US-China ties in ‘a more challenging place’, but remains to be seen where tensions are headed under Trump: PM Wong
Mr. Wong reaffirmed a statement he made in an exam before taking office that he does not take Singaporeans ‘ demands for granted.
” I do not assume that I will continue as prime minister or that the PAP ( People’s Action Party ) will automatically form the next government”, he said.
The PAP will provide its track record and accomplishments to the electorate when the next standard election rolls around, according to Mr. Wong.
” We hope that will be enough to gain confidence and trust from Singaporeans, and we hope they will give us the chance to manage Singapore”, he said.
He said the government is concerned, because of the new British elections and events abroad, about vote outcomes where” world becomes more divided, more polarised, and then there is no success”.
” Yes, the poll may create a winner. However, all is ultimately in worse shape because it makes it more difficult for countries to manage and to advance,” said Mr. Wong.
He stated that while explaining its concerns to Singaporeans, the state has safeguards in place to combat this. He also cited measures taken to combat falsehoods, deepfakes, and propaganda.
At the end of the day, Singaporeans are supposed to play their part because, in the end, they should be able to determine which group to support them, said Mr. Wong.
This is important for Singapore as it figures its way through a universe that is “becoming more unsafe, more turbulent, more volatile, more difficult for smaller states like us”, he added.
Finally, votes will come and go, but all, including the state, the persons and all social events, really ensure that society does not end up divided after that, said Mr Wong.
” We try our best not to go down the path of political democracy and demagoguery, but find ways to keep our community strong, united, and keep a high level of trust, because that’s important for Singapore to be appropriate and to succeed in this new world”, he said.
Since taking office in May, Mr. Wong has held his next press conference to speak with the local press.
He had vowed to keep more press conferences at the time to better inform the public about its” thoughts and concerns” at the time.
He said next that” when there are some new advances” or when there is “new thinking”, it would be beneficial for himself or appropriate officials to meet with the internet in press events.
At the recent National Day Rally, Mr. Wong met with the internet to discuss issues and guidelines he discussed with them in August of this year.
During the period at the National Press Centre, he touched on the key principles and values underpinning the government’s policies, cost-of-living issues and the importance of creating a family-friendly culture, among other problems.