During the biennial Party Convention (9 Nov), Prime Minister (PM) and Secretary-General Lawrence Wong shared his reflections on GE2025.
“We went into GE2025 knowing that it would not be an easy fight,” said PM Wong.
After all, the lesson from GE2020 has been this – there is no flight to safety. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Opposition doubled its seats in Parliament.
For that reason, PM Wong shared that he took nothing for granted.
“We went to the ground to convince Singaporeans – with our record, our sincerity and our plans for the future.”
The hard work paid off, resulting in what the media described as a “landslide” victory for the PAP.
However, PM Wong cautioned against this description.
“In my view, it was not a landslide. We had very tough fights in several constituencies… I am especially grateful that voters gave us their support in both Tampines and Punggol,” said PM Wong.
That is because losing these constituencies would have far-reaching implications for the future of politics in Singapore.
In the case of Punggol, a Workers’ Party (WP) victory “would have sent the wrong message”, said PM Wong.
“One where voters didn’t care about the proven abilities and steady leadership of an experienced minister like DPM Gan.”
As for Tampines, it was important for Singaporeans to reject “WP’s calculated appeal to Malay-Muslim voters”. If not, other political parties will start to do the same, which will harm our social cohesion and lead to a divided Singapore, added PM Wong.
The PAP secured a strong mandate in both GRCs. For PM Wong, this shows that “Singaporeans take elections seriously and understand what’s at stake”.
“When I speak to foreign leaders today, I speak with quiet confidence. Because I know that I speak on behalf of a clear-eyed and united people…(who) will not be swayed by populist promises or racially tinged appeals,” shared PM Wong.
With so many countries around the world taking populist stances to win votes and using race and religion to build support, PM Wong added that this is something Singapore must steer away from.
“It often starts small. A distortion here, a half-truth there. Then bit by bit, trust erodes, and societies start to fracture…We cannot allow this to happen in Singapore,” said PM Wong.
This belief is why the PAP continues to speak up and call out questionable behaviour even when it is easier to stay quiet.
“Each time we call out bad behaviour, some nay-sayers will accuse the PAP of being overbearing or bullying. So, speaking up carries some political cost.
“But keeping quiet carries a far greater cost – to our values; to our standards, and to Singapore’s future,” said PM Wong.
Key priorities for the Government
Besides thanking Singaporeans for their support for GE2025, PM Wong also outlined the government’s priorities to secure Singapore’s place in a changed world.
“We will deliver what we set out in our election manifesto…to keep our economy competitive and strong so that Singaporeans can continue to have good jobs and better lives,” said PM Wong.
In addition, PM Wong also reassured Singaporeans that they can “look to the future with confidence”.
“We will keep strengthening our safety nets, so that whatever your background or circumstance, no one will be left behind.”
These are the promises the PAP intents to keep.
Because the next GE “will be even tougher,” shared PM Wong. And now is the time to work hard, so that we are ready to “face Singaporeans with confidence and conviction” for the next battle.
