Prime Minister Lawrence Wong held a Fullerton lunchtime rally at noon on Apr. 28.
This is the first in 10 years that the rally was held at UOB Plaza’s promenade, after Covid-19 curtailed plans to do so in 2020.
The rally is known as the Fulleton rally due to its proximity to Fullerton Square, and has been a part of Singapore politics since the 1950s.
This is also PM Wong's first speech at the lunchtime rally since he took on the role of prime minister.
In his speech, he spoke about concerns Singaporeans may have and vowed that the government will continue to support them through "a new storm" ahead.
PM Wong also highlighted the impact on having more opposition in Parliament and why a clear mandate is important for him and his team in advancing Singapore's interest abroad.
Here are some key quotes from his speech:
"One thing is certain: this storm will test us"
The world has changed. Storm clouds are here. You can feel it – right here in the heart of our city. Businesses are pulling back. Every day you read the newspaper, you get more and more worried, because the rules keep on changing. Markets are volatile. Investors are becoming more cautious.
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.
"Renewal must happen, for Singapore’s sake."
We need fresh perspectives and new energy to build a better Singapore. There are still good people in my team, like Gan Kim Yong, my deputy, my right-hand man. We were together on the Covid Taskforce. Now, he is leading the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce to take us through these turbulent times. He's been on so many taskforces that I read on the internet, some joke he is the "Taskforce Man".
But I must continue to strengthen the team, for the next term and for our future and that’s why I have worked so hard to do, I have done my utmost to bring in new blood. This election revealed the largest number of candidates in recent history.
They are capable but importantly, have a heart to serve you. And they come from diverse backgrounds, they represent the aspirations and hopes of all Singaporeans. They will be your voices, your advocates and your champions.
"Avote for the Opposition is not a free vote for more alternative voices in Parliament."
Workers' Party says to compare its candidates with PAP candidates — backbencher to backbencher. But that's not how elections work. I have experienced ministers contesting in the GRCs, including in hotly contested GRCs. Their loss, if it happens, will be immediately felt and it cannot be replaced.
I have new candidates who will add to my team, and will eventually grow to take on new leadership roles. Like David Neo in Tampines, Dinesh Vasu in East Coast, and Jeffrey Siow in Chua Chu Kang.
So friends and fellow Singaporeans, a vote for the opposition is not a free vote for more alternative voices in Parliament. It is a vote to weaken the PAP team, the team that is truly working for you. It will weaken me and my team, and it will do so at the time I've just taken over. I am trying to build up the team to serve you better. It will weaken us at a time when our country is facing real and serious challenges.
"If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true."
[Opposition parties'] manifestos have many details, a long wish list. But are they feasible? Are they viable? Are they sustainable? Will there be negative outcomes? Please think about it. For all of you working here in the business and financial district of Singapore, you know, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
DPM Gan is our lead person negotiating with America on tariffs and trade
In the last few days and weeks, I've had good discussions with leaders around the world, building partnerships, securing opportunities, positioning Singapore for this changed world. Gan Kim Yong has been doing so too. He had a virtual meeting recently with the U.S. Commerce Secretary. They had a good discussion. They agreed to explore creative solutions on trade between our two countries.
Now, Gan Kim Yong is shouldering a heavy responsibility. He is our lead person negotiating with America on tariffs and trade matters. I say, let's give him our full support so that he can secure better outcomes for all of us.
"With a clear mandate from you, my team and I can speak up for Singapore confidently."
If the PAP has a weakened mandate, assuming we return to power, but with a weakened mandate, you can be sure there will be people tempted to push us around. It will be harder for us to advance Singapore's interests.
But with a clear mandate from you, my team and I can speak up for Singapore confidently. And we will do our utmost to ensure this little red dot continues to shine brightly, even in a troubled world.
Things happened not because of opposition voices but PAP listened to you
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 — the unsung heroes in all our families, taking care of our seniors and vulnerable groups.
It has only been one year. I've just started, there is still much more we can do together. And importantly, all these things didn't happen because of more opposition voices. These are the results of a PAP that listens, that learns and acts for you.
Top photo via Ilyda Chua/Mothership
