SINGAPORE, Nov 9 — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said losing Tampines and Punggol GRCs in the May 2025 General Election would have sent a “serious and far-reaching” message to the world, as the People’s Action Party (PAP) fought to retain its hold on key constituencies.

Wong, who also serves as the PAP secretary-general, was speaking at the party’s biennial convention — the first since GE2025 — where he reflected on the closely fought contests in both constituencies.

According to The Straits Times, Wong said the PAP’s national vote share of 65.57 per cent was a strong mandate but “not a landslide” victory.

“That we will not be swayed by populist appeals or racially-tinged appeals,” he said.

Tampines and Punggol are Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs), a team-based electoral system introduced in 1988 to ensure minority representation in Parliament.

Each GRC is contested by teams of candidates, and must include at least one member from a minority racial group.

Wong said losing Tampines would have signalled that the Workers’ Party’s “calculated appeal” to Malay/Muslim voters was effective and could encourage others to adopt similar tactics.

He warned that such moves could harm social cohesion and divide Singapore.

In Punggol, Wong said a loss would have undermined the value of steady leadership and experience, particularly that of Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.

“Singapore would have lost our very capable Taskforce Man,” he said.

The PAP won Tampines GRC with about 52 per cent of the vote and Punggol GRC with 55 per cent.

Wong said he was especially grateful to voters in both constituencies for their trust.

He added that the results allow him to speak to foreign leaders with “quiet confidence,” knowing he represents a “clear-eyed and united people.”

The Tampines contest drew controversy over endorsements from foreign figures urging votes along racial and religious lines.

In an October ministerial statement, Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam criticised the Workers’ Party’s response to such endorsements.

WP chief Pritam Singh later acknowledged his party could have been clearer in its rejection.

Wong said the PAP took voters’ concerns seriously and campaigned on its record, sincerity and future plans.

He noted that cost-of-living pressures and global uncertainty were key issues during the election.

Some had predicted a “flight to safety” due to economic instability, but Wong said he took no comfort in that forecast.

He recalled that during the 2020 general election, held amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the PAP’s vote share fell and the Opposition doubled its seats.

“So I took nothing for granted,” he said.

Wong described GE2025 as a tough and intense fight, with tactical changes made up to Nomination Day.

“For nine days straight, our candidates and activists walked the ground, rallied supporters and met residents across the island,” he said.

He said the party remained vigilant against attempts to stir racial and religious sentiments.

Some constituencies remained “too close to call” until the final day of campaigning.

Wong said the PAP’s victory was not a landslide and that a small swing could have changed the outcome.

He said he emerged from the election with “an overwhelming sense of humility and gratitude.”

“Always remember comrades, a strong mandate given by the people today can swiftly be taken away tomorrow,” he said.

He emphasised that groundwork was key and that voters care most about the candidate.

“Whether he or she can bond and connect with them, get things done and improve their lives,” he said.

Wong praised PAP MPs and their teams for five years of “hard and patient work.”

He thanked activists, calling them the party’s “unsung heroes” and “heart and soul.”

He also thanked candidates who contested WP-held wards, saying they had the toughest mission but never wavered.

“All in all, comrades, this has been a tough but deeply rewarding campaign,” he said.

Wong said the PAP now has a good base to work from but warned that the next election will be even tougher.

Singaporeans will judge the party by its actions and whether it has delivered on its promises.

The PAP must “hunker down” and get the work done, he said.

“When the next election comes, whether in 2030 or earlier, the party must be ready to face Singaporeans with confidence and conviction.”

He said the party must be able to say clearly and proudly, “Yes, we have delivered.”