PAP sec-gen Lawrence Wong says GE2025 was not landslide victory, had tough fights | Full speech

Key Concepts

• GE 2025 (General Election 2025): The recent general election in Singapore.
• PAP (People's Action Party): The ruling political party in Singapore.
• GRC (Group Representation Constituency): A type of electoral division in Singapore.
• Cost of Living: A significant concern for Singaporeans during the election.
• Opposition: Political parties opposing the PAP.
• Mandate: The authority granted by the people to a political party or leader.
• Social Cohesion: The unity and harmony within a society.
• Groundwork: The efforts made by candidates and activists to connect with voters.
• Structural Shifts: Fundamental changes in the global economy and international relations.
• Tripartism: The collaborative relationship between the government, employers, and unions in Singapore.
• 4G/5G Leaders: Refers to the fourth and fifth generations of political leadership in Singapore.

Post-Election Reflections and Gratitude

The speech begins by acknowledging the first party convention following the General Election 2025 (GE 2025). The Prime Minister expresses deep gratitude and humility for the support and trust Singaporeans have placed in him, his team, and the People's Action Party (PAP). He highlights that the election was a hard-fought battle, acknowledging that cost of living pressures were a primary concern for voters, and that the opposition amplified anxieties. While Singaporeans appreciated support packages, they also desired more opposition voices for checks and balances. The PAP addressed this by emphasizing their record, sincerity, and future plans.

The Prime Minister notes that despite predictions of a "flight to safety" due to an uncertain external environment, the GE 2020 experience, where the PAP's vote share fell amidst COVID-19, served as a crucial reminder not to take anything for granted. GE 2025 was indeed a tough and intense fight, involving tactical changes to the candidate lineup and extensive ground engagement for nine consecutive days. Vigilance against attempts to incite racial and religious sentiments was maintained. The Prime Minister shares that he was mentally prepared for various outcomes, including potential losses in single seats or Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs), based on messages from party members and friends.

Election Outcome and Humility

Despite media descriptions of a "landslide victory," the Prime Minister emphasizes that it was not a landslide, with several constituencies experiencing very close contests. He reiterates the overwhelming sense of humility and gratitude, underscoring that power ultimately resides with the people, and that the PAP's role is to serve. He warns that a strong mandate can be swiftly withdrawn, stressing the importance of respecting and taking the people's voice seriously.

Gratitude is also extended for the trust placed in him and his team, with a commitment to honor it through hard work. The support in Tan and Pong GRCs is particularly highlighted. Losing these GRCs would have sent a serious message, potentially validating the Workers' Party's appeal to Malay Muslim voters and encouraging similar strategies that could harm social cohesion. Similarly, losing Bongol would have undermined the proven abilities of experienced ministers like Deputy Prime Minister Gan, potentially leading to the loss of capable task force members. The strong mandate for the PAP is seen as a clear message to the world that Singaporeans are clear-eyed, united, take elections seriously, and do not gamble with their future or succumb to populist or racially tinged appeals. This allows the Prime Minister to speak with quiet confidence on behalf of a united people who stand for stability, progress, and unity.

The Importance of Groundwork and Unsung Heroes

The Prime Minister attributes the election outcome not only to the support of Singaporeans but also to the hard work of candidates, activists, and volunteers. The key lesson reiterated is that "groundwork matters." While voters care about national and municipal issues, their primary concern is the candidate's ability to connect, get things done, and improve their lives. This was achieved through five years of patient work, not just during the nine-day campaign, involving improving estates, solving resident problems, and earning trust. Special commendation is given to those who fought tough battles with conviction and courage.

Activists and volunteers, including those from unions and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), are recognized as "unsung heroes," the "heart and soul of the PAP." Their unseen efforts, spent on evenings and weekends, were driven by belief in the cause and Singapore, not for recognition. A special shout-out is given to comrades who contested in Aljunitang and Senkang, acknowledging their toughest missions and their demonstration of service with heart, courage, and purpose, reminding Singaporeans of the PAP's values.

Future Priorities and Global Challenges

The speech then outlines the government's agenda for the new term, focusing on three key priorities:

1. Securing Singapore's Place in a Changed World

The world is described as increasingly dangerous, with shifts from free trade to protectionism, globalization to economic nationalism, and multilateralism to "might is right." These are deep structural shifts impacting small, open economies like Singapore. The success of Singapore, along with Japan, the Asian Tigers (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea), Southeast Asian countries, and China, was built on an open global economy where production was outsourced to lower-cost countries. This model lifted millions out of poverty and benefited all.

However, major powers are now turning inwards, seeking to rebuild their industrial bases and restricting access to cutting-edge technologies. The rules that enabled small countries to prosper are being rolled back. Singapore must find new ways to create relevance and opportunities. This involves extensive international engagement, building partnerships, and expanding diplomatic reach, particularly in regions like Latin America and Africa. The Prime Minister cites Lee Kuan Yew's 1964 mission to Africa as an example of building crucial international links. Singapore is expanding its diplomatic presence, including setting up new missions in Africa, and deepening ties with existing partners through upgraded strategic partnerships with countries like Vietnam, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany. These efforts are crucial for Singapore's livelihoods, business expansion, and securing space to thrive in an uncertain world. Singapore, though small, possesses agency, credibility, and friends, which will be harnessed to navigate these changes.

2. Keeping the Economy Competitive and Strong

The goal is to ensure Singaporeans continue to have good jobs and better lives. Singapore's reputation as a stable and reliable business hub is acknowledged, but it's not enough. As the global economy fragments and supply chains are rewired, Singapore must remain at the center of new flows. This requires questioning old assumptions, refreshing thinking, updating policies, daring to take risks, moving quickly, and innovating boldly. Experimentation, learning from failures, and trying again are essential for a small nation's thriving.

Deputy Prime Minister Gan is leading an effort with younger officeholders to chart a new economic blueprint. This team, including Jeffrey Xiao, Lo Yan Ling, Jasmine Lauo, Gohan Yen, Alvin Tan, Desh Vasu, David New, and Copun, is working systematically with industry and union leaders. Recommendations are expected by early next year for response in Budget 2026. Restructuring and transformation will involve some downsizing and retrenchments, which are seen as part of a healthy economy's renewal cycle. The government's role is to help people navigate these changes, providing skills, support, and confidence, ensuring no one is left behind.

3. Providing Assurance and Support, and Keeping Society Strong and United

This priority focuses on strengthening social safety nets across education, healthcare, housing, and retirement. New ministers Desmond and Hongat at MOE and MMD, and experienced ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chan Chun Sing at MOH and MOM, are actively reviewing systems and reforms. The aim is to enable every Singaporean to look to the future with confidence, knowing the PAP has their back.

Jobs are a growing concern, leading to initiatives like the "Jobs Nearby at CDC" program. Nationwide efforts are underway to grow the economy and translate that growth into better jobs, pay, and lives for workers. The partnership with the labor movement is crucial, forming the bedrock of Singapore's unique and successful tripartism. Unlike other countries where employers and unions clash, Singapore's model of collaboration, where unions are not seen as enemies and profits are not a negative word, is attributed to the PAP and NTUC's symbiotic partnership built on trust and shared purpose. This partnership aims to grow the pie and share the fruits fairly, protecting and uplifting every worker.

Setting the Tone for Politics

The PAP must also set the tone for politics in Singapore, actively calling out distortions, half-truths, and lies that erode trust and fracture societies. The normalization of such behaviors, whether distorting facts, using race and religion for political gain, or taking populist stances, is a dangerous trend observed globally. The PAP commits to calling out such behavior, even if it incurs political costs, as remaining silent carries a greater cost to the country, its values, and its future. This commitment to integrity, multi-racialism, and putting Singapore and Singaporeans first is what defines the PAP.

Party Renewal and Future Leadership

The responsibility of leadership is heavy, requiring competent and character-driven individuals. The PAP is pressing on with efforts to refresh the party and engage more widely with Singaporeans from all segments of society. The party welcomes those who share its vision and values to build a better Singapore together. The focus is on renewing ranks and bringing in capable Singaporeans with integrity, commitment, and conviction to serve.

The Prime Minister recalls a conversation with the Senior Minister in 2006, who emphasized the urgency of party renewal even after securing an election victory. This urgency is now understood: giving the next generation enough time to learn, prepare, and earn the confidence of Singaporeans is crucial, as missing a cycle means losing five years. The GE 2025 saw the introduction of 27 new and first-term Members of Parliament (MPs) who have already made their presence felt, built relationships, and made tangible improvements. Examples include Hammed Raza (Jurong), Helina Binty Abdul Halim (Fengshan), and Cassandra Lee (Ayer Rajah), highlighting their diverse backgrounds and contributions.

The cabinet team is also being renewed, with more younger colleagues and ministers of state bringing fresh energy and perspectives. The current cabinet comprises largely 4G ministers with some 3G veterans, with the aim of a complete 4G cabinet and the emergence of a 5G team by the next election, ensuring a smooth generational handover.

Conclusion and Call to Action

GE 2025 provides a good base, but complacency is not an option. The next election will be even tougher, with Singaporeans holding high expectations and exacting standards, judging the PAP on their actions and delivery. The government has a full agenda, and the focus is on hunkering down, getting the work done well, and being ready for the next GE. The PAP will be ready to face Singaporeans with confidence, able to state proudly that they have delivered and will continue to deliver their best for Singapore and Singaporeans. The mission is to move forward from the convention, renewed in purpose, united in spirit, and determined to secure a brighter future for all. The speech concludes with calls for "Majulah PAP" and "Majulah Singapura."