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New Paper
05-05-2025
- Politics
- New Paper
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.
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
PAP leaders pledge to draw lessons from GE2025, focus on unity and global risks
SINGAPORE – 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 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. One group representation constituency, Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC, 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 constituencies and lost both Non-Constituency MP seats it had held since 2020. At Holland Village 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. 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. 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. At an interview at Blk 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'm very proud of the results in Hougang, Aljunied and Sengkang, where we have consolidated the position of the party,' he said. 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 votes. Based on its results in Jalan Kayu SMC and Tampines GRC, the party will be able to send two Non-constituency MPs into Parliament. When asked, Mr Singh said the party had not made a decision on the matter. In a social media post, PSP chair Tan Cheng Bock said the 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 the party's 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 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 and stallholders at Yew Tee and Marsiling markets. The PAP garnered 73.46 per cent against the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) 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. WP's 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. Some newly-elected MPs also announced on May 4 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. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
AsiaOne
30-04-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
'Bringing Singaporeans together' is PAP's DNA, PM Wong rebuts Pritam Singh on 'negative politics', Singapore News
"Negative politics" isn't the People's Action Party's (PAP) DNA — uniting Singaporeans is, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said during an interview with the media after his walkabout in Tampines GreenCourt on Wednesday (April 30). PM Wong, who is also the party's secretary-general, was responding to Workers' Party (WP) secretary-general Pritam Singh's rally speech on Tuesday, where he countered that the PAP themselves engaged in "negative politics" and that it was "the PAP's DNA". Speaking with the media, PM Wong replied, first explaining that references the WP made in relation to "negative politics" were actually referring to policies. "I'm referring to a different kind of negative politics, a negative politics where, in the case of the WP in their earlier rally, they targeted Gan Kim Yong the entire night with personal negative attacks," he elaborated, adding that these attacks were "unwarranted". Addressing WP's comments on the lack of access to resources from the People's Association (PA), PM Wong — again referring to this as "policies" — shared that he is open to robust debate even in Parliament, as there "will always be differences" and "room to improve". He highlighted that policies in place are not perfect but will be improved, as they have been over the decades. In particular, he stated that the policies related to the PA are constantly debated on and that the PA is "non-partisan". However, opposition parties may have differing views, and the PAP welcomes adjustments where necessary, he added. PM Wong further explained that the PAP government's approach is to "try and bring all Singaporeans together", especially when handling sensitive issues such as Section 377A, wearing of the tudung or the Israel-Hamas conflict. "We try to forge as wide a national consensus as possible on these issues, and to make sure we continue to expand our common ground and bring Singaporeans together so as not to accentuate our differences nor to seek to exploit these differences," he said. "That's the PAP way. That's the PAP's DNA, and that's how, over the decades, we have been able to bring Singaporeans together, unite our people and forge a much stronger Singaporean identity today." 'Policies are not static' PM Wong also replied to questions from the media on Singh's claim that the PAP had changed their policies due to the loss of votes, specifically a policy in the past where PAP-held wards received HDB upgrading plans ahead of opposition-held ones. He acknowledged that this was a "logic" that was previously held by the PAP, but added that this logic "is no longer wearable today". But this change wasn't brought about solely due to opposition protests — Singaporeans on the ground had also pointed out that there was a better way to allocate resources, PM Wong said. "Policies will always be fine tuned with the input of Singaporeans," he stated. "When we hear their voices, when we engage Singaporeans, we understand and we continue to improve policies." He added: "When it comes to policies, we are happy to debate... We listen to every voice. We believe that every voice matters, and we will continue this listening engagement to make sure that we always do better for Singaporeans." PM Wong attended the walkabout alongside PAP's Tampines GRC candidates Masagos Zulkifli, Baey Yam Keng, Dr Koh Poh Koon and new faces David Neo and Charlene Chen. Also present was Tampines Changkat SMC candidate Desmond Choo and PAP assistant organising secretary Alex Yam, who is also a candidate for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC. khooyihang@
Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
GE2025: WP team replaces Faisal Manap in Aljunied GRC with newbie ahead of fight against fresh PAP slate
WP candidates Faisal Manap (right) and Gerald Giam seen during Nomination Day at Poi Ching School in Tampines Street 71, on April 23. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG GE2025: WP team replaces Faisal Manap in Aljunied GRC with newbie ahead of fight against fresh PAP slate Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE - WP vice-chair Faisal Manap moved out of the Aljunied GRC to Tampines after party chief Pritam Singh's last-minute reshuffle of the team that will face off against a refreshed PAP slate. The PAP team, which also filed its nomination papers at Poi Ching School in Tampines on April 23, comprises second-time candidate Chan Hui Yuh, 48, dental surgeon Faisal Abdul Aziz, 37, company director Adrian Ang, 42, urban planning consultancy chief Daniel Liu, 40, and unionist Jagathishwaran Rajo, 37. WP's updated line up in Aljunied GRC will be led by Mr Singh, 48, WP chair Sylvia Lim, 60, and Mr Gerald Giam, 47. The incumbents will be joined by new face Kenneth Tiong, 36, and Mr Fadli Fawzi, 44, who previously contested Marine Parade GRC under the WP banner in 2020. The PAP will seek to prise Aljunied GRC out of the hands of the WP, which has held the constituency since 2011. In the Hougang single seat, which the WP has held since incumbent WP MP Dennis Tan, 54, a shipping lawyer, will battle it out with PAP new face, lawyer Marshall Lim, 38. The candidates turned up all smiles as supporters cheered them on at Poi Ching School, which is a nomination centre for Aljunied GRC, Hougang SMC, Tampines GRC and Tampines Changkat SMC. The Workers' Party had not disclosed its full slate for Aljunied GRC before Nomination Day, only confirming that Mr Tiong, a director at tech start-up Sensemake AI, would be fielded in the group representation constituency's Serangoon ward. Mr Tiong, who was introduced as a candidate in a press conference on April 18, had said he plans to push for stronger economic security and strong family foundations if elected. The PAP five-member Aljunied team is led by Ms Chan, 48, a marketing director who has helmed the PAP's Serangoon branch since 2014 and is the only remaining member from the party's 2020 slate. The other four are new faces but have been involved in party work for at least a decade. In the Covid-19 polls in 2020, the WP managed a near 10-point swing to win with 59.95 per cent of the votes. The boundaries for Aljunied GRC will remain largely unchanged in this election, though three polling districts in Tampines West – comprising 3,834 voters – have been moved to the PAP-held Tampines GRC. As at Feb 1, Aljunied GRC has 144,032 registered electors. It was the first GRC won by an opposition party since the GRC system was introduced in 1988 – a milestone in Singapore's political history. The WP team led by then party chief Low Thia Khiang secured 54.72 per cent of the vote in 2011. Hougang has been WP's stronghold since 1991, the year that Mr Low Thia Khiang wrested control of the constituency from the PAP with 52.82 per cent of votes. In 2020, Mr Dennis Tan won the single seat with 61.2 per cent of the vote. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
