PM Wong Urges PAP to Confront Toxic Politics at Annual Convention

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called on the People’s Action Party (PAP) to take a firm stand against distortions in political discourse. Addressing party members at the annual convention on November 9, 2023, held at the Singapore Expo, Wong stressed that failing to speak out against political misconduct could lead to a toxic political environment.

During his speech, Wong noted that many countries have experienced a decline in political integrity, often beginning with small distortions of truth. “It often starts small, a distortion here, a half-truth there, and bit by bit, trust is eroded, and societies start to fracture,” he stated. He expressed concern that if such behaviors go unchecked, they could undermine the very fabric of society.

Wong emphasized the importance of the PAP’s role in addressing harmful political actions. “Each time we see something that crosses the line, we will call it out,” he affirmed. He acknowledged criticisms that the PAP may be perceived as overly critical, but insisted that remaining silent allows harmful practices to become normalized. “If we keep quiet, then the boundary is pushed back, and our politics will gradually turn for the worse,” he cautioned.

The Prime Minister did not provide specific examples of political lines being crossed but referenced recent comments made by Pritam Singh, the Leader of the Opposition. Singh had suggested that “the court of public opinion can be bigger than any court in the world” in relation to his conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee. Wong also mentioned remarks from K Shanmugam, the Coordinating Minister for National Security, who criticized identity politics during the recent General Election.

Wong stressed that addressing these issues is not merely a matter of partisanship but a duty to uphold the values and standards of Singapore. “Speaking up carries some political cost to us, but keeping quiet carries a greater cost to our country, to our values, and to Singapore’s future,” he stated.

Government Priorities for a Changing World

In addition to addressing political integrity, Wong outlined three key priorities for his administration moving forward. The first involves securing Singapore’s position in an evolving global landscape characterized by protectionism and economic nationalism. He emphasized the need for proactive international engagement, stating, “We must make things happen.”

Wong noted that every minister must enhance their international efforts, as these relationships are crucial for Singapore’s economic viability. He explained that these engagements directly impact the opportunities available to Singaporeans and the overall prosperity of the nation.

The second priority focuses on maintaining a competitive and robust economy. Wong highlighted the necessity for Singapore to adapt to changing global trade dynamics, urging the government to rethink long-standing policies and assumptions. “Our job as a government is not to stop change, but to help people ride through it,” he remarked, stressing the importance of providing skills and support to those affected by economic transitions.

To facilitate this, the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, is preparing recommendations to be presented in early 2024, with the government’s response expected in the Budget 2026.

The final priority Wong outlined is to ensure societal strength and unity. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reviewing policies across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, housing, and retirement. “All these efforts are about enabling every Singaporean to look to the future with confidence,” he stated.

Wong concluded by reaffirming the PAP’s commitment to supporting citizens, emphasizing that the party will remain a steadfast ally in navigating Singapore’s future challenges.