Prime Minister and PAP secretary-general Lawrence Wong warned Singaporeans of looming global challenges as the nation heads into a crucial election. Speaking during the ruling party’s first political broadcast on April 25, he said the world is facing profound shifts — with rising tariffs, weakening global demand, and geopolitical tensions threatening Singapore’s economy and stability.
“This election comes at a time of profound global change. A storm is coming upon us,” Mr Wong said, citing the impact of new US tariffs and ongoing US-China trade tensions. He noted that industries vital to Singapore, such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, could be hit hard, and warned of the possibility of a recession with potential job losses.
Despite these challenges, Mr Wong assured Singaporeans that the PAP would stay focused on critical issues: jobs, housing, healthcare, education, and families. He stressed that the government would continue consulting widely when making policies, although not all suggestions could be adopted.
Mr Wong framed the May 3 election as more than just a political contest, saying voters would be deciding the future of Singapore itself. “After the dust from the campaign settles, the contest will not be the PAP versus the opposition. It will be Singapore versus the world,” he said.
Acknowledging that some Singaporeans want both a strong PAP government and alternative voices in Parliament, Mr Wong noted that opposition representation has grown and is here to stay. However, he made a personal appeal for voters to consider the gravity of the times and choose leaders who could secure Singapore’s future.
He reflected on historic challenges — such as Singapore’s separation from Malaysia and the British military withdrawal — to highlight the importance of strong, capable leadership during crises. “Who forms your government now is an existential question,” Mr Wong said. “It’s not just about politics. It’s about whether we can find a way forward to survive in a changed world.”
The PAP’s mission, he reiterated, has always been to protect Singapore’s sovereignty, uplift lives, and secure a better future. Recent initiatives to help Singaporeans cope with cost-of-living pressures — such as the SG60 vouchers, CDC vouchers, cash payouts, and utilities rebates — were highlighted as examples of the government’s commitment.
To tackle economic uncertainties, the government has also set up an Economic Resilience Taskforce led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, ready to respond if conditions worsen.
Mr Wong pledged that PAP would continue long-term planning even while addressing immediate concerns. This includes improving education with less stress, creating good jobs, strengthening safety nets, expanding support for families and children, ensuring affordable housing, and making quality healthcare accessible to all.
He also stressed the importance of leadership renewal, promising that the PAP’s new team would combine experience with fresh ideas to take Singapore forward.
Closing his speech, Mr Wong said: “I will not gamble with your lives, your jobs or your well-being. This is our promise, and our commitment to you. This is our collective new resolve.”
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