The upcoming general election carries far greater stakes with profound changes across the world, said People’s Action Party’s Secretary-General Lawrence Wong on April 17.
The People’s Action Party introduces a fresh team with new resolve to tackle the upcoming challenges and secure a brighter future for Singaporeans, he pledged.
“This SG60 election is ultimately about our future. History has rarely been kind to small states… What we have today is nothing short of a miracle.”
“How long can this miracle last? Especially as the world turns more dangerous and hostile? Frankly no one can tell,” he continued.
“But you have my word – the PAP will do everything we can to keep this miracle going for as long as possible.”
Addressing party members and activists at the launch of PAP’s election manifesto, Mr Wong, who is also Prime Minister, said the world has grown increasingly uncertain and dangerous, especially for small countries like ours.
“The conditions that underpinned our survival, security and success are coming apart.”
This is why he has called for a general election at this “critical juncture” so Singaporeans can decide on the team to lead the nation and chart the path forward together.
“[The PAP manifesto] is our roadmap to navigate a changed world. We present a fresh team to tackle the challenges ahead, and we stand ready to serve all Singaporeans with new resolve.”
Sec-Gen Wong: ‘PAP will never gamble with the future of Singapore and Singaporeans.’
Setting out what is at stake, Sec-Gen Wong said it cannot be politics as usual; it concerns how Singapore will defend its interest globally and navigate through stormy weather to secure the lives and livelihoods of its people.
While Singapore anticipated changes with the new Trump administration, the tariff package proved more drastic than expected, representing the biggest shock to the post-World War II global system.
“All this will weigh heavily on the global economy, and in turn impact our own economy.”
Mr Wong noted that the Ministry of Trade and Industry had revised Singapore’s growth forecast downwards, while a recession and job losses cannot be ruled out. However, the government’s bigger concern is the evolving global environment.
Unlike previous economic downturns from which Singapore has rebounded, this time is different, he said.
“The rules-based global system that had enabled stability and shared prosperity is fraying,” he cautioned as America steps back from its global leadership role and rising tensions between the US and China.
“So, this will be a period of messy transition globally – with more fragmentation, more contestation and more uncertainty for the world,” he said.
Singapore must therefore brace ourselves for stormy weather, he stressed. “How we navigate through these turbulent times will determine our future and our children’s future.”
While some claim there is no need to “overreact” to the global instability brought by the US tariffs, that is not the way the PAP does things, said Sec-Gen Wong.
“We will always be upfront and transparent in highlighting the challenges ahead. We will never gamble with the future of Singapore and Singaporeans.”
PAP fields largest number of newcomers in GE in recent history
Sec-Gen Wong said the PAP will field 32 new candidates in 33 constituencies. Out of these candidates, 24 will be fielded in PAP-held wards. There are 97 seats to be contested.
They come from diverse backgrounds, including the military, public service, private sector, academia, unions and social service agencies. There are also 13 women, making up about a third of the candidates.
This is the largest introduction of new faces to the party’s lineup in recent history.
“If elected, a number of our new candidates can become more than backbenchers. They will help to strengthen my team. Some of the younger ones will form the core of the next 5G team. They will make sure Singapore continues to be in good hands,” he said.
He also paid tribute to candidates contesting Workers’ Party-held constituencies of Hougang SMC, Aljunied GRC and Sengkang GRC, and said the Party will fully support them.
The prime minister also thanked retiring MPs for their contributions. They include political holders Heng Chee How and Dr Amy Khor.
“In the PAP, we serve not for ourselves, but for Singaporeans. Our MPs understand the importance of self-renewal. So, they are doing their part to pass the torch to the new cohort. We will find a time after the GE to honour them and thank them properly.”
The upcoming general election will be Mr Wong’s first time leading the party as Singapore’s fourth prime minister, a position he assumed in May last year.
He promised that the party will step up with “new resolve” and fight harder to protect what Singapore has and build what the nation needs.
This includes growing a vibrant economy with good jobs, strengthening the education system, ensuring affordable and quality homes; and empowering Singaporeans to stay healthy and age with dignity, he said.
Singapore will also build a greener and more sustainable city, and make sports, the arts and culture more accessible for all.
“We will build a society where there is respect for all, and everyone is valued for who they are.”
Sec-Gen Wong:‘ We must fight hard for every single vote, in every single constituency
Sec-Gen Wong said that the general election will be a tough one, and called on party activists to fight hard for every single vote, in every constituency.
“To all our candidates wherever you stand, make no mistake: this will be a tough election,” he cautioned. “There is no safe seat around. We must never assume that the PAP will automatically win the election just because we have been in power all this while.”
He pointed out that the cost of living remains a big concern for many Singaporeans, as it has been for countries everywhere.
“Look at the results of elections in other countries over the past year – incumbent parties were either defeated or they suffered major losses,” he said.
“We cannot take any vote for granted. Always remember the Singaporean voter is a discerning and a tough judge. We must fight hard for every single vote, in every single constituency.”
“Let’s convince Singaporeans to give the PAP their mandate and support. Let’s work hard to secure a brighter future for every Singaporean, and for many more years to come.”
Concluding his address, Sec-Gen Wong said this manifesto is the Party’s promise to all Singaporeans.
“It reflects your hopes, your concerns and your aspirations. It reflects our commitment: to keep Singapore strong, stable and united.”
He also promised that while the world has changed, the PAP will stay true to its founding values: Incorruptibility, meritocracy, multi-racialism, justice and equality.
“We will always put Singaporeans at the centre of all we do. We will serve you, support you, and stand with you,” said Mr Wong.
