Singapore Faces Political Crisis as Scandals Rock Government
Political scandals are rare in Singapore, as the city-state has long prided itself on its clean government and incorruptible image. However, recent high profile incidents have entangled the country’s political elite, causing the “most severe crisis” Singapore has faced in recent memory. These incidents have already eroded the public’s trust and confidence in the government, and could continue to do so, according to Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at Singapore Management University.
The crisis deepened this week with the sudden resignations of two lawmakers, including the Speaker of Parliament, over an affair. Both were members of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which has been in power since 1959. These resignations came shortly after cabinet minister S. Iswaran and a prominent business leader were involved in a corruption probe. Such incidents have tarnished the PAP’s reputation for governing with honesty and integrity, and have impacted Singapore’s standing internationally, said Tan Ern Ser, an associate professor of sociology at the National University of Singapore.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has acknowledged the severity of the political crisis and the need for the government to address it. The government must go beyond mere damage control and take steps to renew and purge the system of its weaknesses and blind spots in order to regain trust and confidence, according to Tan. However, the prime minister’s office declined to comment on the matter.
Singaporeans, who are unaccustomed to political scandals, have reacted with surprise and shock. The incidents serve as a test for the government to re-evaluate its high standards and transparency, said Felix Tan, an associate lecturer at Nanyang Technological University. It is crucial for the government to address the fallout and reinforce the country’s state institutions, added Tan from the National University of Singapore.
The political crisis comes at a difficult time for Singapore as it undergoes a leadership transition. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is looking to pass on power to the next generation of leaders, and any delay in this process could raise concerns about their readiness, said Tan from Singapore Management University.
While it is uncertain how much the scandals will impact the ruling party and whether opposition parties will gain ground, there will undoubtedly be a significant political cost, according to Tan. Rebuilding trust will be a challenging and time-consuming process, and there is not much time before the next general election, he added.