[SINGAPORE] The new government’s priority is to secure for Singapore “an assured place in this changed world”, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the swearing-in of his Cabinet on Friday (May 23) evening.
Beyond navigating this uncertain world, Singapore’s goal is to help shape it for the better, by “upholding shared principles and values so that small nations too have a place under the sun”, he added.
At the ceremony at the Istana, PM Wong laid out the priorities for the new term of government, following the May 3 general election (GE).
Singapore will deepen relations with major powers, especially the United States and China, to stay friends with both without getting caught in their rivalry.
“Where our interests align, we will work with them,” PM Wong noted. “Where they do not, we will stand firm and protect Singapore’s security and sovereignty.”
The Republic will also strengthen ties with friends and seek new ones elsewhere, such as Africa and South America. “In a world of shifting alliances, we will be a steady and constructive partner – one willing and able to contribute to peace and stability, to advance dialogue and fraternity, and support a rules-based global order.”
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At the same time, the government will steer Singapore’s economy through the challenges ahead, reviewing and updating economic strategies. It will work with tripartite partners to develop a blueprint for the next phase, to keep the Republic competitive and create good jobs.
In the near term, it will help businesses and households “weather the storm” as global growth slows, and work with the labour movement to support workers and jobseekers.
Singapore has an advantage as the international community and investors would have noted the strong mandate obtained in the GE, said PM Wong. “They would see a nation that is united – standing firmly behind its leaders, and placing confidence in a government with the strength… to secure Singapore’s place in an unpredictable world.”
He highlighted the ruling People’s Action Party’s “strengthened majority” of over 65 per cent, an improvement of more than 4 per cent in his first electoral outing as prime minister.
Singaporeans voted for “a strong and stable government”, while re-electing opposition MPs in the constituencies they held, he pointed out.
“In these uncertain times, you understood what was at stake – our vulnerability and our future,” he said. “You chose leaders you could trust, a government you could rely on, and a steady course for our nation’s next phase of development.”
Strong team
PM Wong said that his new Cabinet, announced on Wednesday, represents “the strongest team” he could assemble. “My new team comprises both experienced ministers who will provide steady hands and new ministers who will provide fresh perspectives and ideas.”
He highlighted a core team comprising Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and three coordinating ministers: K Shanmugam for national security, Chan Chun Sing for public services and Ong Ye Kung for social policies. They bring “a wealth of experience and leadership”, and will serve as a “steady anchor” for the government, explained PM Wong.
While several ministers are continuing in existing roles – “especially in key areas where continuity and stability are critical” – others will get new roles to broaden their experience. “At the same time, I have reinforced the team with nine new office-holders,” he added.
Seven are first-time Members of Parliament, including new acting ministers David Neo and Jeffrey Siow.
Press on with Forward Singapore
Meanwhile, the government will continue efforts to refresh and strengthen Singapore’s social compact as part of the Forward Singapore agenda, said PM Wong.
“This is critical not only because seeking an ever fairer and just society is the right thing to do. But it’s also because a society torn by inequalities cannot possibly stand resilient in the face of a turbulent world.”
This policy agenda by the fourth-generation leadership features seven key shifts, such as enhancing social support, creating more diverse pathways to success and deepening racial and religious respect.
Beyond immediate concerns, the government will prepare Singapore for the future – in particular, by accelerating the transition to cleaner energy and adapting to “the realities of climate change”. “We will transform our infrastructure, and create smarter, more connected and greener homes for all Singaporeans,” he said.
In all this, the government will keep engaging Singaporeans from all walks of life and reflect their voices in its policies, pledged PM Wong. “This is how my team and I will govern – in partnership with Singaporeans. Everyone will have a say in shaping our way forward and building our shared future.”
He added: “I firmly believe that a more open and engaged society will strengthen, not weaken, Singapore.”
The government welcomes “constructive debates” which push it to “think harder, plan better, and serve Singaporeans more effectively”, he said. “But at the same time, we must always respect one another, and remember that even with our differences, we share more in common with each other.”
Earlier in the ceremony, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that he was heartened that Singapore’s democratic process remained decorous and respectful.
“Unlike many other places where political divisions have hardened and even turned people against each other, we have upheld a tone of mutual respect and serious engagement,” he noted. “Singaporeans showed that while we may hold different views, we are all fellow citizens who want the best for our nation.”
Highlighting Singapore’s spirit of solidarity, President Tharman urged MPs to debate “with conviction, but always with respect”; to never compromise on honesty and integrity; and to provide alternatives while critiquing policies.
