Commenting on Mr Lee Hsien Loong’s role as Singapore’s Prime Minister and the challenges he faces, SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan said: “A case can be made that Lee Hsien Loong has a tougher job because success is now harder to come by and society a lot more complex and diverse. He has to look after material concerns and post-material aspirations unlike his two predecessors, who very much had to worry about material concerns.” Associate Prof Tan added: “There is a growing desire for more consultation before policy is made, for a less dominant PAP government in many facets of Singapore life, for more political pluralism and checks and balances… Then, there is the challenge of Singaporeans wanting an effective and efficient government, while desiring a less assertive and domineering government… It's a case of Singaporeans wanting to have their cake and eat it, too. In short, PM Lee's challenge is the need to remain popular in a more competitive political setting while eschewing populist policies that may generate short-term gains but imperil the long-term future of Singapore and Singaporeans."