The frank
assessment by National Development Minister Lawrence Wong on the results of the
General Elections sends a clear signal that many Singaporeans desire to have
alternate voices/views in Parliament (PAP spells out reasons vote fell below
expectations, July 18, 2020, The Straits Times).
With Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s magnanimous gesture to provide the appropriate staff
support and resources to Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh, the government can
take further steps to embrace alternative views and suggestions, which in the
long run will be beneficial to Singapore and her people.
Given that
COVID -19 will take a long time to go away and with the worry that a second
wave will occur anytime, it is prudent to strengthen the COVID-19 Ministerial
taskforce by inviting Dr Paul Tambyah who is an expert in disease management to
share his knowledge, wisdom, expertise and directions to tackle the virus which
is causing havoc. Dr Tambyah is the first Singaporean to head the International Society of Infectious
Diseases and his knowledge needs to be valued and appreciated. Let’s not see
him as a member of the opposition, but one who can make a healthy contribution
to this pandemic.
If the
government views other political parties as partners rather than adversaries,
then Singapore will see far better days.
Finance Minister and DPM Heng Swee Keat
Despite the close contest at the General Elections in July 2020, I am
encouraged and impressed by Mr Heng’s compassion and care for all Singaporean,
especially the vulnerable in our society. This is the kind of leader Singapore
needs to take our country forward – and we must all, in big and small ways
record our love and support for Mr Heng. It is no easy task having to produce
several budgets in a space of 3 months, more so when he has recovered from a
life-threatening stroke.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
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