[SINGAPORE] Politicians warned about the storm ahead – but differed in how to face it, in the first party political broadcasts on Friday (Apr 25) night.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that the People’s Action Party (PAP) offers the best team to take Singapore through uncertainty, while some opposition parties proposed ways to tackle cost-of-living woes.
Eight parties – those fielding at least six candidates – are eligible for the broadcast, with airtime allocated based on candidate numbers. The second and final round of broadcasts will be on May 1 – the last day of campaigning.
Six parties delivered messages in all four official languages, while the National Solidarity Party and People’s Power Party made speeches in English, Chinese and Malay. Here is an overview of each party’s English broadcast.
People’s Action Party
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, secretary-general
This election’s outcome will shape how effective the government will be, and how ready Singapore is to “forge a new path forward together in these uncertain times”, said PM Wong.
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Some Singaporeans want the People’s Action Party (PAP) to keep governing, yet also want alternative voices in Parliament, he noted. “I too believe there is a role for a constructive and responsible opposition in our system of democracy.”
“But I would like to make a personal appeal to you – not just as the secretary-general of the PAP, but also as your prime minister.”
He warned that after the general election, the contest is not between the PAP and the opposition, but between Singapore and a turbulent world.
If the PAP wins a mandate, his “foremost responsibility” will be to unite Singaporeans, protect livelihoods and secure the future, he noted. “I will not gamble with your lives, your jobs or your well-being.”
PM Wong drew parallels between historical moments – Singapore’s separation from Malaysia and the later withdrawal of British troops – and the current situation.
“In short, the external conditions that have underpinned our survival, security and success for decades are now coming apart,” he pointed out. Who forms the government is an “existential question”, not merely a political one. “So I ask you to equip yourself with the best team for this changed world.”
He added that the government is closely monitoring the tariff situation, and will step up support if conditions worsen. “Even as we help Singaporeans cope with the immediate economic concerns, the PAP government will always look ahead, to plan for and prepare Singaporeans for the future.”
Workers’ Party
Pritam Singh, secretary-general
“It is important for Singapore’s democracy for the WP to win more constituencies,” said Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh, while reiterating that it will not form the next government.
More WP constituencies mean a higher chance of a “fully elected democratic opposition presence” for the longer term, he added. “This will make our system stable and sustainable for the future.”
Building for the future is one of three ways that WP works for Singaporeans, said Singh, alongside working in Parliament and in town councils.
In Parliament, the WP asks “tough questions” that PAP MPs may not. WP MPs can oppose measures they believe are not in the national interest – but also support government moves when it is “right to do so”.
He recalled how, in March 2023, there were not enough PAP MPs to pass a constitutional amendment. The WP had assessed this to be in Singapore’s interest – and voted for it to pass. “The Workers’ Party is there in Parliament working for you when it counts.”
The WP also runs town councils “as well as the PAP does”, said Singh. The two town councils it manages received the highest rating possible in the Ministry of National Development’s 2024 report.
Red Dot United
Ravi Philemon, secretary-general
Red Dot United (RDU) leader Ravi Philemon said: “We’re here because something feels broken in the country we call home. And we believe we can fix it – together.”
Questioning if Singaporeans truly benefit from growth, he noted: “If growth only shows up in freehold property values and luxury cars, while you’re tightening your belt to pay your electricity bill – then that’s not prosperity. That’s inequality.”
He reiterated the idea of a Citizens Dividend, giving Singaporeans a “rightful share of the wealth” they helped create.
Other proposals ranged from housing – such as more rental flats for young singles and low-income families – to healthcare. On fairness, RDU will prioritise citizens in housing, jobs and opportunities.
Finally, more data must be made public, he added. “In a knowledge-based economy, we must relook laws that stifle critical thinking and honest discussion.”
Progress Singapore Party
Tan Cheng Bock, chairman
Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chairman Tan Cheng Bock asked if Singaporeans want a Parliament made up of “a small group of elites that engages in group think”.
What the country needs, he said, is a more balanced Parliament with diverse views and a loyal opposition offering constructive alternatives.
He noted that many new PAP candidates are from the civil service or military, and many “will be parachuted into Parliament alongside ministers in safe GRCs”.
The PSP’s 13 candidates have bravely put themselves forward, he added. If elected, the PSP will speak up “fearlessly”, as its Non-Constituency MPs have done.
It will also push the government to adopt its policy proposals, for inclusive social and economic progress.
People’s Alliance for Reform
Lim Tean, secretary-general
Singapore can provide free education, school meals and healthcare for children without taxing citizens further or dipping into the reserves, said People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR) chief Lim Tean. If elected, PAR will push for these policies to improve Singapore’s “disastrous” total fertility rate of 0.97.
“Continuous net immigration” has grave consequences for cohesion, he added, calling it a “pseudo solution” by the ruling party, whose policies “have driven the cost of living through the roof”.
The PAP’s answer to anxieties about housing affordability, job insecurity and overcrowding is to give out vouchers and subsidies – but Singaporeans are not looking for handouts, he noted. “They are looking for meaningful work which gives them dignity and a purpose in life.”
Singapore Democratic Party
Alfred Tan, candidate for Sembawang GRC
If elected, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) will work to lower costs and empower Singaporeans, said party member Alfred Tan.
On costs, the party proposes cutting the goods and services tax and scrapping it for essentials; a “non-open market” public housing scheme; and lowering healthcare expenses.
On empowering Singaporeans, it suggests prioritising citizens for jobs; introducing a minimum wage; and providing support for mental health.
People’s Power Party
Vere Nathan, candidate for Tampines GRC
Singaporeans must choose leaders who will lead with integrity, transparency and accountability, said People’s Power Party (PPP) candidate for Tampines GRC Vere Nathan.
“Trust cannot be derived from the system of ‘ownself checks ownself’, but through a rigorous process of proper independent checks and balances,” he said, warning that losing trust in government would be “more catastrophic” than any economic or external threat.
National Solidarity Party
Reno Fong, president
For “far too long”, Singaporeans have been told that “this is as good as it gets”, said National Solidarity Party (NSP) president Reno Fong. Yet families are working harder than ever amid rising costs; young people are weighed down by the education system; and seniors worry about Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings.
NSP will therefore fight for a minimum living wage, reform the CPF system and prioritise small businesses. It will also abolish streaming and price BTO flats at cost, among other ideas.
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