SINGAPORE - Singapore needs a good and effective government to navigate rising global tensions and economic uncertainty, and this is something that Singaporeans are aware of, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said.

Mr Ong gave this response on March 23 when he was asked about whether a growing desire for more elected opposition in Parliament would destabilise the political balance in Singapore.

He cited the Government’s trust in the people during the pandemic years to keep to the Covid-19 protocols – such as staying at home and testing themselves when unwell – adding that Singaporeans would do what is right for the country.

“We trust that Singaporeans know what to do. So, likewise, in the election, I think it’s the same. Singaporeans know that especially in this geopolitical environment, with so many changes happening, you need a good, effective government,” he added.

“You don’t want a government that is embroiled in paralysis – things cannot go forward. I think Singaporeans are deeply aware of that, and so they will take it, I believe, step by step and do what is right for Singapore.”

Mr Ong acknowledged that people have wanted a larger opposition presence in Parliament across successive elections, adding that he had felt the brunt of these desires first-hand when he was fielded and lost as part of the PAP team in Aljunied GRC in the 2011 general election.

Recounting his experience during that election, he said that after four or five days into the campaign period, he had told his fellow candidates and activists that he felt like he was “in quick sand”.

“As much as you try to swim and float, you sink, and the harder you struggle, sometimes the faster you sink. There’s almost nothing you can do about it,” he said of his experience then.

He attributed this to the seemingly inexorable march towards greater opposition representation in Parliament.

But he added that elections are about producing an effective system of government.

“Of course in people’s minds now... their thinking is a good outcome – a PAP government, but with opposition as a check and balance. That’s a good system of government. I don’t disagree,” he said.

“As to ‘What is the equilibrium?’, I think we are still finding out as a people… To me, it’s a journey that with each successive election we will find out.”

He noted that there were now 12 oppositi...