PM Wong: Growth must improve Singaporeans’ lives; government must listen and be prepared to change

The ruling party’s task is not just to keep the economy growing, but to make sure that growth translates into better lives for all Singaporeans. However, the Singapore we want cannot simply be delivered by the Government to Singaporeans. It has to be built with Singaporeans.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reminded the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) that it must “listen, change and renew itself”. Having the courage to make difficult decisions does not mean believing that the Government knows best or is always right. He stressed that the government must stay close to Singaporeans, listen to their concerns and experiences and be prepared to change when something is not working as intended.

The PAP held its biennial cadre conference on Sunday (25 October), its first since the general election in May last year. Speaking as the party’s secretary-general, PM Wong said Singaporeans had given the PAP a strong mandate at the last election to continue governing. However, he stressed to the party that a mandate is not an entitlement.

“It is a responsibility – to deliver what we promised, tackle the difficult issues facing Singapore and prepare our country for what lies ahead.”

PM Wong said the road ahead would not be smooth, but Singapore had strong foundations and strengths to meet the challenges. The trust and reputation it had built over the years were an important asset in today’s divided and uncertain world, helping to attract quality investments, drive economic growth, create jobs and raise incomes.

However, headline economic figures may not tell the full story, as some sectors are doing well while others face pressures.

PM Wong said, “Our task is not just to keep the economy growing. It is to make sure that growth translates into better lives for all Singaporeans.”

Beyond the previously announced Marriage & Parenthood Package, the government will roll out other support measures for different groups. PM Wong said the government had much more to do in its current term and would leave no group behind, remaining committed to serving all Singaporeans.

PM Wong also cautioned that while the government would do its utmost, it could not build the nation alone. “The Singapore we want cannot simply be delivered by the Government to Singaporeans. It has to be built with Singaporeans.”

PM Wong described the partnership between government and citizens that the PAP strives for as “A PAP Government that listens, acts and delivers. A people who step forward and contribute. A society where everyone looks out for one another. That is how we build a better Singapore – together.”

Beyond tackling immediate issues, the government must also look ahead and act before problems become more difficult. This means it cannot merely put forward proposals that sound attractive today, but must make difficult choices that stand the test of time.

PM Wong said, “Above all, we must never allow our politics to become so divided that we lose the ability to work together for Singapore’s future.”

However, having the courage to make difficult decisions does not mean believing that the Government knows best or is always right. PM Wong stressed that the government must stay close to Singaporeans, listen to their concerns and understand the diverse perspectives, experiences and aspirations of people from different backgrounds. It must be prepared to change when policies do not work as intended.

He said that over the past year, rank-and-file PAP members had engaged residents on issues that concerned Singaporeans, such as jobs, artificial intelligence, housing and parenthood, and education. “These conversations matter. Because even a policy that looks good on paper may not work as well on the ground.”

PM Wong reminded rank-and-file members that to better understand Singaporeans’ concerns, they must step beyond their existing circles, broaden their networks and build connections with Singaporeans from different backgrounds and industries. They must draw more Singaporeans into conversations and find new ways for them to contribute to nation-building.

“That is how we keep the PAP a broad-based party – connected to people from all walks of life, and in touch with the changing aspirations of Singaporeans.” He said this is also how the party renews itself: by welcoming Singaporeans from different backgrounds and with diverse experiences, refreshing its ideas, broadening its membership and expanding its networks.

The PAP also held elections for its 39th Central Executive Committee on Sunday. The 14 candidates with the most votes were elected. The new committee’s line-up was largely unchanged, with none of the newcomers appointed as political office-holders after the last general election elected.