Lately, many things went wrong in Singapore:
- Malaysia is bullying Singapore again and the ruling party probably thought that such external threats are a boost to their support. To many I spoke too, it was more like a sign of complacency and weakness in our ranks.
- Despite a strong private-property rally in the past 3 years, resale HDB prices have embarked on a long-term decline due to lease expiration of old flats.
- Immigration policies deprived the local-born of their education and job opportunities. Judging from the birth and death numbers, Singapore also continues to increase the intake of new citizens in recent years.
- "Crazy Rich Asians " movie reminded dis-illusioned younger Singapore about the economic inequity and debt burden that they face.
- Some in Malay community are disgruntled about the eligibility of the current President.
- The local stock market has been very weak. The collapse of Oil & Gas counters, Hyflux and Noble wiped out liquidity and savings of hundred of thousands of middle-class retail investors.
- There are emerging dissidents within the ruling party and DPM Tharman not even retained in the CEC, despite his relatively young age (61). There are also speculations of Tan Cheng Bock or PM Lee's brother participating in the next GE. Having former office-bearers is a boost the opposition camp.