Singapore's Next Premier Admits Racism Exists In City-State

The words of Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s finance minister, are beginning to take on greater weight since he was tapped last week to be the city-state’s presumptive next prime minister, only its fourth since independence.

Photo Insert: Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s finance minister, warned in a speech about how the world is facing a sharper trade-off between economic growth and inflation - a painful test policymakers are grappling with globally.

On Monday, he warned in a speech about how the world is facing a sharper trade-off between economic growth and inflation, a painful test policymakers are grappling with globally, Philip J. Heijmans, Joyce Koh, and Ramsey Al-Rikabi reported for Bloomberg.

Wong is not expected to veer away from the standard outlook and policies of the dominant People’s Action Party, which has ruled the country since 1965.

Speaking in Parliament in September, Wong was among several government ministers trying to make the case to wary pockets of the populace chafing under the economic pressures of the pandemic, and to assure global businesses that their investments are welcome.

“As a small island-state with no natural resources and no hinterland, the only way we can only survive and prosper is to stay open and connected. What is our response to these global businesses? Do we want them in Singapore or not?” he asked.

“These companies can locate their functions in any other hub city, be it Hong Kong, New York, or London. If we were to take a politically craven approach and impose many stringent conditions on their ability to operate here, we will lose out on many good investments. We would have fewer foreigners for sure. But many Singaporeans will also be deprived of good jobs and career opportunities. It’s like cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.”

“Singapore will remain open and welcoming. We must. But those who do business here must also recognize the value of our workforce and abide by our rules. We will continue to ensure that the companies we attract and root in Singapore are those who are committed to nurturing and growing our Singaporean core. Both sides need to make the effort. Singaporeans must be big-hearted and accepting of those who are different from us. Non-Singaporeans must respect our norms and way of life, and make the effort to fit in,” Wong said.

He also asked the Chinese majority to be more sensitive and admitted that “racism still exists in Singapore.”

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