Analysts note that Singapore’s third Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, has significantly influenced the country’s political and societal landscape. During his tenure, there has been a noticeable shift towards a softer and more collaborative approach to governance.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has expressed his desire to pass Singapore on to his successor “in good order,” a sentiment he has reiterated several times. By many measures, Singapore’s third Prime Minister has achieved this goal. Since taking office on August 12, 2004, he has overseen a period of prosperity, development, and increased equality in the country.
Analysts interviewed by CNA highlighted the significant impact of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s tenure on Singapore’s political and societal landscape. They noted that he led the country through periods of crisis and recovery while spearheading a shift towards a softer and more collaborative approach to governance.
During his leadership, Mr. Lee’s government implemented policies aimed at empowering citizens to improve their lives. He also tackled challenging and controversial issues, such as the repeal of the law prohibiting gay sex, demonstrating a willingness to address difficult matters.
Looking towards Singapore’s long-term future, Mr. Lee initiated infrastructure projects like the Tuas mega port, showcasing a commitment to strategic planning and development.
Over the past two decades, Singapore has experienced substantial economic growth, with its GDP more than doubling from S$228 billion to S$532 billion (US$168 billion to US$392 billion). Concurrently, the median gross monthly income of Singapore residents has seen a significant increase from S$2,326 to S$5,197.
Mr. Lee’s tenure also contributed to a reduction in income inequality, as evidenced by the Gini coefficient after government transfers and taxes decreasing from 0.42 to 0.37 under his leadership.
During Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s tenure, annual airport passenger arrivals in Singapore more than doubled, soaring from 14.3 million to 29.5 million. This growth has been complemented by an expansion in free trade agreements, surging from five in 2004 to a current count of 27, bolstering Singapore’s economy.
The Gini coefficient, a measure of income or wealth distribution inequality, saw improvement during Mr. Lee’s leadership. The gap between the richest and poorest in Singapore decreased, with the coefficient dropping from 0.42 to 0.37.
Under Mr. Lee’s guidance, Singapore has emerged as a global hotspot, attracting an increasing number of visitors annually. Visitor arrivals have climbed from 8.3 million to 13.6 million, further solidifying Singapore’s status as an international destination.
EMPHASIS ON THE SOCIAL
Dr. Gillian Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), commended Mr. Lee’s government for its proactive approach in addressing social stratification, identity politics, class, and race issues. She highlighted the implementation of measures aimed at ensuring a continuous form of meritocracy in Singapore as a crucial step in curbing severe social stratification.
Educational reforms have played a significant role in softening the stark streaming previously prevalent in Singapore’s academically focused school system. These reforms have provided students with more diverse pathways to success, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Under Mr. Lee’s leadership, the government has substantially increased investment in education. Annual recurrent expenditure on education rose from S$5 billion in 2004 to S$12.9 billion in 2022. This investment has facilitated the growth of infant care and childcare centres, with their numbers increasing from 722 in 2004 to 2,470 presently.
Additionally, Mr. Lee has aimed to change perceptions about the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) by highlighting the ITE College Central campus in Ang Mo Kio, as noted by Dr. S Vasoo, Second Advisor to Ang Mo Kio GRC Grassroots Organisations. This effort signifies a broader push towards recognizing and valuing diverse pathways to learning and success in Singapore.
Dr. Vasoo, who served as an MP from 1984 in Bo Wen SMC and later in Tanjong Pagar GRC, began his political journey by working closely with Mr. Lee in Ang Mo Kio. Even after stepping down as an MP in 2001, Dr. Vasoo remained active in assisting the community in Ang Mo Kio.
Reflecting on the perception of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) pathway, Dr. Vasoo noted that it was previously viewed as a last resort in the educational landscape, often associated with negative labels and stereotypes about underachievers. However, since 2013, Mr. Lee has chosen to hold his annual National Day Rally at the ITE College Central campus in Ang Mo Kio, signifying a shift in attitude towards recognizing and valuing the contributions of ITE and its students.
Dr. Vasoo acknowledged the positive impact of Mr. Lee’s annual National Day Rally at ITE College Central, stating that it has raised awareness and improved the institution’s image. He emphasized the importance of involving students and showcasing their achievements to foster a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Dr. Koh highlighted Mr. Lee’s initiatives supporting lower-wage workers, such as the Progressive Wage Model and Workfare scheme, as well as measures for an inclusive society, including support for the poor, disabled, and marginalized. She mentioned significant decisions like allowing the wearing of the tudung in healthcare institutions and repealing 377A as examples of Singapore’s inclusive policies under Mr. Lee’s leadership.
Ms. Nydia Ngiow mentioned the shift in policy approach under Mr. Lee, particularly in providing support packages like cash handouts, vouchers, and rebates to alleviate the impact of rising living costs. She contrasted this with previous administrations’ emphasis on self-reliance, noting a shift towards more social welfare measures, especially during crises.
During Mr. Lee’s tenure, Singapore’s population increased from 4.2 million to 5.9 million, although the total fertility rate declined significantly. The aging population has become a prominent issue, with life expectancy rising and a higher percentage of citizens aged 65 and above. This demographic shift has led to increased healthcare expenditure, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of an aging population.
IMPACT ON POLITICS
Political analysts highlighted Mr. Lee’s significant impact on Singapore’s political and governance landscape. They mentioned the introduction of the reserved election system for the presidency, aimed at ensuring minority representation, as well as the increased number of Non-Constituency MPs who were granted voting rights similar to elected MPs, according to Dr. Koh.
Dr. Koh also mentioned constitutional amendments passed in November 2016, which reserved the elected presidency for candidates of a specific racial group under certain conditions. This led to Madam Halimah Yacob’s uncontested victory as Singapore’s first female president the following year.
Furthermore, Dr. Koh noted improvements in public engagement in policy-making during Mr. Lee’s tenure, such as the establishment of “Alliances for Action” involving collaboration between the public and private sectors to address industry issues. She also mentioned industrial transformation maps developed for 23 sectors, reflecting a more involved governance approach that has proven effective in delivering practical solutions through joint commitment from relevant stakeholders.
Ms. Ngiow highlighted Mr. Lee’s evolution in leadership style during his tenure, transitioning from a more top-down approach to a more consultative one. This shift became more apparent after the 2011 General Election, where the PAP received a record low of 60.1 per cent of votes amidst domestic discontent on various fronts.
She noted that this consultative approach is likely to continue under the leadership of Mr. Lee’s successor, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong. Initiatives like Forward SG launched by Wong reflect this ongoing trend towards greater consultation and engagement with the public.
Associate Prof Bilveer Singh from the National University of Singapore’s Department of Political Sciences believes that Mr. Lee has significantly enhanced government accountability to the public. This includes fostering a stronger political opposition, which is evident in the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition, engaging in meaningful discussions on crucial matters, and allowing responsible anti-establishment viewpoints.
After the 2020 General Election, Mr. Lee officially recognized Workers’ Party leader Pritam Singh as the Leader of the Opposition, recognizing the electorate’s desire for diverse parliamentary voices.
Assoc Prof Singh suggests that Mr. Lee’s most enduring legacy might be his management of Singapore’s political and economic growth during the COVID pandemic and his meticulous planning for a smooth transition of government leadership to the 4G PAP leaders.
