Known for his honesty, the ex-politician continues to offer insights on governance and advocate for the average citizen.
SINGAPORE: After stepping down from politics in 2015, former People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament Inderjit Singh remains a notable figure, speaking up for ordinary Singaporeans and offering candid critiques of governance. A serial entrepreneur and a Member of Parliament for nearly two decades, Singh is celebrated for his directness and unwavering commitment to addressing the concerns of the “man on the street.”
A Frank Advisor to Leadership
Singh’s frankness has been his hallmark, even during his tenure in politics. After the PAP’s relatively poor performance in the 2011 General Election, where it garnered its lowest-ever popular vote at 60.14%, Singh penned a lengthy email to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. In it, he critiqued the PAP’s approach and leadership style, comparing PM Lee’s distributed style to that of his predecessors, Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong.
“Not everyone is as good as you,” Singh candidly told PM Lee, emphasizing the need for a more centralized approach.
Challenging Policies
Singh’s independent streak shone through in Parliament, where he was unafraid to question party policies. His 2013 speech on the Population White Paper was a standout moment. Singh argued against prioritizing economic growth at the expense of social cohesion, advocating instead for a focus on improving Singaporeans’ quality of life.
“I never sent my speeches for vetting,” he admits, reflecting on his willingness to challenge the status quo, even as the PAP’s deputy party whip.
Staying Connected to the Ground
Even after retiring, Singh has maintained his passion for understanding ground sentiment. He criticized the PAP’s campaign strategy in the 2020 General Election, noting a lack of focus on their manifesto and the need for leaders to spend more time connecting with citizens.
“This GE also showed how spending time on the ground is essential, not just during the GE but also in the years leading up to it,” he remarked in a detailed Facebook post analyzing the election results.
Offering Timely Advice
As Singapore prepares for a leadership transition, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong set to hand over the reins to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Singh has once again returned to the public spotlight. Speaking on Inconvenient Questions, Singh reiterated his call for leaders to engage meaningfully with citizens.
“[The PAP leadership] needs to get in touch with the real issues on the ground. TikTok videos can only address a small section,” he said. “You need Singaporeans to feel that ‘I understand your problem.’”
Advocating for Singapore’s Future
While he may no longer be in Parliament, Singh’s voice remains relevant, offering insights and advice to a new generation of leaders. His unwavering advocacy for ordinary citizens and his candid critiques of policy and leadership continue to resonate, ensuring his place as a respected voice in Singapore’s political discourse.
