In his first rally speech as Prime Minister and PAP Secretary-General, Mr Lawrence Wong cautioned opposition parties against inflaming sensitive issues or using domestic politics to divide Singaporeans, urging all to “always uphold multiracial politics” and unity amid a tense global climate.
“We are all Singaporeans first and foremost,” Mr Wong told a packed crowd at Woodlands Stadium in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC on April 24.
“Let’s not pit Singaporeans one against another. It’s not the PAP versus the opposition. It is Singapore versus the world.”
Speaking against the backdrop of global conflicts and polarisation, Mr Wong said it was essential that politics “stop at the water’s edge” when it comes to national interests, sovereignty and security.
His comments echoed earlier remarks by Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad, who also warned of division in politics globally and stressed the need for unity at home.
“Don’t Give Anyone a Free Pass”
While addressing the crowd, Mr Wong called on voters to apply the same standards to all parties, urging them to assess candidates on integrity, competence, and readiness to serve.
“Don’t give the opposition a free pass,” he said, while also acknowledging that the opposition is “here to stay” and “determined to grow”.
He highlighted how most Workers’ Party (WP) MPs are staying in their wards, while new faces are being deployed to break new ground. Parties like Red Dot United, Progress Singapore Party, and Singapore Democratic Party are also fielding sizable slates.
“That’s why I’ve said from the beginning – it will be a tough contest,” he added.
“A Renewed Team for a Changed World”
Reaffirming his team’s capability, Mr Wong thanked outgoing veteran MPs like SM Teo Chee Hean, DPM Heng Swee Keat, and Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, noting that he had worked hard to renew the party’s ranks with 32 new candidates.
Among the standouts are former Chief of Army David Neo, contesting in Tampines GRC, and former AIC chief Dinesh Vasu Dash, who played key roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and is running in East Coast GRC.
“David and Dinesh are two very good men,” said Mr Wong. “They are not just backbenchers – they have the potential to be future leaders.”
Other new faces include Bernadette Giam (F&B director, Sengkang GRC) and Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi (psychiatrist and community leader, Nee Soon GRC), who represent the diversity of experience PM Wong said the party is striving for.
He also paid tribute to his current Cabinet team – DPM Gan Kim Yong, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng – crediting them for their work during the pandemic and economic recovery efforts.
“Government is about teamwork, but the individuals in the team matter greatly,” said Mr Wong.
“Let’s Keep the Singapore Miracle Going”
Acknowledging that the PAP did not get everything right in the last 60 years, PM Wong stressed that it has always walked with Singaporeans “hand in hand”.
“There will be cynics who say we can’t make it. I say, let’s prove them wrong again,” he said.
“With your support, we will work with you to keep the Singapore miracle going for as long as possible.”
