SINGAPORE – The upcoming general election that takes place amid profound changes across the world carries far greater stakes, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on April 17.
The PAP is stepping up with new resolve, and is ready for the challenge with a fresh team, he said.
PM Wong, who is heading into his first hustings as secretary-general of the ruling party, was speaking at the launch of the PAP manifesto: Changed World, Fresh Team, New Resolve – Securing a Brighter Future for You.
Addressing more than 400 party activists gathered at a studio in one-north, he said: “Comrades, let’s give it our all in this election. Let’s convince Singaporeans to give the PAP their mandate and support.
“Let’s work hard to secure a brighter future for every Singaporean, and for many more years to come.”
It cannot be politics as usual with the changes going on in the world, said PM Wong.
The stakes involved include how Singapore’s interest is defended on the global stage, and how the nation will navigate through stormy weather to secure lives and livelihoods for its people, he added.
“This SG60 election is ultimately about our future. History has rarely been kind to small states,” he said.
PM Wong added: “What we have today is nothing short of a miracle. How long can this miracle last? Especially as the world turns more dangerous and hostile? Frankly, no one can tell.
“But you have my word – the PAP will do everything we can to keep this miracle going for as long as possible.”
The party is ready for the new challenge, he said, as he introduced 32 new candidates who will stand in the upcoming election. There are 97 seats to be contested.
PM Wong said the party will fight to grow a vibrant economy with good jobs and opportunities for all, as he referenced key highlights of the manifesto.
It will also continue to strengthen the education system so that every child can develop to the fullest, and every adult can keep on upgrading their skills and securing better jobs.
“We will ensure affordable and quality homes; and empower Singaporeans to stay healthy, and age with dignity,” he said.
The party will also work to build a greener and more sustainable city, and take sports, the arts and culture to new heights, making them more accessible and enjoyable for all.
PM Wong said: “We will build a society where there is respect for all, and everyone is valued for who they are.”
The launch of the party manifesto comes as the Writ of Election was issued on April 15, kicking off a hectic 2½ weeks to Polling Day on May 3.
Campaigning will begin proper on Nomination Day on April 23.
PM Wong said the party will do its best to win the mandate of the people.
He also acknowledged the efforts of PAP activists, who knock on doors, organise events, make calls and rally support, year after year.
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PM Wong also looked back on the 60 years of nation-building.
“Ours was never a likely story... But through sheer grit and determination, we built a nation strong and free,” he said.
“Are things perfect? Of course not. We still have work to do and challenges to overcome. But surely, surely, even our fiercest critics would acknowledge how far we’ve come together,” he added.
He recounted the journey of his late father, who came to Singapore from Malaysia as a young man.
PM Wong said: “He could never have imagined the Singapore we live in today – a country transformed beyond anything he would have dreamed of.
“He certainly would not have dreamt of me standing here today, leading the PAP into elections.”
The PAP is “humbled and honoured” to have walked the journey with all Singaporeans from the very beginning till today, said the Prime Minister.
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PM Wong, who took on the responsibility of prime minister a year ago, said it is a duty he takes to heart – to always do his best for Singapore and Singaporeans.
“But before that, Singaporeans have seen me and my 4G colleagues in action. We worked hand in hand with Singaporeans to overcome the Covid pandemic – the crisis of our generation,” he added.
Social mobility is slowing and societies are being pulled farther apart across the world. These pressures are also being felt in Singapore, PM Wong said.
Other shifts include technological advances such as artificial intelligence and the rapidly ageing population.
“We saw these shifts coming. We’ve seen what happens in other countries when the broad middle falls behind. The centre cannot hold. Trust breaks down; societies fracture. We don’t ever want that to happen in Singapore,” he said.
Forward Singapore is the PAP’s response – “we want every citizen to feel they have a fair shot in life, and a stake in our collective future”.
The world is going through profound change, he reiterated.
He said: “It has grown increasingly uncertain and dangerous, especially for small countries like Singapore. The conditions that underpinned our survival, security and success are coming apart.
“That is why I have called a general election now. It is at this critical juncture that Singaporeans must decide on the team to lead our nation, and to chart our way forward together.”
Concluding his speech, PM Wong said: “This manifesto is our promise to all Singaporeans. It reflects your hopes, your concerns and your aspirations. And it reflects our commitment: to keep Singapore strong, stable and united. We deliver this promise as Team PAP.”
Although the world has changed, the party will stay true to its founding values of incorruptibility, meritocracy, multiracialism, justice and equality, he added.
“We will always put Singaporeans at the centre of all we do. We will serve you, support you, stand with you.”
- Goh Yan Han is political correspondent at The Straits Times. She writes Unpacked, a weekly newsletteron Singapore politics and policy.
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