PAP a steady and trusted hand during tough times: PM Wong

He touches on why voters can rely on the PAP govt to steer nation through challenges

- Osmond Chia

Opposition parties will say anything to bring the PAP down, including repeating distorted facts and false claims after issues are explained and backed up by facts, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

For instance, the PSP continues to make claims that foreigners are taking jobs at the expense of Singaporeans.

PM Wong said: "We've debated this over and over again in Parliament. We've shown that our approach strengthens Singapore's competitiveness. It attracts investments from around the world, and in the end, creates more good jobs for Singaporeans."

"But even after all the explanation, PSP keeps pushing the same line. Because they know it's an emotive issue, and they think they can get political mileage out of this."

Speaking at a PAP rally in Chua Chu Kang GRC on April 26, PM Wong said perhaps the PSP has seen such negative political tactics work, for instance, in the West, where many countries are becoming insular.

Big countries like the United States can close the door to the outside world and survive, but a small nation like Singapore will have a big price to pay if it goes down the same path, especially at a time of such uncertainty and turbulence, he added.

He said some multinational companies are considering leaving Singapore due to rising costs in the light of the US tariffs.

PM Wong said: "If you have the PSP coming into Parliament, I think the companies will conclude: The political risk in Singapore has gone up, policies may also start to change in Singapore.

"They may decide to move out of Singapore earlier. If they do, who suffers in the end? It is Singaporeans."

In a speech lasting more than 45 minutes, PM Wong also touched on the need to avoid divisive politics in Singapore, the PAP's track record of adapting to changing times, and why voters can rely on the PAP government to steer Singapore through the global challenges facing the country.