Pritam Singh Advocates for Balance Between Collective and Individual in Parliament

In a significant address during a parliamentary debate on September 22, 2023, Pritam Singh, the Leader of the Opposition and chief of the Workers’ Party, emphasized the importance of balancing collective and individual perspectives in Singaporean society. His remarks came in response to a recent call by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam for a “we first” mindset, which encourages prioritizing the collective good as Singapore navigates a new phase of economic transformation.

Mr. Singh articulated that while the notion of “we” is crucial for Singaporeans, it should not overshadow the significance of the individual. He described the perspectives of “we” and “me” as existing on a continuum, stating, “A binary treatment is limiting, while an overemphasis on one is not consistent with our lived experiences.” He highlighted the need for individuals to strive for excellence and be respected by society, irrespective of their race, language, religion, or background.

Calls for a Collaborative Society

Earlier this month, President Tharman urged Singaporeans to foster a community-oriented mindset, emphasizing that citizens must “put the collective before self.” His comments resonated with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who similarly advocated for shared responsibility during last month’s National Day Rally. Mr. Singh noted the historical context of such communitarian values, referencing discussions from 1991 when past members of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) debated the importance of shared values without stifling individual ideas.

Reflecting on recent public sentiment, Mr. Singh pointed out that following the COVID-19 pandemic, Singaporeans expressed greater concern for national identity and social support than for economic issues. “A sense of personal fulfilment and purpose is more likely to be achieved when we contribute to something larger than ourselves,” he asserted, underscoring the dual importance of both “we” and “me” in shaping a cohesive society.

Workers’ Party’s Legislative Focus

In his address, Mr. Singh outlined the priorities of the Workers’ Party for the current parliamentary term. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to charting an independent path and fulfilling its role as a loyal opposition. “Our loyalty is to the people and to the nation,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of the Parliament’s three core functions: making laws, checking government actions, and scrutinizing state finances.

Contrary to the perception that opposition MPs aim to embarrass the government through questioning, Mr. Singh clarified that holding the government accountable is a fundamental aspect of the parliamentary system. “To borrow an old tech phrase – questioning the government in parliament is a feature, not a bug,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of this dynamic in a robust democracy.

Following the last general election, the Workers’ Party has grown to hold a historic 12 seats in Parliament, including Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs). Mr. Singh stressed that each question posed in Parliament is significant, especially since the opposition does not receive the same briefing opportunities as PAP MPs. He pointed to recent issues with the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system as an example, asserting that the problems require thorough investigation by Parliament, including the findings of the recently established task force under the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

In response to Mr. Singh’s statements, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow expressed his openness to questions from all MPs regarding transport issues, affirming a commitment to transparency and collaboration.

The ongoing debate in Parliament reflects broader discussions about the balance between community and individuality in Singapore, a topic that continues to resonate deeply with citizens navigating the complexities of modern society.