PAP leaders pledge to draw lessons from GE2025, focus on unity and global risks
A day after the PAP was returned to power with 65.57 per cent of the vote, its elected leaders said the country must draw lessons from the general election, remain united, and stay alert to the risks and uncertainties in the external environment.
Speaking at walkabouts and victory parades to thank voters on May 4, several PAP ministers said the results reflected support for the party.
But they also pointed to the importance of strengthening trust with Singaporeans and preparing the country to navigate an increasingly challenging global climate.
The PAP won 82 out of 92 contested seats, retaining all the constituencies it previously held.
The group representation constituency of Marine Parade-Braddell Heights was uncontested, bringing the total number of PAP-held seats to 87 out of 97 in the 15th Parliament.
The WP retained its foothold in Aljunied and Hougang, and successfully defended Sengkang, winning a total of 10 elected seats.
The PSP did not win any constituency and lost both the Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) seats it had held since 2020.
At Holland Drive Market and Food Centre, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said the real competition for Singapore lies not within the country but with the rest of the world. The country must continue to field its best team, backed by the people, he added.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing mingling with diners at Holland Drive Market and Food Centre on May 4. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
The PAP team led by Mr Chan in Tanjong Pagar GRC achieved the party's best GRC result since the scheme was introduced in 1988, securing 81.03 per cent of the vote against the People's Alliance for Reform (PAR).
Over in Jalan Besar GRC, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, whose team received 75.21 per cent of the vote against PAR, said observers overseas had remarked that Singapore voters had been "very rational in recognising the risks and uncertainties".
Speaking at Beo Crescent Market and Food Centre, she added that the Government would explore how to strengthen Singapore's position amid global shifts.
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and her Jalan Besar GRC teammates at Beo Crescent Market and Food Centre on May 4. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
In Nee Soon GRC, Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said the PAP's strong win came with significant responsibility, especially given the uncertain economic outlook. His team secured 73.81 per cent of the vote in the five-member constituency against a team from Red Dot United.
"We are facing a potentially very difficult time, and it looks quite certain that there will be a lot of trouble. There is a lot of uncertainty - investors are not investing, companies are not expanding. These are things we need to deal with," he said.
Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam (centre, right) and his Nee Soon GRC team on a victory parade on May 4. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
At an interview at Block 630 Bedok Reservoir Road market, WP chief Pritam Singh said the party had done "very commendably" in consolidating its hold over the three constituencies it currently controls.
"I am very proud of the results in Hougang, Aljunied and Sengkang, where we have consolidated the position of the party," he added.
Mr Singh noted that even in the other five constituencies the WP did not win, its candidates "came really close". He said the party's ability to shift quickly to contest in new areas such as Punggol GRC showed organisational strength and adaptability.
Asked about the performance of other opposition parties and the lack of coordination to avoid multi-cornered fights, Mr Singh said the WP had its own agenda, and others had theirs.
He added that the party's focus was on contesting where it could represent voters faithfully in Parliament.
The party won Aljunied GRC with 59.68 per cent of the vote, Sengkang GRC with 56.31 per cent, and Hougang SMC with 62.17 per cent.
It lost in Punggol GRC, Tampines GRC, East Coast GRC, Tampines Changkat SMC and Jalan Kayu SMC, with its teams garnering above 40 per cent of the votes.
Based on its results in Jalan Kayu SMC and Tampines GRC, the party will be able to send two NCMPs into Parliament. When asked, Mr Singh said the party had not made a decision on the matter.
In a social media post, PSP chairman Tan Cheng Bock said his party had "punched above its weight" despite facing "an entire machinery who came at us with boundary line changes and limitless resources".
He added that the efforts of party supporters were not in vain but a testament to their courage, spirit and sacrifice for the common good.
Across the island on the morning of May 4, candidates from both the winning and losing teams returned to the ground to thank residents. Victory parades and walkabouts were held by teams from both the PAP and the opposition.
This included the WP's Sengkang and Aljunied teams as well as PAP teams in Bishan-Toa Payoh, Marymount, Chua Chu Kang, East Coast, and West Coast-Jurong West.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's team, which contested Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, greeted residents at Marsiling Market. The PAP garnered 73.46 per cent against the Singapore Democratic Party there.
Newly elected MPs were also seen thanking constituents at hawker centres and MRT stations, accompanied by campaign volunteers and supporters.
Some losing candidates made the rounds as well. The WP's Mr Andre Low, who lost narrowly in Jalan Kayu SMC with 48.53 per cent of the vote against former Cabinet minister Ng Chee Meng, toured Fernvale in a vehicle to thank residents for their support.
Mr Andre Low of the WP touring Fernvale to thank residents for their support on May 4. ST PHOTO: KIMBERLY KWEK
President: Singapore is the winner
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, in a Facebook post on May 4, said that as emotions settle following the election, one thing is clear: Singapore is the winner.
"Regardless of how we each voted, Singaporeans remain united in wanting the best future for our country. We have seen neither a loss of trust in politics nor the sharp polarisation of views that engulfs many other countries. Long may this remain the case," he wrote.
"I commend all the parties and candidates for contesting the elections with full effort. Many were new faces in politics, but brought fresh ideas and talent.
"Credit also to all Singaporeans, for the calm and composure with which you followed the campaigns and made your choices," he added.
President Tharman said he was writing to Mr Wong, who is secretary-general of the PAP, to congratulate him on the strong mandate his party has received, and to formally invite him to form the next government.
The President also said he hoped that the next Parliament will see ruling and opposition party MPs "debating policies thoughtfully and respectfully, and finding common cause in building the most promising future for Singaporeans".
"A future that is staunchly multiracial. One where Singapore continues to be held in high regard internationally. One that gives every Singaporean opportunity and dignity.
"And one that encourages those who care deeply, and think independently and creatively, to help expand what we are collectively capable of achieving," he added.
"Our best years are still ahead of us."
Some of the newly elected MPs also announced that they would begin holding Meet-the-People Sessions.
These include Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong in Punggol GRC, Mr Jeffrey Siow in Chua Chu Kang GRC, and Mr David Hoe in Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, who said in social media posts that their sessions would begin on May 5.
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