WP slams PAP over Pritam's podcast criticism; DPM Gan says US tariffs may stay beyond Trump: Singapore live news

Yahoo

3 days ago

The Workers' Party (WP) has issued a strong rebuttal to the People's Action Party's (PAP) criticism of Pritam Singh's appearance on a Malaysian podcast. WP argues that Pritam's remarks were fair, patriotic, and well-received by the public. They say the Leader of the Opposition is not bound by executive protocols and that PAP ministers have similarly engaged foreign media.
WP accuses PAP of political opportunism and double standards, citing internal praise and photo ops with the podcast host. WP maintains that the interview did not harm Singapore's national interests and calls for reasoned debate over recycled allegations. More on WP rebuffing PAP's 'water's edge' doctrine here.
Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has warned that US tariffs may persist beyond Donald Trump's presidency, urging businesses to prepare for a more protectionist global trade environment. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan said firms should stop banking on political transitions and instead adapt by segmenting supply chains, meeting US conditions, and diversifying markets.
Gan emphasised that tariffs are now a bipartisan tool in Washington and a source of tax revenue. Singapore is responding by deepening ASEAN integration and advocating WTO reform. Gan says the global trade game has changed, and Singapore must evolve.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Singapore's opposition party the Workers' Party (WP) has dismissed People's Action Party's (PAP) criticism of Pritam Singh's podcast interview as baseless. WP insists the interview was candid, constructive and well-received by Singaporeans.
The WP said on Thursday (3 July) that Singh's remarks were patriotic and did not denounce Singapore. They say the podcast showcased how opposition voices can engage respectfully on national issues.
WP challenged the notion that foreign media engagement is taboo, citing PAP's own history of international interviews. They called out the double standard and demanded clarity on any supposed restrictions.
The party also addressed past allegations of foreign influence, reiterating that no promises or deals were made with Malaysian figures. They say the PAP is recycling old controversies for political gain.
WP says the podcast episode strengthened democratic discourse, not weakened it.
The controversy stems from Pritam's 24 June interview on Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian podcast, which PAP claims crossed a line in airing domestic issues abroad.
Read on WP rebuffing PAP's 'water's edge' doctrine here.
Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has a message for businesses: stop waiting for US tariffs to vanish. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan warned that bipartisan support for tariffs in Washington means they're likely to stick around, even if Trump doesn't.
Gan urged firms to brace for higher export costs and stricter supply chain scrutiny, especially in sectors like steel, autos, and pharmaceuticals. He advised setting up separate production lines for US-bound goods and diversifying into new markets.
The US is pushing for 'fair and balanced trade', which includes reshoring critical industries and demanding more imports from trading partners. Gan said this shift is structural, not political.
Singapore, which faces a baseline 10 per cent tariff, has ruled out retaliation. Instead, it's doubling down on ASEAN integration and WTO reform to preserve open trade.
Gan's bottom line: adapt now or risk being sidelined in a more fragmented global economy.
Read on DPM Gan saying tariffs aren't going anywhere here.
Singapore's opposition party the Workers' Party (WP) has dismissed People's Action Party's (PAP) criticism of Pritam Singh's podcast interview as baseless. WP insists the interview was candid, constructive and well-received by Singaporeans.
The WP said on Thursday (3 July) that Singh's remarks were patriotic and did not denounce Singapore. They say the podcast showcased how opposition voices can engage respectfully on national issues.
WP challenged the notion that foreign media engagement is taboo, citing PAP's own history of international interviews. They called out the double standard and demanded clarity on any supposed restrictions.
The party also addressed past allegations of foreign influence, reiterating that no promises or deals were made with Malaysian figures. They say the PAP is recycling old controversies for political gain.
WP says the podcast episode strengthened democratic discourse, not weakened it.
The controversy stems from Pritam's 24 June interview on Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian podcast, which PAP claims crossed a line in airing domestic issues abroad.
Read on WP rebuffing PAP's 'water's edge' doctrine here.
Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has a message for businesses: stop waiting for US tariffs to vanish. Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2025, Gan warned that bipartisan support for tariffs in Washington means they're likely to stick around, even if Trump doesn't.
Gan urged firms to brace for higher export costs and stricter supply chain scrutiny, especially in sectors like steel, autos, and pharmaceuticals. He advised setting up separate production lines for US-bound goods and diversifying into new markets.
The US is pushing for 'fair and balanced trade', which includes reshoring critical industries and demanding more imports from trading partners. Gan said this shift is structural, not political.
Singapore, which faces a baseline 10 per cent tariff, has ruled out retaliation. Instead, it's doubling down on ASEAN integration and WTO reform to preserve open trade.
Gan's bottom line: adapt now or risk being sidelined in a more fragmented global economy.
Read on DPM Gan saying tariffs aren't going anywhere here.