Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister says Public Servants must always remain impartial and do work with professional objectivity, “while recognising the political context in which Singapore operates”.
Speaking at an appointments and promotions ceremony for Government workers, Lawrence Wong expressed concern about the challenges ahead for the country, including income stagnation, rising inequality and social polarisation.
“To sustain Singapore’s exceptional story, there is a need for conviction of purpose and all hands on deck to chart a new way forward for future generations,” Mr Wong (pictured) said.
Mr Wong, who is also Minister for Finance, said implementing an increase in the Goods and Service Tax (GST) was a tough call he had to make.
“Believe me, it’s not something I would have liked to introduce in my first Budget as Finance Minister, but we have designed a unique system in Singapore that combines the GST with offsets, and that ensures the GST increase does not hurt the poor,” he said.
“While the Public Service is not directly involved in weighing political considerations, it is important that you have an understanding of the Government’s priorities, engaging stakeholders, and partnering in nation-building.”
He said this meant being politically sensitive, but never politicised.
Mr Wong’s comments were not well received, with the vast majority of posts on Channel News Asia’s Facebook page expressing scepticism, many highlighting the apparent partisan practices of the Singaporean system.
Some posts noted that Public Servants knew what their fate would be if they did not follow the directions of the ruling party.
Singapore, 31 March 2023
