On April 26, 2025, at a rally held at Bedok Stadium, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong emphasised that policy proposals must be more than good ideas; they must be practical, executable, and make economic sense. Speaking at the East Coast GRC rally, he pointed out that while he agreed with Workers' Party (WP) candidate Yee Jenn Jong’s desire to improve Singapore, translating intentions into workable policies is crucial.
Edwin Tong, who leads the People’s Action Party (PAP) team for East Coast GRC, said politics must be about service to the nation, but with clear, pragmatic plans that withstand real-world challenges. He stressed that political parties must go beyond rhetoric, demonstrating leadership, vision, and a readiness to handle trade-offs that come with policy decisions.
Responding to past WP suggestions, Tong criticised proposals to either raise taxes on multinational corporations or draw more from Singapore’s reserves instead of raising the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He warned that such measures could have severe long-term consequences, such as driving away multinational corporations and weakening Singapore’s fiscal stability for future generations.
He argued that while tapping reserves may seem politically convenient in the short term, it would compromise Singapore’s ability to support future generations. Therefore, policies must be carefully tested against their practicality and long-term impact.
Edwin Tong urged voters to carefully scrutinise both the PAP’s manifesto and the Workers’ Party’s proposals. He stressed that it was not enough to have good-sounding ideas; the real question was whether those ideas would genuinely benefit future Singaporeans and stand the test of time.
Given the current uncertain global economy, Tong highlighted the need for steady leadership. He noted that some critics accuse the PAP of fearmongering, but he countered that the turbulence Singapore faces is real and visible to all. He acknowledged the challenges of inflation and global economic pressures and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting those who need help, not just through short-term relief such as vouchers and rebates but also through long-term efforts like economic strengthening and workforce resilience.
Other East Coast GRC candidates also addressed the crowd. Jessica Tan stressed that even good policies are meaningless if they are not accessible to the people. She pledged to continue fostering dialogue and understanding around government policies and champion causes like senior employability and the needs of the sandwiched generation.
Tan Kiat How likened the PAP to a sturdy tree, cautioning residents against trading long-term stability for the allure of short-term gains offered by populist promises. He urged voters to stay rooted and not cut down what has been painstakingly built.
New candidate Dinesh Vasu Dash, who would take over the Bedok division if elected, focused on supporting seniors, young families, minority communities, and the vulnerable. He criticised opposition politicians for a lack of meaningful contribution over the past decades, stating that while the PAP is not perfect, it has consistently delivered for Singaporeans.
Fellow newcomer Hazlina Abdul Halim shared her passion for bridging the people, public, and private sectors. Drawing from her background in the social impact space, she called for building trust among all generations. She acknowledged the anxieties of Singapore’s youth and encouraged collective action to ensure a better future, recognising the hard work of previous generations.
The East Coast GRC team collectively urged voters to choose proven, practical leadership to navigate Singapore through uncertain times.
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