S'poreans must stay united in a far more dangerous world: PM

Speaking with one voice on the global stage essential for a small country, he says

- Goh Yan Han

Singaporeans must remain united in a far more dangerous world that is in flux, with more conflict and instability on the horizon, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Nov 24.

"Then we can speak with one voice on the world stage. And we will be valued as a safe and secure, a stable and reliable nation, even in a troubled and uncertain world," he said.

Speaking at the People's Action Party (PAP) conference, he said the Government would not be able to navigate this turbulent new world or withstand hostile foreign influence operations without the steadfast support of Singaporeans.

Singapore's international standing is high, PM Wong noted at the conference, where cadres had gathered in the morning to vote for the next iteration of the party's top decision-making body that would lead it in the next general election.

"What makes Singapore so exceptional? It's because when we speak, others know that it is a Singaporean point of view, coherently articulated by the Government and supported by Singaporeans," he said.

"They know we mean business, and we do not waver," added PM Wong, who is currently the ruling PAP's deputy secretary-general.

He is slated to take over the role of party chief from Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong after the first meeting of the new central executive committee.