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?"
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.
