Strong Mandate for the Govt Is a Big Advantage for Singapore Globally: Vivian

If the PM says something, other leaders know Singapore can deliver, he says

- Deepanraj Ganesan

For a new prime minister to emerge from the 2025 General Election with a strong mandate is a very big advantage for Singapore, said Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan.

In an interview with The Straits Times on May 4, he said that the PAP's strong showing during the general election is beneficial to the nation's global standing.

The PAP secured 87 of 97 seats and won 65.57 per cent of the vote, up from its 61.24 per cent share in the 2020 election.

Stressing the importance of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong receiving a strong mandate, Dr Balakrishnan said: "If the Prime Minister says something, other leaders know we can deliver and can make it stick. When any of the ministers say something, you know that the position is coordinated.

No one is freelancing; this is not a solo performance. This is a finely tuned, coordinated team."

The world is transitioning into a new order, a period of maximal danger, Dr Balakrishnan said, although it is not possible for now to define what shapes the new world.

As Singapore is a tiny city-state for whom trade is three times its gross domestic product and which depends on unimpeded free trade, the way things are shaping up in the world will create severe headwinds for the country, he said.

Likening Singapore to a "little ship," he said that one would need to make sure the boat is shipshape and that everyone on board feels secure when going into a storm.