We don’t just fight fires, we plan ahead: PM Wong

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SINGAPORE – The PAP’s first and most urgent priority is to tackle economic uncertainties and address Singaporeans’ concerns over cost of living and jobs, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on April 24.

But it will do so while continuing to plan for the nation’s future, he said at the ruling party’s first rally of this general election.

“This is the PAP way – we don’t just fight fires. We plan ahead, and we never stop building a better Singapore with you,” he said.

In a rally speech at Woodlands Stadium, PM Wong said the Government recognised cost-of-living pressures – made worse because of tariffs and trade wars – and acted earlier in 2025.

Among the comprehensive support that has been rolled out are CDC and SG60 vouchers, as well as utility rebates. A typical family of four with two young children

can receive about $5,000 in support in 2025,

with vulnerable families receiving more help, he said.

The Government will not stop there, and will step up support if conditions worsen, he added. “We will do whatever we need to make sure you are well supported.”

PM Wong also acknowledged concerns over jobs, including the possibility of job losses and students’ concerns about employment once they graduate.

A national task force

chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong set up earlier in April is focused on this, with labour chief Ng Chee Meng also coordinating these efforts.

The task force is looking at how to help businesses retain workers, and to support job seekers with traineeships, skills upgrading opportunities and jobs, PM Wong said.

“We will prepare these drawer plans and, if the need arises, we will activate them.”

Beyond immediate concerns, the PAP government’s long-term commitment is to continue to review and update its policies to make sure they serve Singaporeans better, said PM Wong.

He said this is what the Forward Singapore exercise is about, and that it has already led to changes, including to education, health and housing policies, such as the

new HDB classification system.

“But this is just the beginning. We have much more to do and, with your mandate, we will go further in our next term.”

He highlighted two things in the party’s manifesto, and where the PAP intends to make further changes to address Singaporeans’ concerns and meet their aspirations.

On housing, PM Wong noted that the market is stabilising, as the Government has ramped up the supply of flats.

Once the market has stabilised, it will review policies – including the income ceiling to buy new flats and access for singles to buy Build-To-Order flats – to ensure that more Singaporeans can buy affordable homes, he said. 

He also noted that many seniors want to age in their homes. While the Government has introduced

community care apartments

– studio apartments with care facilities in close reach – not enough of them can be built to meet demand.

There is a need for new models that allow seniors to continue living where they are, but with easy access to the support they need, and the Government is working on this, he said.

PM Wong said his assurance to Singaporeans is that the PAP government will never cruise along, and will never be satisfied with the status quo.

“We will engage, listen to your suggestions, and we will continually strive to do better for you, and to build a brighter future for you,” he said.

“This is the PAP’s promise, this is my promise to you. This is our renewed resolve to all Singaporeans.”