Lawrence Wong, Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party, urged Singaporeans to vote for the Party if they believe it remains the best party to lead Singapore through uncertain times.
“Nothing is guaranteed. If the opposition parties manage to breakthrough in several constituencies, then even if the PAP is returned to govern, it would be with a severely weakened mandate,” Mr Wong, who is also Prime Minister, said at the second party political broadcast on May 1.
“In the end, Singaporeans must decide. And I hope you consider carefully the choice before you.”
As Singaporeans prepare to cast their votes on May 3, Sec-Gen Wong urged voters to consider two key factors: who they trust to steer Singapore through this storm, and who they believe can secure a brighter future for themselves and their children.
This year mark SG60 – six decades of standing together and beating the odds, he said.
“Through all these years, the PAP has walked every step of the way with you – hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder. Together, we built the safe, vibrant, and thriving home we have today.”
“Now we must decide: where do we want Singapore to go?”
Sec-Gen Wong said he believes Singaporeans want Singapore to continue to succeed, and a better future for themselves and the next generation. He then posed the question of how the nation can achieve this goal.
According to him, opposition parties would claim it is the ruling party’s responsibility to “do the heavy lifting” of governing.
“They only want more seats in Parliament to have more alternative voices. More seats – but not more responsibility.”
He also noted that Opposition Parties make promises to do more whenever the PAP government does something positive, and outbid one another.
“They make these promises freely, because they don’t have to bear the responsibility for delivering what they propose.”
Sec-Gen Wong reminded voters that although individual opposition parties “may not have enough candidates to form a government”, their collective numbers present a serious challenge.
Sec-Gen Wong: This election is about building tomorrow’s leadership
The world has become more uncertain, more volatile, Sec-Gen Wong cautioned.
Tensions are rising, especially between America and China, he added. “If we are caught in the crossfire, or forced to choose sides, Singapore will be in a very difficult spot.”
To navigate this world effectively, Sec-Gen Wong stressed that Singapore would need leaders who are trusted by both sides – leaders whom they are familiar with, who they know personally, and who will not be easily pushed around.
“Building that relationship and trust takes years. It cannot be done overnight.”
“Furthermore, this election is not just about forming today’s government. It’s also about building tomorrow’s leadership – to take Singapore forward for the next generation.”
Sec-Gen Wong said that the Party has fielded the largest number of new candidates in recent history this election. They will be guided by experienced hands – ministers like Gan Kim Yong, Chan Chun Sing, Ong Ye Kung, and others.
“Together, this PAP team – combining experience and new perspectives – represents the aspirations, dreams and hopes of every Singaporean. We will be your voices, your advocates, and your champions. We will work hard to come up with better solutions for you, and for Singapore.”
PM Wong also cautioned that a vote for the Opposition has real consequences.
“It could mean the loss of three to four cabinet ministers immediately. It could mean the loss of new candidates who could grow into your future leaders.”
Tackling cost of living and securing jobs is top priority: PM
PM Wong reiterated that tackling cost of living and securing jobs is a top priority for his team.
“If conditions worsen, we will step up support. We have drawer plans ready, as we did during Covid. We will activate them to protect workers and families.”
He explained that the government could act quickly because it made the “difficult but responsible decisions” earlier to strengthen our public finances.
“Now we have the resources to protect Singaporeans. We have the resources to seize new opportunities in this changed world.”
He shared that during this election campaign, his team and he have been busy engaging Singapore’s counterparts around the world.
America may be turning inwards, there remains confidence in Asia – a growing market with a rising middle class, he said. Companies are looking for a stable and trusted hub in the region for their operations.
“We will position Singapore well to take advantage of these opportunities – to bring in new investments, and to create better jobs for Singaporeans.”
Sec-Gen Wong recounted how he had joined politics in 2011 because he “felt a duty to serve this country that has given me much”.
Over the past year, in his new role, PM Wong said he has done his utmost to engage and listen, to address Singaporeans’ concerns, to bring them together.
“Every PAP candidate shares this same sense of mission,” he said. “We come from different backgrounds. But we are united by a common purpose: to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.”
He said that his team carries a collective new resolve – to keep this Singapore miracle going, and to build a future that’s even better than the last 60 years.
“Please give me and my team a chance to do our best for you. If you believe in what we have built together, and if you want to secure a brighter future for yourself and your family, please vote for the People’s Action Party.”
