Is Singapore headed for more confrontational politics with a larger opposition presence in Parliament?

With a fresh crop of MPs who are younger and more diverse than before, the parliament could become more raucous and combative, analysts say

But Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s ruling People’s Action Party is still anticipated to expect cross-aisle unity on matters of national concern

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The national flag of Singapore flies on the roof of Parliament House in this file photo. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:27pm, 24 Aug 2020Updated: 12:23am, 25 Aug 2020

Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob on Monday opened a younger, more diverse parliament with the most number of opposition members in five decades, as the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) pledged to listen to criticism and be open to “new ways of doing things” in the wake of the July 10 election.

Delivering remarks prepared by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s administration, the president said the government in its next five-year term would address public anxiety over issues ranging from Singapore’s post-pandemic recovery to resurgent concerns about its foreign workforce.

On prickly issues such as race relations, Halimah urged all sides to break out of “online echo chambers” and “make genuine attempts to bridge the gap with those who think differently from us”.

“Given the magnitude of the challenges and uncertainties, we must expect to encounter more differences in views and interests among Singaporeans,” she told the 95 lawmakers listening.

The president’s speech, which will be followed by a debate on its key points next week, was delivered in unprecedented fashion as some MPs had to listen from a separate venue to ensure adherence to safe distancing measures.

Said Halimah: “We must learn to handle these differences constructively. On some issues, we can agree to disagree. But on issues core to Singapore’s survival and future, we must do our best to find common ground and build a broad consensus.”

Is Singapore headed for more confrontational politics with a larger opposition presence in Parliament?

With a fresh crop of MPs who are younger and more diverse than before, the parliament could become more raucous and combative, analysts say But Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s ruling People’s Action Party is still anticipated to expect cross-aisle unity on matters of national concern

With a fresh crop of MPs who are younger and more diverse than before, the parliament could become more raucous and combative, analysts say

But Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s ruling People’s Action Party is still anticipated to expect cross-aisle unity on matters of national concern