At the People's Action Party's (PAP) lunchtime rally on Monday afternoon (April 28), Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged that each opposition party alone may not have enough candidates to form a government. However, he cautioned that when added up, "the numbers are not small".
"Now if opposition parties break through in several constituencies, then even if the PAP were to be returned to govern - it could be with a severely weakened mandate," added PM Wong.
"How am I going to form an effective cabinet losing three or four ministers?"
"Now if opposition parties break through in several constituencies, then even if the PAP were to be returned to govern - it could be with a severely weakened mandate," added PM Wong.
"How am I going to form an effective cabinet losing three or four ministers?"
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NewsTranscript
00:00Have you heard any opposition party talk seriously about the challenges we face?
00:10Not a single one, because to them, this is the PAP's burden to carry.
00:18They want the PAP to form the government.
00:21They only want, as they say, more seats in parliament.
00:25More seats, but not more responsibility.
00:30Now, each party alone, the opposition party, each party alone may not have enough candidates to form the government.
00:37But there are multiple opposition parties.
00:42The WP and the PSP are already in parliament.
00:45They are focusing on the eastern and western parts of Singapore so that they can grow their presence.
00:50And all over our island, other opposition parties, like the SDP, the NSP, PAR, RDU, they are all seeking to make breakthroughs, to have a seat in parliament.
01:03When you add them all up, the numbers are not small.
01:08And you start to wonder, what is the kind of politics we are going to have in Singapore?
01:13And that's why I said from the very beginning, this is a tough election.
01:19And it has proven to be so.
01:21And now, if opposition parties break through in several constituencies, not just one, not just two, but a few,
01:30then even if the PAP were to be returned to govern, it would be with a severely weakened mandate.
01:39It's not just the loss of one minister.
01:41I could lose three, four ministers.
01:44The opposition says, don't worry.
01:48Life continues.
01:50Really?
01:52Are you being serious?
01:55Losing three to four ministers will weaken the cabinet team, will weaken the government, will weaken Singapore.
02:06In the end, the choice lies with you.
02:11And I believe Singaporeans, young and old, all of you, are discerning and sophisticated voters.
02:20You know what's at stake.
02:22And I'll put this to you to consider.
02:26If you, in your heart of hearts, believe that the PAP is still the best party to take Singapore forward through these uncertain times,
02:38then support me and my team.
02:40Vote for the PAP.
02:48Let me give my best shot to serve you and secure a brighter future for you.
02:57Your vote matters in every constituency all across Singapore.
03:02Because I need a team.
03:07And this election is not just about forming today's government.
03:12It's also about building tomorrow's leadership.