PM Wong Urges PAP to Address Political Line Crossing at Convention

During the annual convention of the People’s Action Party (PAP) on November 9, 2023, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the need for the party to confront instances where political lines are crossed. He warned that failing to do so could lead to a deterioration of political discourse and societal trust.

Speaking to party members at the Singapore Expo, which was also streamed live on YouTube, Wong highlighted the dangers of allowing small distortions and half-truths to become normalized in politics. “It often starts small, a distortion here, a half-truth here, a little bit of a lie here,” he said. “Bit by bit, trust is eroded and societies start to fracture.”

The Consequences of Silence

Wong pointed out that each instance of harmful political behavior may appear minor on its own, but if left unchallenged, it can contribute to a wider acceptance of toxic political practices. “If no one calls it out, then it becomes less outrageous, less shocking, it becomes more normalized,” he explained. He indicated that the PAP’s silence on such issues would only encourage further transgressions.

“Some say that the PAP is nitpicking and finding fault. But if we keep quiet, then the boundary is pushed back a little, and you can be sure our politics will gradually turn for the worse,” Wong stated. He acknowledged that speaking out against misconduct carries political costs but emphasized that remaining silent poses a greater threat to the country’s values and future.

Wong’s comments come in the wake of recent remarks by Pritam Singh, the Leader of the Opposition, who suggested that the “court of public opinion can be bigger than any court in the world,” referencing his own conviction for misleading a parliamentary committee. Law Minister Edwin Tong had previously described Singh’s comments as “outrageous, plainly wrong and completely unacceptable.”

Setting Government Priorities

In addition to addressing political integrity, Wong outlined three key priorities for his administration moving forward. The first priority is to secure Singapore’s position in a rapidly changing global landscape characterized by protectionism and economic nationalism. He underscored the need for proactive international engagements, stating, “We cannot afford to sit back and hope that things will somehow just fall in place.”

Wong emphasized that the government must actively seek opportunities for Singaporean businesses to expand their reach. He mentioned that his own international travels are part of building relationships that benefit the nation’s economy and global standing. “These efforts matter deeply to Singaporeans’ livelihoods and future,” he said.

The second priority involves maintaining Singapore’s economic competitiveness amidst global fragmentation. Wong acknowledged that companies are reevaluating their supply chains and trade routes, and he urged the government to adapt its policies to seize emerging opportunities. He recognized that such changes may lead to necessary restructuring and potential job losses, but insisted that the government’s role is to support citizens through these transitions.

Wong stated, “Our job as a government is not to stop change, but to help people ride through it.” The Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, is currently developing recommendations to bolster the economy, with updates expected in the Budget 2026.

The final priority discussed was the need for assurance and support to foster a united society. Wong noted that the government is reviewing policies across education, healthcare, housing, and retirement to strengthen safety nets for all Singaporeans. “Ultimately, all these efforts are about one thing: enabling every Singaporean to look to the future with confidence,” he concluded.

As the PAP navigates these challenges, Wong’s call to action underscores the party’s commitment to addressing political misconduct while also prioritizing the nation’s economic resilience and social unity.