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[SINGAPORE] In a profoundly changing world, this general election carries “far greater stakes”, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the launch of the People’s Action Party (PAP) manifesto on Thursday (Apr 17) morning.

“It cannot be politics as usual,” said PM Wong, who is also the party’s secretary-general. “It’s about how we defend Singapore’s interest on the global stage.

“It’s about how we navigate through stormy weather, and secure lives and livelihoods for our people. It’s about how we keep Singapore going in a more turbulent world.”

The PAP’s manifesto is a road map for this, he said. It is titled “Changed World, Fresh Team, New Resolve – Securing a Brighter Future for You”.

First, the world is changing profoundly – beyond just this year’s growth prospects, or indeed just economics, said PM Wong.

US President Donald Trump’s tariff package was “the biggest shock that this post-World War II global system has ever experienced”, he noted.

While higher reciprocal tariffs have been postponed, “the problem has not gone away”, with base tariff rates remaining and the US now in a full-blown trade war with China.

Such uncertainty is deeply damaging, and as companies hold back on investments, Singapore cannot rule out the possibility of a recession and job losses.

“But it is not just about our prospects for this year alone. Our bigger concern is the kind of global environment we are entering into,” he said.

The rules-based global order is fraying, as the US steps back from being “the global leader and the world’s policeman” – and no country is able or willing to fill the gap. Furthermore, US-China tensions will continue to rise.

In a period of messy global transition – with more fragmentation, contestation and uncertainty – Singapore must brace for stormy weather, he said. “How we navigate through these turbulent times will determine our future and our children’s future.”

Fresh team

The PAP “will never gamble with the future of Singapore and Singaporeans”, said PM Wong. “That is why one of my key priorities has been to put together the best possible team for Singapore.”

The PAP slate includes experienced veterans while featuring renewal, he said.

The party is fielding 32 new candidates, the largest number in recent history. They come from diverse backgrounds, and 13 are women – more than before, noted PM Wong.

If elected, some new candidates will form the core of the next fifth generation leadership, he added.

He gave a rundown of all the new candidates, of whom 24 will be fielded in PAP-held wards and the rest in opposition-held constituencies.

“(This) will be a tough election; there is no safe seat around,” he said. “We must never assume that the PAP will automatically win the election just because we have been in power all this while.”

The cost of living remains a big concern, and incumbent parties in many other countries suffered losses in the last year, he noted.

The PAP can expect tough fights in all constituencies, he added. “We cannot take any vote for granted.”

New resolve

With the profound changes in the world, this election “is ultimately about our future”, said PM Wong.

What Singapore has today is “nothing short of a miracle” – and as the world turns more hostile, the question is how long that miracle can last.

“But you have my word – the PAP will do everything we can to keep this miracle going for as long as possible. That’s why we are stepping up with new resolve.”

The party will fight to grow a vibrant economy with good jobs, strengthen the education system, as well as ensure affordable housing, sustainability and a society where all are respected, he said.

The newly launched manifesto reflects the hopes, concerns and aspirations of Singaporeans, as well as the PAP’s commitment to keep Singapore strong, stable and united, he concluded.

The manifesto includes plans to improve jobs and salaries, help with the cost of living, and ensure affordability of healthcare and housing, including for singles. The party wants to increase the number of flats with shorter waiting times, and “act decisively” for a stable property market.

For seniors, the PAP intends to raise the re-employment age and Central Provident Fund (CPF) contribution rates, while also co-funding their wages and reviewing the CPF system. It also wants to increase long-term care subsidies, build more Active Ageing Centres and develop new care models.

For persons with disabilities, the party hopes to increase job opportunities and improve the transition from school. There are also plans to subsidise adult disability services “more generously” and to pilot community living models.

On the business front, it proposes help for companies to expand into new markets and to access manpower and capital. The party also said that it would ease cost pressures through tax rebates and measures such as the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme.

Other manifesto items include support for large families, improving public transport, having more citizen participation in policymaking and securing clean energy, which includes the exploration of nuclear power.

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