Debate on President’s speech: Pritam Singh on pride in Singapore’s diversity

Singaporeans should be proud of their diversity, including their political diversity - yet remain united as one people. Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh said this in parliament on Monday (Sep 22) during the debate on the President’s speech. He spoke about the international and domestic pressures that Singapore faces. These include US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and a geo-strategic transition in the Asia Pacific as China flexes its growing might and the US recalibrates its traditional alliances and values. Domestically, Mr Singh said SG60 comes at a “unique inflection point” as Singapore ages, cost of living continues to challenge individuals and businesses, and “even our cultural capital is being hollowed out” as bookstores and cinemas close down. In light of all these developments, Mr Singh pledged that the opposition will focus on the role demanded of it by parliament - to check the government’s policies and actions. The Workers’ Party will not file parliamentary questions to rack up numbers, he said - “every question (it asks) is one that needs asking”. He welcomed input from Singaporeans in suggesting matters to be raised in the House. On the President and Prime Minister’s calls for a "We First" society in Singapore, Mr Singh urged Singaporeans to actively fight the tendency to think tribally, even as they hold their individual mother tongues, religions and cultures dear.