17-04-2025, 01:09 PM
GE2025: Others may downplay tariff situation, but PAP ‘will never gamble with future of Singapore’, says PM Wong
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapor...042025_cna
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapor...042025_cna
17-04-2025, 01:09 PM
17-04-2025, 01:11 PM
Let’s break down potential "bullshit" (spin, omissions, or debatable claims) in the **PAP’s GE2025 manifesto** and **Lawrence Wong’s messaging**, based on the CNA article. I’ll focus on red flags and what’s left unsaid.
---
### **1. "Building a Fairer and More Inclusive Society"**
**What’s claimed:**
- The PAP pledges to strengthen social safety nets, support lower-income groups, and ensure "progress for all."
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **No concrete wealth redistribution policies:** Singapore has one of the highest Gini coefficients (income inequality) among developed nations. The PAP has historically resisted wealth taxes (e.g., no inheritance tax, low capital gains taxes). Will they actually tax the rich more, or just tweak existing schemes?
- **Public assistance remains stingy:** Current welfare (e.g., ComCare) is tightly means-tested and often inadequate. Is there a plan to expand universal support, or just more one-off vouchers?
- **No mention of minimum wage:** The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) covers only specific sectors. Why not a full minimum wage, as opposition parties propose?
---
### **2. "Affordable Housing for All"**
**What’s claimed:**
- More BTO flats, support for first-time buyers.
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **No admission of policy failures:** Housing shortages and rising resale prices were partly caused by pandemic-era construction delays and immigration policies. Is the PAP taking responsibility, or just promising to fix it now?
- **Are BTO prices truly "affordable"?** Prices have risen significantly vs. median incomes. The PAP defines "affordability" via grants and loans—but this masks the actual cost burden on young families.
- **No talk of curbing investor demand:** Rich Singaporeans/PRs can still buy multiple properties. Why no extra taxes on speculative buying?
---
### **3. "Economic Growth = Better Lives"**
**What’s claimed:**
- PAP will grow the economy, create jobs, and raise wages.
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **GDP growth ≠ wage growth:** Singapore’s GDP has grown, but real wages for low-income workers stagnated for years. The manifesto doesn’t explain how growth will now "trickle down."
- **Reliance on cheap foreign labor:** The PAP talks about "Singaporeans first," but many sectors (construction, F&B) still depend on underpaid migrant workers. Will they actually raise wages or just tweak quotas slightly?
- **No talk of corporate accountability:** Profits at top firms (e.g., banks, GLCs) are soaring—why no windfall taxes or stronger labor share policies?
---
### **4. "Only the PAP Can Secure Singapore’s Future"**
**What’s claimed:**
- Lawrence Wong warns of "uncertain times" and positions the PAP as the only party with a "proven track record."
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **False dichotomy:** The argument implies that voting for opposition = chaos. But countries like Sweden and New Zealand have strong multiparty systems without collapse.
- **No self-criticism:** The PAP doesn’t acknowledge its own missteps (e.g., recent corruption scandals, COVID-19 migrant worker dorm failures).
- **Dismissal of opposition ideas:** WP and PSP have proposed credible policies (e.g., unemployment insurance, healthcare reforms). The manifesto acts like only the PAP has solutions.
---
### **5. "Forward Singapore" – A New Mandate for Wong?**
**What’s claimed:**
- Lawrence Wong frames this as a fresh start under his leadership.
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **Continuity, not change:** Wong’s team is still dominated by old-guard PAP figures (e.g., Heng Swee Keat, Gan Kim Yong). Is this really a "new" direction, or just rebranding?
- **No political reform promises:** The PAP could address gerrymandering, GRC system, or media freedoms—but these aren’t in the manifesto.
---
### **Conclusion: What Should Readers Question?**
The **biggest bullshit** in the PAP’s manifesto is likely:
1. **Vague slogans without hard commitments** (e.g., "fairer society" but no wealth taxes).
2. **Taking credit for past growth while ignoring current struggles** (housing, inequality).
3. **Fear-mongering about opposition incompetence** without debating their actual policies.
**What to watch for in GE2025:**
- Does the media (including CNA) challenge PAP claims, or just parrot them?
- Do opposition parties get fair airtime to rebut these points?
- Will voters demand specifics, or settle for broad promises?
Would you like a similar breakdown of opposition manifestos when they’re released?
---
### **1. "Building a Fairer and More Inclusive Society"**
**What’s claimed:**
- The PAP pledges to strengthen social safety nets, support lower-income groups, and ensure "progress for all."
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **No concrete wealth redistribution policies:** Singapore has one of the highest Gini coefficients (income inequality) among developed nations. The PAP has historically resisted wealth taxes (e.g., no inheritance tax, low capital gains taxes). Will they actually tax the rich more, or just tweak existing schemes?
- **Public assistance remains stingy:** Current welfare (e.g., ComCare) is tightly means-tested and often inadequate. Is there a plan to expand universal support, or just more one-off vouchers?
- **No mention of minimum wage:** The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) covers only specific sectors. Why not a full minimum wage, as opposition parties propose?
---
### **2. "Affordable Housing for All"**
**What’s claimed:**
- More BTO flats, support for first-time buyers.
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **No admission of policy failures:** Housing shortages and rising resale prices were partly caused by pandemic-era construction delays and immigration policies. Is the PAP taking responsibility, or just promising to fix it now?
- **Are BTO prices truly "affordable"?** Prices have risen significantly vs. median incomes. The PAP defines "affordability" via grants and loans—but this masks the actual cost burden on young families.
- **No talk of curbing investor demand:** Rich Singaporeans/PRs can still buy multiple properties. Why no extra taxes on speculative buying?
---
### **3. "Economic Growth = Better Lives"**
**What’s claimed:**
- PAP will grow the economy, create jobs, and raise wages.
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **GDP growth ≠ wage growth:** Singapore’s GDP has grown, but real wages for low-income workers stagnated for years. The manifesto doesn’t explain how growth will now "trickle down."
- **Reliance on cheap foreign labor:** The PAP talks about "Singaporeans first," but many sectors (construction, F&B) still depend on underpaid migrant workers. Will they actually raise wages or just tweak quotas slightly?
- **No talk of corporate accountability:** Profits at top firms (e.g., banks, GLCs) are soaring—why no windfall taxes or stronger labor share policies?
---
### **4. "Only the PAP Can Secure Singapore’s Future"**
**What’s claimed:**
- Lawrence Wong warns of "uncertain times" and positions the PAP as the only party with a "proven track record."
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **False dichotomy:** The argument implies that voting for opposition = chaos. But countries like Sweden and New Zealand have strong multiparty systems without collapse.
- **No self-criticism:** The PAP doesn’t acknowledge its own missteps (e.g., recent corruption scandals, COVID-19 migrant worker dorm failures).
- **Dismissal of opposition ideas:** WP and PSP have proposed credible policies (e.g., unemployment insurance, healthcare reforms). The manifesto acts like only the PAP has solutions.
---
### **5. "Forward Singapore" – A New Mandate for Wong?**
**What’s claimed:**
- Lawrence Wong frames this as a fresh start under his leadership.
**What’s missing/bullshit:**
- **Continuity, not change:** Wong’s team is still dominated by old-guard PAP figures (e.g., Heng Swee Keat, Gan Kim Yong). Is this really a "new" direction, or just rebranding?
- **No political reform promises:** The PAP could address gerrymandering, GRC system, or media freedoms—but these aren’t in the manifesto.
---
### **Conclusion: What Should Readers Question?**
The **biggest bullshit** in the PAP’s manifesto is likely:
1. **Vague slogans without hard commitments** (e.g., "fairer society" but no wealth taxes).
2. **Taking credit for past growth while ignoring current struggles** (housing, inequality).
3. **Fear-mongering about opposition incompetence** without debating their actual policies.
**What to watch for in GE2025:**
- Does the media (including CNA) challenge PAP claims, or just parrot them?
- Do opposition parties get fair airtime to rebut these points?
- Will voters demand specifics, or settle for broad promises?
Would you like a similar breakdown of opposition manifestos when they’re released?
17-04-2025, 01:14 PM
hahah . . . He is saying
will and for sure UPplay / exaggerate to Wayang
to gain more votes, not work for people
.
will and for sure UPplay / exaggerate to Wayang
to gain more votes, not work for people
.