Focusing on basic needs a guard against populism: PM Lee

Singapore

POPULISM has become an issue in many countries and Singapore has tried hard to guard itself against this, by having a Government which focuses on the basic needs of its people, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.

This is through equitable policies on housing, healthcare, and education, and also ensuring Singaporeans have opportunities to upgrade themselves and cope with new demands, Mr Lee noted.

"So, in many ways we have tried to make sure that people have (their) basic needs met, aspirations achievable, and a sense that this is theirs. This is their country... th…