DPM Lawrence Wong taking a welfie with attendees at the May Day Rally 2023 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. - ST
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s speech on Monday (May 1), while signalling that political leadership renewal is under way, is also a timely reminder to Singaporeans to prepare for a rocky road ahead, said observers and labour MPs.
It is the first time that Wong gave the main May Day Rally speech to about 1,400 union leaders, workers and tripartite partners. The event was held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered the speech last year.
Associate Professor Eugene Tan, who teaches law at Singapore Management University, said Wong’s speech made it clear that the People’s Action Party (PAP) political leadership renewal is at an “advanced stage”.
He added that the May Day Rally platform bolsters Wong’s prior work with the labour movement, such as with the Union of Power and Gas Employees.
“The speech by the prime minister-in-waiting – should the ruling party be returned to power in the next general election – serves to underline the ruling party’s pro-worker stance at a time of economic uncertainty and job insecurity,” said Prof Tan.
“It also highlighted the PAP Government’s track record in leading Singapore, especially in challenging times.”
CIMB economist Song Seng Wun said that while Wong’s references to geopolitics and the grim economic climate were not new, it was a useful reminder to Singaporean workers to look beyond domestic affairs.
Long-term issues – such as beefing up a small local workforce, and ensuring that Singaporeans are adaptable to global risks – are necessary conversations to have, said Song.
“Singaporeans are worried about the cost of living and coping with daily issues. But there are long-term matters affecting future generations that need to be dealt with today.”
DBS Bank senior economist Irvin Seah said Wong’s emphasis on some countries’ protectionist trade measures, as well as technological competition, was notable.
Seah elaborated that Singapore’s survival is dependent on the global order, one that faced upheaval when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, and was further strained by US-China tensions.
Domestically, the Republic also faces an immediate challenge with its ageing population.
It was therefore imperative, he said, that Wong highlighted the need for an agile workforce and strong ties between the Government, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and workers.
Seah said: “If Singapore becomes fragmented, foreign investors will not want to invest and there will be fewer job opportunities. A strong social compact between the Government and Singaporeans will be essential to ensuring political stability.”
Labour MPs who attended the rally said it was good that Wong gave an unvarnished view of where Singapore stands in these turbulent times.
NTUC assistant secretary-general Desmond Choo said he was reassured that Wong would continue to uphold tripartism as a cornerstone of his government should the PAP win the next election.
“He clearly understood where our strengths are. As long as we’re united, as a tripartite group of partners, we can continue to find new jobs, and innovate social policies to support workers when the chips are down,” said Choo, who is also MP for Tampines GRC.
NTUC assistant secretary-general Patrick Tay said Wong’s speech serves as a rallying call to Singaporeans to stay ahead of the curve.
Tripartism has been the “secret sauce to outbid other countries and attract investments”, he said.
As such, added Tay, who is also MP for Pioneer, it is necessary for the Government, even with its impending leadership changes, to work together with NTUC and the unions.
