PSP urges deeper reforms to narrow income gap after SM Lee tells wealthy immigrants not to flaunt wealth

 In response to Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s recent remarks urging wealthy immigrants to “keep their bling down” and respect Singapore’s social norms, the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) said the comment reflects a growing recognition within the Government of deep-seated concerns about income and wealth inequality.

Speaking at a dialogue session at Chatham House in London on 27 October 2025, SM Lee advised affluent newcomers to be mindful of local sensibilities and avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.

The remarks came as part of his working visit to the United Kingdom from 25 to 28 October 2025.

However, in a Facebook post on 29 October, PSP argued that merely asking the rich to be discreet does not address the root causes of inequality. The party said, “Hiding inequality and politely reminding the rich to ‘keep the bling down’ cannot bring about real unity.”

PSP called on the Government to implement fundamental policy reforms to ensure that economic progress is shared more equitably among Singaporeans. The party reiterated its long-standing proposals, including the introduction of a minimum living wage, fairer treatment between local and foreign PMEs (professionals, managers and executives), and stronger protections for workers.

The party added that it envisions “a compassionate and progressive Singapore where the return for hard work is a dignified life.” It stressed that “the Government must do more to make sure every Singaporean feels they have a fair shot in life. We can only have true unity when there is progress for all.”

During the Chatham House dialogue, SM Lee defended Singapore’s immigration policy, describing immigrants as “desperately needed people to man our whole system.”

He highlighted that foreigners make up about one-third of Singapore’s workforce, ranging from senior executives in multinational corporations to construction workers.

While acknowledging the necessity of immigration, SM Lee also recognised the potential challenges it brings — including risks of espionage, disinformation, and social tensions.

“We need them, and we have got to accommodate them, and we have got to get them to understand what our rules are,” he said. “And Singaporeans need to be accepting of the immigrants, knowing that they are here and helping us.”

He cautioned wealthy immigrants against behaviours that might be viewed as boastful or inconsiderate, saying: “Do not go around popping champagne which is US$20,000 a bottle with sparklers, and do not zoom your Ferrari or Lotus down the middle of the road in the middle of the night just to let everybody know that you have arrived.”

“You would not have thought that that was something you needed to tell anybody, but sometimes it is helpful to remind them,” he added, drawing light laughter from the audience.

SM Lee stressed that maintaining Singapore’s social cohesion requires mutual understanding — immigrants must integrate respectfully, while Singaporeans should remain open and accepting.

“We try to manage the overall package so that we have not just an economy with the people it needs, but a society which can maintain identity and cohesion,” he said.

He also cited Singapore’s response during the Covid-19 pandemic as an example of the Government’s emphasis on fairness and humane governance.

“People know that if they come to Singapore, that is the way Singapore works — the rules are strict, but this is not an inhumane system,” he said.

In contrast, the PSP emphasised that genuine cohesion can only come from reducing inequality and ensuring that Singapore’s prosperity benefits all citizens — not just the top earners or new immigrants.