What parties said about key issues at roundtable discussion

The five political parties fielding the most number of candidates in the general election participated in a televised roundtable discussion on April 27. They discussed, in turn, issues surrounding geopolitics and the economy, immigration and jobs, and the cost of living. All parties were asked a common question on these topics before being asked different follow-up questions by academics. The incumbent PAP was allocated half the speaking time, while the other parties shared the remaining half equally. Aqil Hamzah and Tay Hong Yi present a summary of what they said.

- 

GEOPOLITICS AND THE ECONOMY

The question posed to all candidates by CNA newscaster Otelli Edwards was: "The global outlook is increasingly uncertain. It appears free trade is in decline. How do you see this impacting Singapore and how does your party propose to help Singaporeans deal with these challenges?"

PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE FOR REFORM (PAR)

PAR chief Lim Tean said warning signs that globalisation would fray emerged as early as 2022.

Yet, the PAP did not heed those warning signs and kept talking about globalisation, said Mr Lim, who is contesting Potong Pasir SMC.

In contrast, PAR thinks "glocalisation" is the way forward, he said, referring to working with trustworthy regional partners closer afield.

"We cannot carry on to the drumbeat of the Americans (who) led globalisation. We must start to cooperate with our regional partners, like the Indonesians, the Thais, the Malaysians."

Professor Joseph Liow, senior research adviser at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, then asked Mr Lim if he could reconcile PAR's view that the impact of the Trump tariffs might be exaggerated with Singapore's heavy reliance on global trade.

Mr Lim mooted setting up a bank to finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), so they can expand globally and regionally.

He said he saw the Trump tariffs as, primarily, a tool to contain the rise of China.

"How it's going to end is beyond anyone's comprehension."

PROGRESS SINGAPORE PARTY

Ms Stephanie Tan, the PSP candidate for Pioneer SMC, said the party recognises that tariffs imposed by the US can impact Singapore's economy.

Singapore cannot overly depend on multinational corporations and needs to build up local enterprises, she said.

"At the same time, Singapore must maintain our trading relationships with various trading partners to hedge our risks in times of uncertainty."