Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a strong message to voters during the PAP’s lunchtime rally at Fullerton on April 28, 2025, calling on Singaporeans to support the ruling party and avoid weakening the government in the face of an uncertain world. He emphasized that a stronger opposition presence could undermine Singapore's ability to navigate global challenges, even if the PAP remains in power.
Addressing the crowd, PM Wong cautioned that if opposition parties secure multiple victories in the election, it could result in the loss of several ministers, weakening the Cabinet and the government. “Losing three to four ministers will weaken the Cabinet team, will weaken the government, will weaken Singapore,” he stressed.
He directly countered the Workers’ Party’s argument that voters should compare candidates "backbencher to backbencher." He pointed out that ministers are contesting in GRCs, and their loss would have an immediate and serious impact on governance. "A vote for the opposition is not a free vote for more alternative voices in Parliament. It is a vote to weaken the PAP team," he warned.
With polling day on May 3 approaching, PM Wong urged voters to think deeply about the consequences of their choices, particularly in the context of ongoing global uncertainties, such as economic turbulence and geopolitical tensions. He reiterated that the PAP is the only party with the experience and ability to steer the country through crises, noting that the opposition has not engaged in serious discussions about Singapore's long-term challenges.
He contrasted the PAP’s decades-long record of guiding Singapore through every major crisis with what he described as the opposition’s focus on securing more seats without bearing responsibility for governance. “They want the PAP to form the government. They only want, as they say, more seats in Parliament. More seats, but not more responsibility,” he said.
Amid the campaign, PM Wong also touched on leadership renewal within the PAP. He highlighted the importance of bringing in fresh faces while acknowledging the contributions of experienced ministers like Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, and Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who are stepping down. He underscored that renewal was necessary for Singapore’s long-term success and pointed to younger leaders like DPM Gan Kim Yong, who is currently leading the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, and other rising stars such as David Neo, Dinesh Vasu Dash, and Jeffrey Siow.
PM Wong highlighted that the PAP has fielded 32 new candidates this election, the largest batch in decades, as part of its strategy to refresh and strengthen its leadership team. He called for voters to give these new candidates a chance to grow and take on leadership roles.
On foreign policy, PM Wong said that the new government would need a strong mandate to navigate the shifting global landscape where "might is right" increasingly dominates. He stressed that international counterparts would be closely observing the election outcome to gauge his political strength. “With a clear mandate from you, my team and I can speak up for Singapore confidently,” he said.
He also acknowledged the growing pressures faced by Singaporeans, particularly the "pressure cooker" environment that many young families feel. He stressed that Singapore must strike a balance between working hard to stay competitive and ensuring space for Singaporeans to live meaningful, fulfilling lives. He promised that more reforms are underway, including efforts to ease stress in the education system and support for young families.
As he closed his speech, PM Wong reminded voters of the trust they placed in him and his team during the Covid-19 pandemic, which enabled Singapore to emerge stronger from the crisis. “Now that we face a new storm, I ask you once again – trust the PAP one more time. Give me and my team the chance to do our best for you,” he said.
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