PM Lee says two-party political model cannot work in Singapore
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 16 November 2008 1820 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said a two-party political model cannot work in Singapore.

Mr Lee, who is also the ruling People's Action Party's Secretary General, added that change must take place not between parties but within the PAP.

Addressing the party's activists on Sunday, Mr Lee explained why tackling the economic crisis needs both a policy and political response.

He said: "We cannot sail through this storm on autopilot. The government has to lead, watch the changing environment, implement the policies needed, mobilise Singaporeans and mount a national response to get us through. It's the party's business to provide this leadership for Singapore."

He added that the country is much better off with one dominant party, as long as the PAP provides clean and good government, and the lives of Singaporeans improve.

Mr Lee said: "If the party doesn't work, if something goes wrong with the party, you can be sure new parties will come, new contests will come. People will spring up to take on the government in no time at all.

"But it is not our job to build up the opposition or split the party into two, because it is hard enough to find one team to look after the country. How can we find two?"

Mr Lee said that as a small country, Singapore depends critically on an outstanding team of leaders to make up for the many limitations.

Hence, the country cannot afford to compromise the quality of the nation's leadership.

Mr Lee said that at every general election, the party brings in 20 or more new MPs and ministers.

The progress of leadership renewal in the PAP determines whether Singapore will continue enjoying stability and good government in the long term, he said.

- CNA/ir