim:** The article suggests that tariff wars are the primary cause of upcoming economic challenges.  
   - **Potential BS:**  
     - While trade wars (e.g., U.S.-China tensions) do impact Singapore’s export-dependent economy, other factors (e.g., domestic inflation, labor market shifts, geopolitical instability beyond tariffs) may be equally or more significant.  
     - Is this a **simplistic narrative** that ignores deeper structural issues (e.g., aging population, rising inequality, or Singapore’s reliance on global finance)?  

---

### **3. Lack of Counterarguments or Data**  
   - **Potential BS:**  
     - The article presents Heng’s statements as authoritative without much critical analysis or opposing viewpoints.  
     - Are there economists or analysts who disagree with his assessment? If not, the piece may be **uncritically amplifying a political narrative**.  

---

### **4. Political Motivations Behind the Messaging**  
   - **Context:** Heng Swee Keat is a senior PAP leader.  
   - **Potential BS:**  
     - Could this warning be a way to **manage public expectations** ahead of tough policies (e.g., GST hikes, cost-of-living measures)?  
     - Is the government preemptively deflecting blame for economic hardships by attributing them to external factors (tariff wars) rather than domestic policy choices?  

---

### **5. Vague Terminology ("Very Difficult")**  
   - **Potential BS:**  
     - What does "very difficult" mean? Higher inflation? Job losses? Recession?  
     - Without specifics, the statement is **non-falsifiable**—a classic rhetorical tactic to make dire predictions without accountability.  

---

### **Conclusion: Is This Bullshit?**  
The article itself is a straightforward report on Heng’s speech, but the **potential BS lies in**:  
1. **Unquestioned framing** of tariff wars as the main economic threat.  
2. **Lack of critical analysis**—does Mothership.sg (known for its casual tone) dig deeper, or just parrot the official line?  
3. **Possible political agenda**—using "external threats" to justify domestic policy shifts.  

**Final Verdict:** Not necessarily *full* bullshit, but a **one-sided, uncritical presentation** that could be more skeptical of political narratives.

[Clyde]

China is our largest trading partner. Singapore is one of the supply chain. If China cannot sell their goods, what can Singapore sell to China then?

[Sharexchange]

Fearmongering la....
Looking at the Stats data...87% of imports are those non essential daily stuffs like ICs and Oil products....doesnt reallly cause food to rise.

[Bigiron]

[Migrant]

The reality of the changing world.
People on top or higher ground can see a clearer picture.
Those oppies will never accept but point finger.

[hansamu]

Regardless, life will still go on....be it it hard or easy. Lol

[Ineedhelp]

Scenario play out:

Assuming globally challenging situation.

A full PAP govt means more gst since cannot collect money from elsewhere.

A PAP govt with strong opposition numbers, more govt handout as opposition will demand govt step in to ease the situation for Singaporeans.

A PAP govt with little opposition numbers, less govt handout since not enough noise in parliament.


So govt is actually telling Singaporeans to vote in more opposition lah.

[talky]

put it this way
yr vote is yr ticket to a wrestlingmatch football matchor any match

if one opponent is too strong v fast the match is over,yr tciket is worth not the vlaue

if both are of equal match it would be more exciting n more worth yr ticket price

[talky]

i will be worry ifnext few yrs are notchallenging

[Ineedhelp]

put it this way
yr vote is yr ticket to a wrestlingmatch football matchor any match

if one opponent is too strong v fast the match is over,yr tciket is worth not the vlaue

if both are of equal match it would be more exciting n more worth yr ticket price

In full agreement. When politicians are kept busy in parliament and doing their MP duties, they will have less time to think of how to makan the people. They will all wanna serve the people than lord over us.

[talky]

In full agreement. When politicians are kept busy in parliament and doing their MP duties, they will have less time to think of how to makan the people. They will all wanna serve the people than lord over us.

exactly u are the only 1 here see my pt

aljunied marina parade n some wards got extra vouchers n free shuttle buses
i questioned why my clemnti jurong bt batok  no hv these extras during this ge.
1 v smart alec reminded
jurong grc under tharman got the highest vote in the last few ge.
so can 101% safely n guarantee to win in the future election with the country highest % vote for pap

so can put us aside.

so come back to my arguement if the match is too lob sided ticket sales will be dismissal
so no need to pay much attention to the loser side


so to hv more n more extras in coming ge must hv strong n glaring evidences that govt need to entice the vulnerable wards