Outgoing Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen stressed that integrity must be core to Singapore’s political process, or “we are on very slippery ground”.
“All of us have flaws, but do you say what you mean, and do you mean what you say? And when you have given an undertaking and a promise, do you keep it? Do you speak intentionally to obfuscate with a forked tongue, or do you want to speak plainly?”
“I hope that the standard of politics will continue with integrity as its core, whatever political party,” said the 66-year-old in his farewell interview with local media at the Ministry of Defence on May 13.
Dr Ng pointed out that the results of the recent general election were particularly gratifying because they were “an affirmation of rational and progressive politics”.
“In a time like this, for Singaporeans to say, okay, I believe what you say, we are entering a difficult period. Let’s be rational. We trust you with this. That’s a solid vote for Singapore.” said Dr Ng.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong led the People’s Action Party as secretary-general in the 2025 general elections on May 3, securing 65.57 per cent of the popular vote and 87 out of 97 seats in Parliament.
Dr Ng said that if the PAP had received a vote share in the low fifties, that would have been “a vote that was ambiguous”.
“Because you have a ruling government that basically has done (and we are not perfect), fairly well in crises, whether it is global financial crisis, whether it was Covid-19. It has stood up for issues of integrity, it has dealt with the best it is possible. Some will say you could have done more. No arguments there,” he said. “But if you had not done as well, what are future generations of people aspiring to political office? What will be their takeaway? This is not rational or progressive.”
“You want rational politics where good policies are supported, and bad policies are not supported. Whatever political colour you are.”
Dr Ng: A “common understanding” will allow Singapore to succeed
Dr Ng also cautioned that Singapore does not have an automatic right to be successful.
“The truth is, it is hard to stay on top or stay good. The curse of successful countries, I think, is the belief that the set of conditions that you’ve inherited will be forever so,” he said.
He said Singaporeans must always ask themselves the core question: How can Singapore continue to succeed, and what are the fundamentals that will get it there?
Part of the answer lies in the “social compact”, a political understanding between the elected and the electorate, Dr Ng explained.
“[We must] have a common understanding of, you know, some things may be good, but we can’t afford it. We may have to find different solutions, different expectations,” he said. “Or some things we are not investing in that we should invest in now or make them more.”
Dr Ng added that with Singaporeans today being more well educated and well-travelled, wisdom can be drawn from many other parts of the population.
Dr Ng says the nation’s strategy involves making itself useful to neighbours
When asked how Singapore can stay secure and relevant in a more uncertain world, Dr Ng said that the answer always must come from asking itself what its place in geography and history is.
“Some people wish the world to be friendlier, protect small countries, to find space for all countries. But that’s not the reality,” said Dr Ng who has helmed the defence portfolio since 2011 and was first elected as an MP in 2001.
“For Singapore, I would say starting point is we take the world as it is – not as we wish it to be, no matter how much we wish it to be.”
Described as Singapore’s chief defence diplomat by PM Wong, Dr Ng explained that the nation’s strategy involves making itself useful to neighbours, major powers, and middle powers through defence cooperation, dialogue facilitation, and serving as a trusted interlocutor.
With the changing geopolitical environment, he likened trade-dependent Singapore to a shop in an MRT station – it can make a living if the trains keep running, but trouble once the frequency slows or stops.
“Once people decide that they’re going to divert, use other tracks or bypass the station, or are not allowed to stop at your station or are rerouted elsewhere, it’s beyond your limited agency, and you have to make do,” he said.
The question is whether Singapore can get other countries to listen. “If we can’t, then we will have to live with the consequences. It will be a game of catch-up, and a very difficult game.”
