GE2025: People's Action Party - Party Political Broadcast, Apr 25

Key Concepts

• Global economic uncertainty and potential recession
• US-China trade tensions and their impact on Singapore
• The PAP's commitment to protecting Singaporeans' livelihoods and future
• Government support packages for families and businesses
• Investment in education, jobs, healthcare, and housing
• The importance of leadership, integrity, and character in government
• The need for a strong mandate to navigate challenges

Global Economic Challenges and Singapore's Response

The speaker highlights the profound global changes and economic challenges facing Singapore.

• Global Economic Slowdown: The speaker warns of a potential global economic slowdown, exacerbated by US-China trade tensions and tariff measures. The US has imposed a 10% tariff on Singapore exports, and high tariffs remain between America and China. More tariffs may follow, including on industries like pharmaceutical and semiconductors.
• Impact on Singapore: This slowdown is expected to weaken global demand, reduce market confidence, and negatively impact Singapore's exports. Companies are concerned, and workers are anxious about their incomes and jobs. A recession cannot be ruled out, potentially leading to retrenchments and job losses.
• Long-Term Shift: The speaker emphasizes that this is not just a short-term downturn but a fundamental shift in the global landscape. Tensions are rising between major powers, and the rules of international trade and cooperation are breaking down.
• Historical Parallels: The speaker draws parallels to Singapore's past challenges, such as separation from Malaysia and the withdrawal of British forces, emphasizing the existential nature of the current situation.
• Economic Resilience Task Force: In response to these uncertainties, the Deputy Prime Minister has been tasked to chair an Economic Resilience Task Force to monitor the situation closely and provide further support to businesses, workers, and families if conditions worsen.

The PAP's Commitment and Support for Singaporeans

The speaker reiterates the PAP's long-standing commitment to serving Singaporeans and securing their future.

• Core Mission: The PAP's mission is to protect Singapore's sovereignty, uplift the lives of Singaporeans, and secure a better future for all.
• Support Packages: The government has implemented comprehensive support packages to help Singaporeans cope with rising cost pressures, exacerbated by global inflation following conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
• Specific Assistance: A typical family of four with two young children will receive around $5,000 in assistance this financial year, including CDC vouchers, SG60 vouchers, cash payouts, and utilities rebates. Lower-income groups will receive more help.
• Assurance of Continued Support: The speaker assures Singaporeans that the government will continue supporting them for as long as help is needed.

Investing in the Future: Education, Jobs, Healthcare, and Housing

The speaker outlines the PAP's plans to invest in key areas to prepare Singaporeans for the future.

• Education: The government will continue to provide quality education and equip children and youths with the skills of tomorrow while reducing excessive pressure and stress. The education system has evolved with fewer examinations, no more streaming, and more diverse pathways.
• Jobs and Careers: The government will ensure good jobs and meaningful careers for working adults, helping them upskill and pursue their aspirations. Stronger safety nets will be in place to support those who face setbacks.
• Family Support: The government will make Singapore an even better place to raise a family, providing strong support for children and larger families and keeping public housing affordable and accessible. The supply of HDB flats has been ramped up, with more than 100,000 BTO flats delivered by the end of the year.
• Healthcare: The government is pursuing initiatives for a healthier Singapore, focusing on preventive care so that Singaporeans, especially seniors, can stay active and healthy. Quality healthcare will remain within reach of everyone, with robust community care initiatives and senior-friendly infrastructure in every town.

Leadership, Integrity, and the Importance of a Strong Mandate

The speaker emphasizes the importance of leadership, integrity, and a strong mandate to navigate the challenges ahead.

• Renewing the Team: The PAP aims to renew its team by bringing in capable individuals with integrity and the heart to serve, nurturing a new generation of leaders. The team will combine experience with new perspectives and ideas.
• Role of the Opposition: The speaker acknowledges the role of a constructive and responsible opposition in Singapore's system of democracy.
• Singapore vs. the World: The speaker emphasizes that the election is not just about the PAP versus the opposition but about Singapore versus the world, a turbulent world with numerous external challenges and threats.
• Personal Appeal: The speaker makes a personal appeal to voters, urging them to consider how effective the government will be in serving them and how ready Singapore is to forge a new path forward together.
• Commitment to Serve: The speaker reaffirms his commitment to serving Singaporeans and working with his team to unite the nation, protect livelihoods, and secure the future.
• Character Matters: The speaker stresses that in the end, more than policies and promises, it is character that counts. Voters should choose leaders who are upright, honest, and of good character.
• Focus on Key Issues: The PAP will continue to focus on issues that matter most to Singaporeans, such as housing, healthcare, education, and jobs.
• Consultation and Collaboration: The PAP will continue to work hand in hand with Singaporeans, listening and consulting widely as policies are developed.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the PAP's track record of steering Singapore through past crises, such as the global financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The speaker asks for a mandate to allow the PAP team to do their best for Singapore in a changed world, securing a brighter future for all. The PAP team with new resolve will give their all to secure a brighter future for Singaporeans.