GE2025
The sound of shots fired.
Tharun Suresh
April 27, 2025, 10:01 AM
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat made a surprise appearance at the People's Action Party (PAP) rally for East Coast GRC at Bedok Stadium on Apr. 26.
During his rally speech, DPM Heng spoke about global uncertainties, and the PAP's track record, including the government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also took aim at calls for a more diverse Parliament with more opposition MPs:
"Opposition say: Look, we need more diversity. Don't worry, we won't contest more than one-third, we need more diversity. Do you believe them?"
The crowd then loudly replied, "No!"
Elected MPs do make a difference on the ground, said DPM Heng, who shared how a food delivery driver chased him at Bedok Mall just to express his thanks for the improvements in the area after the PAP won East Coast GRC in 2020.
Despite this, the opposition insists on a more diverse Parliament, said DPM Heng.
"Look at countries that have diverse parties. What do they do? They talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. Nothing gets done.
They fight fight fight, even in peacetime they fight. Is that what we want Singapore to become?"
Earlier in the rally, PAP candidate for East Coast GRC Dinesh Vasu Dash struck a similar chord in his speech when responding to concerns about an "opposition wipeout".
He rhetorically asked: "There has been opposition in our Parliament for the last 44 years, what have they been doing?"
Dinesh then went on to say:
"And they have been talking and talking and talking since 1981.
Singaporeans, are tired of their talking. We want action!"
More opposition seats will weaken the PAP team: PM Wong
Separately, Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong made similar remarks at a PAP rally for Chua Chu Kang GRC at Concord Primary School.
At one point during his speech, PM Wong responded to claims that the PAP cannot innovate without opposition voices, and is susceptible to groupthink:
"Look at what we have done together with all of you to transform Singapore in so many different areas, in jobs, in healthcare, in our housing estates. Could all of this happen with group think?
Look at our social policies. We have Workfare, we have progressive wages, we have job seeker support. These were all innovations by the PAP government, not by the opposition.
Which country has negotiated so many bilateral free trade agreements in the world? The highest - it is Singapore. Which country has now thought of negotiating digital FTAs, going beyond traditional FTAs, innovating in a new way. It is Singapore. Is it possible to do all that with group think?
Let's get real."
PM Wong also cautioned that having more opposition MPs in Parliament would weaken the PAP team.
Noting that the PAP has seen several high-profile ministers stepping down, as well as a refreshed slate with new faces that are young and need time to "develop and grow", PM Wong said:
"The opposition says losing a few candidates is not a big deal, but do you really want to lose serving ministers as well as new candidates who have the potential to be the next generation of leaders for you?"
Highlighting impending global challenges, PM Wong said that a "weakened PAP team now will make it harder for us to serve you effectively in the next five years."
Top photo from Mothership
