The upcoming general election is not just about the PAP needing a strong mandate, but Singaporeans recognising that much is at stake for the country in this new environment, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on March 26. 
“In order to survive, in order to thrive, in order for us to navigate a very challenging global environment, we will need a strong and united Singapore,” he said. “So there is much at stake in the elections.”
“And when the elections come, I will present my case for the PAP, for me and my team, and I hope Singaporeans will give me the chance to serve them and to serve Singapore,” he added.
PM Wong was speaking to Singapore reporters in Hanoi before flying home after a two-day visit to Vietnam, his first to the country since taking over as prime minister in May 2024.
He said his introductory visits to the various Asean countries – he has been to Brunei, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia and Thailand – have allowed him to strengthen his relationship with his counterparts, affirm Singapore’s partnership with these key neighbours, and identify new areas in which to strengthen cooperation.
“All of us in Asean can see the changes happening in the world,” he said. “There is a profound change in the global order – competition is intensifying, trade barriers are going up,” he added.
“Great power rivalry is increasing and, more and more, it feels like we are entering a world where it’s every country for itself, and stronger countries will use aggression or even coercion to get what they want at the expense of smaller countries,” he said.
“Even within Asean itself, the large countries on their own will feel that this is a very difficult, inhospitable global environment. But if we can combine together... as a collective, we are much stronger, and we can hold our own.”
https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...h-is-at-stake-in-this-new-environment-pm-wong