The People’s Action Party (PAP) staged its first lunchtime rally of the 2025 General Election campaign on 28 Apr 2025.
The event took place at the promenade near UOB Plaza, marking the first time in a decade that the iconic rally returned to Singapore’s central business district.
Key Messages from Lawrence Wong
Lawrence Wong painted a stark picture of the current global landscape. He described the present moment as a “storm” that is not fleeting.
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He highlighted that the world has changed, with businesses pulling back, markets remaining volatile, and investors growing cautious. ‘
He warned that this storm would test Singapore, and if the country is not careful, it could lose what it has built over decades.
Wong stated, “This is not a passing storm. The storm will be here for some time, because the world has changed. For how long we don’t know but one thing is certain: this storm will test us. And if we are not careful, we could lose what we have worked so hard to build here in Singapore”.
Mandate and Foreign Policy
Wong stressed the need for a clear mandate for the PAP government.
He argued that a weakened mandate would make it difficult for Singapore to advance its interests on the international stage, especially in a world where “might is right”.
He explained that conducting foreign policy has become more challenging and that a strong mandate would allow the government to speak for Singapore “confidently”.
He cited ongoing work during the campaign period, such as Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong’s virtual meeting with United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, as evidence that the government continues to pursue opportunities and partnerships even during elections.
Impact of Opposition Gains
Wong addressed the Workers’ Party’s call for voters to compare candidates “backbencher to backbencher”.
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He countered that elections do not work this way, as experienced ministers are contesting in Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs), including those that are hotly contested.
He warned that opposition gains could result in the loss of three or four ministers, which would weaken both the Cabinet and Singapore at a critical time.
He stated, “A vote for the opposition is not a free vote for more alternative voices in parliament. It’s a vote to weaken the PAP team, the team that is truly working for you”.
Wong also emphasised that while opposition parties may not have enough candidates to form a government individually, collectively they are seeking to make inroads across the island.
Recent Policy Changes
Wong listed several key policy changes implemented since he became prime minister in May 2024.
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These included reforms in education, such as the removal of streaming and changes to PSLE scoring, as well as enhancements to parental leave and greater support for caregivers and mental health.
He clarified that these changes were not the result of pressure from opposition voices but were outcomes of the PAP listening to Singaporeans.
He said, “Over the past year, I’ve been busy making changes. We’ve seen them. We have announced them. We have been reforming education – no more streaming. We have changed PSLE scoring. We have revamped the GEP (Gifted Education Program). We have enhanced parental leave – now up to 30 weeks or seven and a half months for parents to spend time with their newborns. We are giving a bigger boost for mental health, and we are investing more in our caregivers”.
PAP Team and New Candidates
Wong touched on the inclusion of several new PAP candidates, including David Neo, Dinesh Vasu Dash, and Jeffrey Siow, highlighting the party’s efforts to renew its leadership and prepare for the future.
Seven PAP newcomers were also present at the rally, among them Bernadette Giam, David Hoe, Goh Hanyan, Hazlina Abdul Halim, Jagathishwaran Rajo, and Syed Harun Alhabsy.
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Conclusion of the Rally
The rally concluded with Wong reiterating the seriousness of the challenges ahead and the need for unity.
He told the crowd that the PAP’s approach is to be upfront and honest, not to make empty promises.
Setting and Significance
The rally, often referred to as the Fullerton rally, drew a crowd of office workers and passersby.
This rally is steeped in history, tracing back to the 1950s when Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew addressed the lunchtime crowd at Fullerton Square.
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