S’pore must be ‘nimble’ in wake of US tariffs and stay united, says WP chief Pritam Singh
As a country that is heavily reliant on trade, Singapore must remain “nimble and fleet-footed” in the wake of the US’ decision to impose tariffs on many countries, said WP chief Pritam Singh in a Facebook post on April 5.
Mr Singh, the Leader of the Opposition, said change and unpredictability is an ever-present reality for nations that are reliant on trade, and added that he agreed with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s call for Singapore to stay united in the face of significant uncertainties.
US President Donald Trump on April 2 announced a decision to impose sweeping global tariffs. Singapore and many other key US partners face a 10 per cent tariff on most goods they export to the US. Many other countries have been hit with even higher duties.
PM Wong, in an April 4 video uploaded to his social media accounts, described Mr Trump’s tariffs as a “seismic change in the global order”.
“International trade and investments will suffer, and global growth will slow. Singapore will take a bigger hit than others, because of our heavy reliance on trade,” PM Wong said.
He called on Singaporeans to stay resolute and united, as this will help Singapore to continue to “hold its own in this troubled world”.
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On April 5, Mr Singh said PM Wong was “correct” to call for Singaporeans to stay united.
“A trade-exposed nation like Singapore will have to remain nimble and fleet-footed, quickly adjusting our sails to new opportunities,” said Mr Singh.
He added that “a united population requires Singaporeans, regardless of our differences, to row in the same direction, more so as we enter another strait of uncharted waters”.
“My colleagues and I believe that a Parliament where all Singaporeans are represented reflects a united society,” he said.
Singapore’s best response to an unknown future is “unity in diversity, regardless of race or religion”, Mr Singh said.
“It is for this very reason that the WP has long called for a rational and responsible opposition... in this country we call home.
“That call continues to evolve with the importance of a loyal opposition – one that is loyal to Singapore.” THE STRAITS TIMES
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