[SINGAPORE] The first few tariff discussions between Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and his US counterpart have been good “because there is trust”, Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam said on Tuesday (Apr 29), highlighting DPM Gan’s importance in the current economic situation.
DPM Gan has been in talks with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of wide-ranging tariffs earlier in April.
“It’s a long road, and both men… agree that we should try and find a solution. If we can find a solution, it saves jobs, it saves businesses,” said Shanmugam at a rally for Nee Soon GRC, where he leads the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) team.
“If DPM Gan remains in government after May 3, he can play the role of saving jobs in Singapore,” he said, referring to the date of Polling Day.
Acknowledging worries over jobs and the cost of living, Shanmugam said that the US tariffs contribute to these, creating uncertainty that may slow investments while hurting job creation and businesses.
He noted concerns from both residents and businesses, including an unnamed American multinational corporation with more than 1,000 staff in Singapore that may consider restructuring.
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The situation is serious, which is why Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has formed an inter-ministerial committee chaired by DPM Gan to tackle the issue, he said.
DPM Gan is leading the PAP team in Punggol GRC – having been moved there at the eleventh hour from Chua Chu Kang GRC – against a Workers’ Party team comprising one of its “star catches” Harpreet Singh.
Over the last few days, PM Wong and his colleagues have come out to back DPM Gan, urging voters to ensure he is re-elected.
On cost-of-living concerns, Shanmugam said the best way to help is to make sure everyone gets a good job.
“Bring the best investments into Singapore, create good jobs in Singapore for Singaporeans, let your salaries go up,” he said. “We are helping you to help yourself, and that is the best way of dealing with rising costs.”
Countering opposition objections to the goods and services tax (GST) hike, he reiterated the PAP’s explanation that the GST is mostly paid by the top 20 per cent of income earners and foreigners.
He added that the opposition is trying to frighten voters into believing that inflation is because of GST. Instead, government transfers offset the GST hike for most Singaporean households for five years.
“Never fear – economy, jobs, living expenses, as long as you are prepared to work, the government will take care of you,” he said.
Local concerns
After addressing national issues, Shanmugam turned to municipal ones, noting that he has spent more than half of his life as an MP for the area. He gave an overview of existing and upcoming infrastructure plans, as well as education, healthcare and care programmes.
Unlike some PAP rallies where party heavyweights from other constituencies spoke, Tuesday’s rally featured just the five-member Nee Soon GRC team, former MP Lee Bee Wah and several residents.
Shanmugam introduced his fellow candidates, all of whom are first-timers. He said he has very high hopes that PM Wong will appoint Goh Han Yan and former Nominated Member of Parliament Syed Harun Alhabsyi as officeholders if they are elected.
As for the other two candidates, Lee Hui Ying and Jackson Lam, he said he has known them “for a long time”. Lam was Shanmugam’s branch secretary and somebody he “talent-spotted”, while Lee Hui Ying was mentored by former MP Lee.
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