SINGAPORE: The “first and most urgent priority” for the People’s Action Party (PAP) is to address cost of living and job concerns, and Singapore needs a good team to stay ahead, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (Apr 24) at his first rally in this General Election.
Stressing that he has worked hard to bring in new blood, Mr Wong, who is also secretary-general of the PAP, called on voters not to give the opposition a free pass and to apply the same standard when assessing their candidates.
Mr Wong named Tampines GRC candidate David Neo and East Coast GRC candidate Dinesh Vasu as those with “potential” to be more than backbenchers.
The PAP secretary-general was speaking to supporters and residents at Woodlands Stadium. Four other rallies by opposition parties – People’s Power Party, Progress Singapore Party, Workers’ Party and Singapore Democratic Party – were held concurrently in various parts of Singapore.
They are Singapore’s first physical General Election rallies since 2015.
At Woodlands Stadium, Mr Wong was joined by his team-mates from Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC: Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower Zaqy Mohamad, Mr Alex Yam and Ms Hany Soh.
Also speaking at the rally were anchor minister for Sembawang GRC Ong Ye Kung, and Sembawang SMC candidate Poh Li San.
“We are all the PAP team from the north, and we are here to ask for your support,” said Mr Wong.
Ms Soh was the first of the candidates to speak, followed by Ms Poh, Mr Yam, Mr Zaqy and Mr Ong. Mr Wong delivered the final speech for the night.
“The SDP (Singapore Democratic Party) may have a northern strategy, but the PAP is ready to challenge them and take them on,” said Mr Wong, acknowledging the challenge from the opposition party in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, Sembawang GRC and the Sembawang West single-seat ward.
PLANNING AHEAD, AND NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRES
In his speech on Thursday, Mr Wong said that tackling economic uncertainties, especially cost of living and jobs concerns, is the first and most urgent priority for his party.
He noted that cost-of-living pressures started earlier due to wars in Europe and the Middle East, but have been made worse recently due to tariffs and trade wars.
Recognising these challenges earlier this year, Mr Wong said this was why the government has announced comprehensive support measures in this year’s Budget, citing CDC and SG60 vouchers and utility rebates as examples.
He added that his team is monitoring the situation closely and will enhance and continue providing support for as long as it is needed.
“So don’t worry, this is not just a one-year budget. We will do whatever we need to make sure you are well supported,” said Mr Wong.
Mr Wong also noted that Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong is leading a task force looking into jobs, with labour chief Ng Chee Meng being part of the team and coordinating efforts.
They are studying additional measures that will be needed if conditions worsen, such as how to help businesses retain workers and support job seekers.
While doing this, the PAP will continue planning for Singapore’s future, he said.
“This is the PAP way. We don’t just fight fires. We plan ahead and we never stop building a better Singapore with you,” he said.
As the party keeps watch on current concerns, it is also looking at how to continually review and update policies to serve Singaporeans better.
Mr Wong highlighted two key areas from his party’s general election manifesto: housing and long-term care.
On housing, he noted how the supply for public housing has been ramped up to make up for COVID-19 disruptions.
Once the market stabilises, he said, his team will be able to review policies including income ceiling and access for singles.
For long-term care, Mr Wong cited Community Care Apartments as an example of an initiative that allows seniors to age in place.
However, his team will also work on new models that allow seniors to continue living where they still have easy access to the support they need.
“We will not stand still,” said Mr Wong. “We will keep on doing better. We will engage, listen to your suggestions, and we will continually strive to do better for you and to build a brighter future for…
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