Lee Hsien Yang urges voters to scrutinise MPs and elect voices that represent the people
In a Facebook post dated 24 April 2025, Lee reminded voters that Parliament is not meant to function as an echo chamber.
He emphasised the need for MPs who are active, engaged, and unafraid to challenge government policies and actions.
'Parliament must not be an echo chamber'
According to Lee, the role of an MP is to attend sessions, remain alert, ask questions, and ensure that government policies are debated thoroughly and implemented fairly.
He highlighted the importance of scrutinising candidates in the lead-up to the General Election, warning voters not to be swayed by superficial charm or social media popularity.
He stressed, 'MPs must ensure that legislation passed is just and fair, not tools for control or oppression.'
He encouraged Singaporeans to send competent MPs to Parliament—individuals who would not only raise residents' concerns but also offer meaningful opposition when necessary.
'Opposition MPs are leading the charge'
Lee praised opposition MPs for their active participation in parliamentary proceedings, stating that they overwhelmingly speak up and raise important issues.
Citing the example of Dr Tan Cheng Bock, a former People's Action Party (PAP) MP who frequently voiced independent views during his 26 years in office, Lee lamented the lack of similar behaviour among current PAP MPs.
He criticised the ruling party for its tight discipline, noting that PAP MPs rarely dissent publicly, even during major decisions such as the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) hikes.
'No PAP MP spoke up against the increase,' he observed, suggesting a worrying lack of independence within the party ranks.
'Voting in Parliament must reflect conscience'
The post also highlighted the significance of parliamentary votes, even by minority MPs. Lee pointed to the Workers' Party lifting its whip on Section 377A to allow conscience votes as a positive example. In contrast, the PAP's refusal to lift the whip, even during contentious votes, was portrayed as suppressing genuine debate.
Lee noted that some PAP-backed legislation has come under public criticism for expanding state surveillance and restricting freedoms of speech and assembly, often passed without meaningful internal opposition.
'Diversity beyond ethnicity is essential'
Parliament, Lee said, should reflect Singapore's full diversity—not just along racial or gender lines but through a broad spectrum of ideas, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
He warned against a 'tyranny of the majority' and underscored the need to listen to minority voices and alternative viewpoints.
He also urged MPs to ensure accountability by consistently asking tough questions and demanding thorough financial oversight.
Data showed that the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), an alternative party, has asked the most questions in recent parliamentary sessions, he said.
'Vote for substance, not social media charisma'
Lee cautioned voters not to be distracted by candidates' personal traits, lifestyle branding, or popularity on platforms like TikTok.
'Being an MP is a serious job,' he stated, urging citizens to choose individuals who demonstrate commitment, capability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Character traits such as empathy, sincerity, courage, and integrity were identified as essential qualities for an MP.
Lee added that MPs should be willing to raise concerns about sensitive issues, including ministerial salaries, property matters involving ministers, inflation, and housing affordability.
Vote the party or the man? Both matter
Lee advised voters to assess both the party and the individual candidate.
He questioned whether some parties merely use MPs to fill seats or genuinely promote a diversity of opinion.
'Consider whether the candidate understands the real struggles on the ground… and is able to fearlessly articulate that for you in Parliament,' he said.
Lee further suggested that Parliament should not be a stepping stone for careerist civil servants or military officers, but rather a platform for conviction politicians—those who prioritise shaping public discourse and protecting civil liberties.
LHY in 2019: 'Today's PAP is no longer the PAP of my father. It has lost its way'
Lee Hsien Yang has long distanced himself from the contemporary PAP, stating in a 2019 Facebook post that 'Today's PAP is no longer the PAP of my father. It has lost its way.'
He remains a vocal critic of the party and has grown increasingly aligned with alternative movements such as the PSP, which was founded by Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
Lee left Singapore in 2022 following legal and political actions involving his family. He and his wife, Lee Suet Fern, were granted asylum in the United Kingdom in 2024 after citing political persecution.
Suet Fern was suspended from legal practice for 15 months due to allegations related to the late Lee Kuan Yew's will. Their son, Li Shengwu, was previously fined for contempt of court over a private Facebook post.
In October 2024, Lee confirmed that he sought asylum as a 'last resort,' but emphasised that he remained a Singapore citizen and expressed hope for a future return.
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Commentary: PM Lawrence Wong's NDR speech focused largely on practical policy issues for a reason
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But perhaps the first and most important step is to acknowledge the challenges that precipitate the need for such a shift, and what better occasion than one of the most anticipated national addresses like the National Day Rally. Unlike in previous years, there were no big reveals or headline-grabbing 'goodies'. Last year, for example, Mr Wong announced changes to the Gifted Education Programme for primary schools, a major revamp of the Kallang precinct, an additional 10 weeks of shared parental leave and temporary financial support for involuntarily unemployed workers. Perhaps, in line with putting 'we' before 'me', Mr Wong may be leaving such announcements to his 4G team. More importantly, he used the occasion to speak to the more existential challenge of defining the Singapore spirit needed to ensure that all stakeholders – the government and every citizen – begin to pull in the same direction together for the country to be successful now and in the decades to come.
