Man at the helm: Wong arriving at an assembly area for PAP supporters. — Reuters
The strong mandate that Singaporeans gave the PAP will put the nation in a better position to face the current turbulent world, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said.
“It is a clear signal of trust, stability and confidence in your government,” he said, about an hour after the PAP was returned to power, winning a vote share of 65.57%.
Wong pointed out that many were watching the elections closely. These included international media, investors and foreign governments.
The results show a “clear and strong” mandate, he noted, adding that the PAP had improved on its 2020 vote share by four percentage points.
“My team and I gave it our all in this campaign, and I am deeply humbled and grateful for the results,” said Wong, adding that he was satisfied with the outcome of the elections.
It takes place at a critical time for Singapore, said the prime minister, who helmed a 3am press conference held at The Treasury after the official results were out.
“It is a changed world – not just an economic slowdown, but fundamental shifts in the international order,” he said.
Singaporeans can draw strength from the results and look ahead to their future with confidence, said Wong.
This is his first election as prime minister and secretary-general of the PAP.
“To all Singaporeans, I say the results will motivate us to work even harder for you. We will do our best to serve you and improve your lives,” he said.
The party clinched 82 of the 92 contested seats, winning in all constituencies in which it was the incumbent. The opposition, WP, claimed the 10 remaining seats in Aljunied, Sengkang and Hougang.
Wong said his immediate task is to form his next Cabinet, which will be announced when ready.
When asked about his considerations when selecting members of his Cabinet, he said he would look at how best to assign the right responsibilities to the individuals based on their strengths and contributions.
“I’m grateful that all my key members have been voted in, and Singaporeans have now given me the chance to put together the best team to serve you and to serve Singapore,” he said.
They include Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who was a central figure in the hustings after his Nomination Day switch from Chua Chu Kang GRC to Punggol GRC.
During the hustings, Wong had called him his “right-hand man” and also christened him “task force man”.
Wong said his choice to move Gan to Punggol showed the residents there that he was taking them seriously.
“I’m not just putting in a new person to take over, but I am treating their needs seriously,” he said.
Gan’s team in Punggol beat a WP team of newcomers led by Senior Counsel Harpreet Singh with 55.17% of the vote.
Asked if this was his toughest election yet, Gan said that every election is tough, and he always treated his opponents with great respect.
“I always feel that every battle is worth fighting, because it is not just a battle against opposition, but it is also an opportunity for me to engage my residents, to reach out to my residents, to refresh the trust that I have with (them),” he said.
Wong reminded all the newly-elected PAP MPs that the mandate they have received is a “heavy responsibility”.
They will have to take good care of their constituencies, engage residents and build deep relationships with them, bring forward their voices in Parliament, as well as advocate and champion causes that matter to them, he said.
Wong also reflected on the concerns that had been raised throughout the hustings.
Singaporeans have given feedback on the cost of living and housing, he noted.
“We have been working on these issues, and I assure you, we will redouble our efforts in the coming term to tackle these issues of concern,” he said.
“My team and I will use this mandate to serve with humility and responsibility.
“We will serve all Singaporeans, whether you voted for the PAP or you voted for another party – everyone matters. We will serve all of you. We will do our utmost to improve your lives.”
He added that the PAP government will learn from this election and reflect, improve and strive to do better.
It will also involve Singaporeans in this journey, he said. — The Straits Times/ANN
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