PM Wong Urges PAP to Confront Toxic Politics at Annual Convention

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the necessity for the People’s Action Party (PAP) to actively address instances where political boundaries are violated, warning that failure to do so could lead to a deterioration of political discourse in Singapore. Speaking at the party’s annual convention on November 9, 2023, held at the Singapore Expo and streamed live on YouTube, Mr. Wong underscored the importance of maintaining trust within society.

He pointed out that in many countries, political environments have deteriorated significantly. “It often starts small, a distortion here, a half-truth there, a little bit of a lie,” Mr. Wong noted. “Bit by bit, trust is eroded, and societies start to fracture.” He warned that while each individual incident may seem minor, the cumulative effect can lead to a toxic political climate.

The Prime Minister argued that the PAP must not remain silent in the face of these challenges. He responded to criticisms that the party is overly focused on “nitpicking” by stating that if the PAP allows harmful actions to go unchallenged, it risks normalizing unacceptable behavior. “Each time this happens, if no one calls it out, then it becomes less outrageous, less shocking,” he explained. “Before long, politics and political discourse turn toxic, and society gets divided.”

Mr. Wong affirmed that the PAP is committed to speaking out whenever political lines are crossed, despite the potential backlash. “Speaking up carries some political cost to us, but keeping quiet carries a greater cost to our country, to our values, to our standards, and to Singapore’s future,” he said.

His remarks came in the wake of a statement by Law Minister Edwin Tong, who criticized opposition leader Pritam Singh for his comments regarding his ongoing court case, describing them as “outrageous” and “plainly wrong.” Singh had suggested that public opinion could overshadow legal proceedings, referencing his conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee.

Priorities for the Government

In addition to addressing political discourse, Mr. Wong outlined three key priorities for the government’s current term. The first priority is to secure Singapore’s position in a rapidly changing global landscape characterized by rising protectionism and economic nationalism. He stated that Singapore cannot afford to be complacent and must actively engage with international partners. “I too have to travel, and I am spending time visiting and building relationships with my counterparts,” he said, underscoring the importance of these efforts for the nation’s economic future.

The second priority is to maintain a competitive and robust economy amidst global fragmentation. “Companies are rewiring their supply chains, shifting trade routes as well as flows of capital,” Mr. Wong noted. He acknowledged that while restructuring may lead to difficult decisions, such changes are necessary for a vibrant economy. “Our job as a government is not to stop change, but to help people ride through it,” he explained.

The final priority is to provide assurance and support to the population, ensuring societal cohesion. Mr. Wong indicated that government policies in areas such as education, healthcare, housing, and retirement are under review to strengthen social safety nets. “Ultimately, all these efforts are about one thing: enabling every Singaporean to look to the future with confidence,” he said.

In conclusion, Mr. Wong’s address highlighted the PAP’s commitment to confronting challenges within the political landscape while also addressing broader issues affecting the nation’s economy and social fabric. His statements reflect an urgent call to action, aimed at preserving Singapore’s values and ensuring a united society in the face of adversity.