PAP has finalised slate for GE2025, which will take place amid great global uncertainty: PM Wong
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Prime Minister Lawrence Wong revealed that the PAP will field more than 30 new candidates in its 2025 election slate.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
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SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on April 12 that the PAP has finalised its slate of candidates for the upcoming general election, which will be held at a time of great global uncertainty.
He revealed that the PAP will field more than 30 new candidates – the largest in recent history – in its 2025 slate.
They will be introduced, constituency by constituency, in the coming days.
“There is a gathering storm and we are flying straight into turbulence,” said PM Wong at a press conference where he announced his team for the Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.
“In such conditions, who you have in the cockpit matters,” he said. “Singaporeans will have to decide on the team they trust to navigate the storm and chart the way forward for our nation.”
He added: “I take this responsibility seriously, because the stakes are high for ourselves and our families and for our future and for Singapore’s place in the world.”
It is a very different world, he stressed. Not only is there economic uncertainty, but the world is also looking at a transition to a completely different, new global order. “It will be messy, it will be unpredictable. It may even be unstable,” he said.
Fears of a trade war continue to escalate after sweeping trade tariffs were imposed by the US government on countries worldwide, including Singapore.
Asked about criticisms from some in the opposition camp
The PAP faced similar criticism during Covid-19 when the Government formed a taskforce to deal with the pandemic, he noted, adding that ultimately, the taskforce proved necessary in dealing with the crisis.
PM Wong said: “In election season, you will have all sorts of criticisms and all sorts of people throwing out arguments, but (for) the Government, as far as we are concerned, all we can do is make rigorous, objective assessments of the threats and challenges that Singapore faces, and then be upfront and transparent with Singaporeans about these threats and challenges.”
On why he chose to stay in Marsiling-Yew Tee, he said it does not matter where he stands, adding that regardless of constituency, he will lead the party into the elections.
PM Wong said: “I will present the case to Singaporeans and I hope Singaporeans will give me and my team the chance to do our best for them in these difficult times.”
Singaporeans will soon hear about the PAP’s plans when it publishes its manifesto, he said.
New faces will also be introduced to the party to rejuvenate the PAP with new ideas and energy.
PM Wong said: “This is the largest slate of new faces we’ve introduced in recent history, and you will get to know all our new candidates in the coming days, as each GRC and SMC unveils its candidates.”
Asked why there is a rush to introduce so many new faces, he said: “Because each time I fail to do so, it’s another five years... It will make it harder and slower to refresh and renew the team.”
He added: “I may be okay for five years, but I’m storing up more challenges for the country in the future.”
He noted that many ministers in the Cabinet are above 60 years old.
Senior members like Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will continue to be on the slate, said PM Wong, adding that the full list of candidates will be revealed in good time.
“The renewal and the rejuvenation of the PAP team is essential so that we, as a party, can offer Singapore the best chance of taking our country forward.”
PM Wong said he is prepared for a hotly contested election.
“I have no doubt about that, both at the constituency level and at the national level. And so even in my own GRC, even in this constituency, I don’t take the contest lightly. I assume it’s going to be a fierce contest.”
PM Lawrence Wong (second from right) and the rest of the PAP team for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC – (from left) incumbents Alex Yam, Zaqy Mohamad and Hany Soh – at the PAP Limbang branch on April 12.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
On whether he has set any targets for himself and the party for the upcoming election, PM Wong said he has no vote share in mind. He will do his best, expects the rest of the team to do the same, and in the end, they will respect the decision of Singaporeans.
“The PAP has walked alongside Singaporeans for the past 60 years and more. Working together, we have overcome crises and storms time and again, including, most recently, getting through the Covid pandemic together.
“Through it all, we have delivered stability, progress and better lives for all Singaporeans,” he said.
“I hope Singaporeans will give me and my team the chance to do our best for you. We will give our all to serve you and to secure a brighter future for every Singaporean.”
