As Singapore prepares for its upcoming general election on May 3, voters are being urged to consider not only the individual merits of candidates but also the platforms and values of the parties they represent. Senior Minister Lee hsien Loong emphasized this dual evaluation during a recent press briefing.

The Call for Comprehensive Assessment

Speaking at an April 19 briefing, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong underscored the importance of voters looking beyond individual candidates. He stated that opposition parties are introducing new candidates, and it is crucial for Singaporeans to assess them comprehensively.

Singaporeans will have to judge them and decide what they will be able to do for Singapore. And judge them, not just as individuals, but also as the party they stand for.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

He further elaborated on the meaning of the party affiliation when casting a vote.

And also consider carefully that when you vote for an MP, you are not just voting for the person. You are voting for the party wich stands behind her or him, and what the party needs by way of support and mandate in order to be able to serve Singapore.
senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

PAP’s Candidate Slate and Leadership

The People’s Action Party (PAP) is presenting a team of candidates that Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong described as individually strong and collectively focused on forming a government capable of providing the best leadership for Singapore. the PAP is expected to introduce 32 new candidates, marking a important influx of fresh faces.

When asked about Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s team, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong commented:

I think these are good people, diverse, committed, passionate, bringing many different backgrounds and experiences, personal histories and passions, and I have no doubt that they will do a good job for Singapore.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

He also noted that Prime Minister Wong has selected candidates with the potential to excel beyond the role of backbenchers.

Succession and Ministerial Quality

With the retirement of Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, a new appointment will be necessary. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong emphasized the importance of maintaining a high standard for ministers.

Singaporeans have got used to ministers being of a certain level,carrying a certain weight when they speak,they make sense… And Singaporeans expect that quality of our ministers.
Senior Minister lee Hsien Loong

He added that the quality of ministers is directly linked to the quality and strength of the Members of Parliament (MPs) from whom the Prime Minister can select suitable candidates.

But to get that quality of our ministers, you must have that quality of MPs and that strength of the team in order to have people from whom the PM can appoint suitable ministers.
Senior Minister lee Hsien Loong

The goal is to ensure a high-quality government in the long term, contingent on the election of capable candidates who earn the trust of singaporeans.

Renewal and Departure of MPs

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged the difficulty of MPs stepping down, particularly those who have served fewer terms.He stressed that renewal is essential for bringing in new perspectives, which inevitably leads to the departure of some experienced members.

Renewal is a necessary, absolutely essential process, and when you renew the team, you bring new people in. But, inevitably, and it has to be so, that as new people come in, some of the old people have to move on.
Senior Minister lee Hsien Loong

He added a worldwide sentiment:

And that’s the way it happens to all of us… One day, all of us will have to go.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Candidates and Political Strategy

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed questions about candidates who had previously lost elections but were being fielded in different constituencies. He clarified that these decisions are strategic and not intended as “consolation prizes.”

These are decisions which the party makes. We field them in one place, they gain experience. Sometimes, we put them ther again.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

He emphasized that the party must be convinced of a candidate’s ability to contribute effectively in their assigned area.

Sometimes we move them to another place. It depends on our overall political calculation. These are not consolation prizes.
Senior Minister lee Hsien Loong

He expressed confidence in candidates like Mr. Victor Lye and Mr. Ng Chee Meng, valuing their experience and resilience.

I fully expect Mr Lye and Mr Ng Chee Meng to be full members of the team, and to bring to my team not only their experience working their ground, but also their experience having fought, not succeeded, and having the grit to come back and fight again.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Workers’ Party Manifesto and policy Adoption

Regarding the Workers’ Party (WP) manifesto and their claim that many of their proposals were adopted by the government, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged that good ideas can come from various sources.

Nobody has a monopoly on good ideas.The Government doesn’t have a monopoly on good ideas.Neither does the opposition.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

He admitted that the government has implemented some ideas that originated from the opposition, while maintaining that the PAP’s overall program is more trustworthy.

There are ideas which we all talk about. Some of them, the opposition doesn’t like, some of them, they do. Some of them, after we have done it, they claim credit for. And to be fair to them, along the way, they have pushed for it.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

He concluded by emphasizing the PAP’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and working for Singapore’s benefit.

I think it’s not possible for anybody to be wrong all the time. But I would say, taken as a whole, the PAP manifesto, program and record is what Singaporeans can trust and go on… It makes promises that we will fulfil, and it will work for Singapore. I think that’s the moast crucial thing.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s Role

This election marks Senior minister Lee Hsien Loong’s first as stepping down as Prime Minister in 2024.He described his current role as supporting Prime Minister Wong in winning the election.

My role in the general election is to help the PM to win the election well,though I can do that – from advice,from presence,from support,from winning votes on the ground – I will do that.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

He expressed satisfaction with Prime Minister Wong’s transition and leadership.

It’s not as heavy a duty as being the PM by far. But whatever I can do to lighten the PM’s load, I will do.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong

He added:

He took over a year ago, he has settled in well, and he’s built his standing, and he’s consolidated his team, and Singaporeans have taken to him well. So, I go into this election with some sense of satisfaction. The journey is not quite complete for me, but a major milestone has successfully passed, and it’s a milestone, not just for me, but for Singapore.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong