The Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party Lawrence Wong urged Singaporeans to vote for the team they believe will serve them and the nation well in the upcoming general election. He emphasised choosing leaders of good character, who are upright and honest above all.
“Vote for the team you believe will serve you, your family, your constituency, and our nation well. Vote for the candidates who will put Singapore and Singaporeans ahead of everything else,” Mr Wong, who is also Prime Minister, said at a party political broadcast on Apr 25.
“Above all, choose leaders who are upright, honest and of good character. Because in the end, more than policies, more than promises, it is character that counts.”
Sec-Gen Wong reiterated his call to Singaporeans to “equip themselves” with the best team to take the country forward. He pledged: “If the PAP again wins your mandate, my foremost responsibility will be to work with my team to unite Singaporeans, protect our livelihoods and secure our future.”
“I will not gamble with your lives, your jobs or your well-being,” he reassured.
The Opposition is here to stay
Mr Wong, entering his first hustings as both PAP secretary-general and prime minister, acknowledged that while some Singaporeans want the PAP to continue to govern, they also hope for more alternative voices in Parliament.
“I understand these sentiments…The Opposition is here to stay. I too believe there is a role for a constructive and responsible Opposition in our system of democracy,” he said, noting the steady growth of Opposition MPs in successive elections, with their number nearly doubling in the last election.
Making a personal appeal to Singaporeans, not just as the PAP Sec-Gen, but also as their Prime Minister, he said that after the dust from the campaign settles, the contest will not be the PAP versus the Opposition, it will be Singapore versus the turbulent world, with its multitude of external challenges and threats.
“The outcome of the election will determine how effective your government will be in serving you. And how ready we are to forge a new path forward together in these uncertain times.”
Sec-Gen Wong said he has had the privilege of serving as Singapore’s Prime Minister for the past year, a duty he carries with deep commitment – to do his best for Singaporeans, their families and the nation.
Every member of his team knows the weight of this responsibility, he added. “This is our promise, and our commitment, to you. This is our collective new resolve.”
Sec-Gen Wong: ‘Who forms your government now is an existential question’
In his speech, Sec-Gen Wong reminded Singaporeans that this election comes at a time of profound global change.
Global demand is weakening, and market confidence has declined. Singapore’s exports will be hit, he said. Companies, both large and small, have expressed their concerns to the government.
Workers are anxious about their incomes and job security. Economic growth is expected to slow this year, and a recession cannot be ruled out, potentially leading to retrenchments and job losses, he pointed out.
Mr Wong added: “Our bigger fear is this: this is not just a short-term downturn… In short, the external conditions that have underpinned our survival, security and success for decades are now coming apart.”
He cautioned that just as Singapore faced existential questions when separating from Malaysia 60 years ago and when the British forces withdrew in 1968, leaving the nation to fend for itself, the issue of who forms the government is an existential one.
“It’s not just about politics. It’s about whether we can find a way forward to survive in a changed world,” he said.
Sec-Gen Wong: PAP will always have your back
Sec-Gen Wong said that the PAP’s mission from the start has been to protect Singapore’s sovereignty, uplift the lives of Singaporeans, and secure a better future for all.
That is why this year’s Budget included a comprehensive support package, he explained. The help, including CDC vouchers, SG60 vouchers, cash payouts and utilities rebates, will be systematically rolled out in the coming months.
DPM Gan Kim Yong has been asked to chair an Economic Resilience Taskforce in response to the current economic and trade uncertainties. The government is closely monitoring the situation and will do more for businesses, workers, and families if conditions worsen.
“For over 60 years, we have walked alongside you. Our commitment has been unwavering: to serve you; support you; stand with you. You will always be at the centre of all we do,” he stressed.
“This is our assurance to you: we will continue supporting you for as long as help is needed. We will always have your back.”
