Inderjit Singh’s insights into Singapore’s politics remain as sharp as ever
Inderjit Singh, a former People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament, continues to voice concerns on behalf of the average Singaporean even after his retirement in 2015. In a recent interview, Singh shared his thoughts on the evolving political landscape, offering candid reflections on the PAP’s performance, leadership styles, and the challenges facing the party as it prepares for the next General Election.
Despite his exit from active politics, Singh remains deeply invested in the well-being of Singaporeans. After the 2011 General Election, he reached out to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, offering advice on how the PAP could improve its approach. He noted that the party’s leadership style had become too decentralized and suggested that PM Lee adopt a more consultative style similar to that of his predecessors, Goh Chok Tong and Lee Kuan Yew. Singh’s willingness to speak openly and directly has been a hallmark of his political career.
During his tenure, Singh was known for his blunt honesty, often challenging policies when he felt they were not in the best interest of Singaporeans. His stance on the 2013 Population White Paper, where he criticized the focus on population growth at the expense of improving citizens’ lives, is one of many examples of his willingness to speak out against the party line.
Even after retiring, Singh remains a vocal critic of the PAP’s approach. Reflecting on the 2020 General Election, he observed that the party’s campaign lacked a clear focus on its manifesto, a mistake that ultimately hurt their connection with voters. Singh continues to advocate for more genuine engagement with the ground sentiment, emphasizing that leaders must understand the real issues facing ordinary Singaporeans.
As Singapore prepares for a leadership transition, with PM Lee planning to hand over power to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Singh offers advice to the next generation of leaders. He believes they must do more than engage with digital platforms like TikTok—they need to truly understand and empathize with the struggles of the people.
Inderjit Singh’s return to the public spotlight reminds us of his unrelenting dedication to the concerns of the average Singaporean, ensuring that their voices continue to be heard in the political discourse.
