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PM Wong’s Warning: PAP MPs Must Win Respect, Not Popularity

 




On May 29, 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong issued his first “rules of prudence” letter to all People’s Action Party (PAP) Members of Parliament (MPs), laying down comprehensive expectations for conduct, advocacy, and leadership. This traditional letter, issued after every general election, serves as a guide for MPs on how to carry out their duties with integrity and accountability. This edition follows the 2025 General Election in which the PAP secured 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats, with a vote share of 65.57 percent.

In his eight-page letter, Prime Minister Wong emphasized that PAP MPs must take ownership of causes they are passionate about, and champion them not just in words but with actions backed by research and deep engagement. He urged MPs to study issues thoroughly, understand the trade-offs involved, and present thoughtful and well-reasoned arguments in order to effect meaningful policy change. This approach, he asserted, is what distinguishes effective advocacy in modern governance.

PM Wong’s tone and direction echoed those of the previous Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, who issued a similar letter after the 2020 election. Like his predecessor, PM Wong reiterated the importance of honesty, incorruptibility, and integrity as non-negotiable traits for all PAP MPs.

Addressing the practical workings of Parliament, PM Wong highlighted key moments when MPs could speak on national issues—such as the President’s Address, the Budget debate, and ministry-specific debates. He advised MPs to be meticulously prepared and deliberate in their speeches, ensuring clarity and precision to better communicate with both Parliament and the public.

In light of a more competitive political environment, PM Wong reminded his colleagues that they must be ready for sharper parliamentary scrutiny and debates. With 12 opposition Members of Parliament from the Workers’ Party, including two Non-Constituency MPs, PAP representatives should expect and be prepared for robust exchanges. He advised that debates should remain civil, focused on issues rather than personal attacks, and warned against dramatizing for public approval.

A significant portion of the letter addressed the role of social media. PM Wong encouraged PAP MPs to use these platforms constructively to connect with constituents and share updates. However, he cautioned against using these tools to attack others or engage in divisive rhetoric. Social media, he said, should serve as a bridge to the public, not a battleground for political conflict.

The Prime Minister also covered long-standing expectations around the personal conduct of MPs. He reminded them of the importance of maintaining a clean image, particularly in the context of public scrutiny. He included examples of “social lubricants” that could pose ethical dilemmas—such as festive gift hampers, entertainment, and even concert tickets—advising MPs to remain alert to the intentions behind such gestures. Any appearance of favouritism or conflict of interest, he said, must be avoided.

Additional reminders covered issues of political-business separation, fundraising transparency, proper interaction with civil servants, and financial discipline. PM Wong stressed that public servants must be treated respectfully, and MPs must never seek to bypass official procedures for expediency.

In closing, PM Wong called on MPs to embody modesty, dignity, and respect in their roles. He reminded them that in the digital age, they are constantly under public observation. “You must win respect, not popularity, to stay the course,” he concluded, encapsulating the spirit of his guidance.

This letter marks a clear direction from PM Lawrence Wong as he leads the PAP into a new chapter post-election—placing a high emphasis on integrity, accountability, and substance over style.

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