Prime Minister Lawrence Wong outlining the steps taken to refresh the party at the PAP conference on Sunday (Nov 24). ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The upcoming general election in 2025 will be a high-stakes one, and Singapore risks ending up with a much weaker government if there is just a modest swing in popular votes against the ruling party, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Speaking at the People’s Action Party conference at the Singapore Expo on Nov 24, he told party members: “Please don’t think it is guaranteed that the PAP will win and form a stable government.”
In a speech lasting about 40 minutes, the Prime Minister also highlighted the need for Singaporeans to stay united in the midst of trying circumstances beyond the country’s borders, and spoke of the urgency for the PAP to have a fresh crop of younger candidates who can take the nation forward.
He noted that in the 2020 General Election, the opposition had warned Singaporeans against an “opposition wipe-out”.
“Actually, there is no chance of that happening at all,” he said, adding that the opposition in Singapore is here to stay.
There have been opposition MPs in Parliament since 1981, and the Non-Constituency MP scheme guarantees at least 12 opposition MPs in the House, noted PM Wong, who is set to take over as PAP secretary-general. He is now the party’s deputy secretary-general.
“In fact, given the desire for more opposition voices, the bigger risk we face is the loss of a stable and strong and good government,” he said.
The opposition admits it is far from ready to form the Government, he told an audience of about 3,000 PAP cadres, activists and guests.
“They say that partly because they know that Singaporeans will not support them if they openly declare their intention to govern,” he added.
But if more and more voters are persuaded by the opposition’s argument to vote them in so they can oppose the government of the day, “you can be sure that what is now the opposition will soon be the Government”, said PM Wong.
He cautioned that such a scenario would not require a large swing in votes at the next general election, which must be held by November 2025.
A modest swing in popular votes against the PAP, he noted, can lead to very different electoral outcomes, and very possibly the loss of another three or four group representation constituencies or GRCs.
This means the party will lose four or five ministers – or a quarter of the Cabinet.
“We will end up with a much weaker government, with far less ability to solve the problems facing our people and our country at a time when the world is becoming more uncertain and troubled,” he said.
“So, comrades, the stakes in the next election are high.”
PM Wong urged the party to work hard for every vote, to earn the confidence and trust of Singaporeans, win the mandate to govern, and ultimately, serve fellow Singaporeans.
“We know from the last election, and more so in the next election, there are no longer any safe seats,” he said.
“So every resident, every vote counts, and all our efforts matter.”
He noted that the PAP faces a rather unique political challenge, having governed Singapore for 65 years.
It is the party’s desire to keep serving Singaporeans for as long as possible, but he warned that members must never assume they will not see a change in government in their lifetime.
He said the PAP has to refresh its approach, adding that the party can no longer “operate from the back” in a more contested political landscape.
The party must “come out in front” to explain its policies, engage Singaporeans on the issues they care about, and show them why they can trust and depend on the PAP, he added.
PM Wong outlined the steps taken to refresh the party, including forming climate action and mental health groups. A new party app will be launched to engage members and widen the party’s network, he added.
Turning to leadership renewal, PM Wong said his priority is to form the best team for Singapore, and that it remains difficult to recruit good people into politics. This is the “most important, the most crucial, the most urgent thing I have to do”, he stressed.
While he has been spending a lot of time engaging potential candidates, Singaporeans who have excelled in their professional lives are very comfortable where they are and are very reluctant to change their lifestyles, he noted.
“Also, why subject themselves to public glare and scrutiny? Often, they tell me: ‘Let someone else do the job. So many people in Singapore; you find someone else.’
“Or they may say: ‘Don’t worry, the PAP is already in a very strong position. You have just started. Why are you in such a hurry? Take your time,’” he added.
Stressing the urgent need for younger candidates who can “provide vigour and continuity” and eventually form Singapore’s next leadership team, PM Wong, 52, said more than half of the 19 ministers in the present Cabinet are aged 60 and older.
The older ministers on the team provide experience and wise counsel, and many of them will still serve for another five to 10 years, assuming they are in good health.
“But can I wait until they retire before bringing in new blood? Surely not. I must start now to renew the team,” the Prime Minister said.
When new candidates are brought in, it is very hard to parachute them directly into ministerial roles as they need time to learn, he added.
There is, therefore, tremendous value in having them start early, gain experience, and progressively build up the confidence and capabilities to take on larger responsibilities.
The Prime Minister said that he has made some progress in recruiting potential office-holders, but still hopes to persuade a few more to join the team.
“I look forward to presenting the candidates as our election campaign approaches,” he told party members.
“When we field them, please support all of them, and help me to spread the word and persuade our fellow citizens to support them too, because we cannot leave this to chance.” - The Straits Times/ANN
