The PM of Singapore urges voters to re-elect the cabinet in order to manage relations with the US and China

The prime minister of Singapore has appealed to the populace to back his cabinet in order to maintain stability in the country’s relations with the US and China.

In an appeal to Singaporeans to re-elect his cabinet in the May 3 election, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the importance of having seasoned leaders with close relationships to China and the United States to manage escalating international tensions.

On the last day of the campaign, Wong addressed the nation’s 1.4 million-member labor union, warning of job losses and economic instability if US tariffs impede international commerce. The possibility of a recession for Singapore’s trade-dependent economy has already been highlighted by his administration.

“We have to be prepared for increased pressure, and it will require experience and skill to handle these pressures,” Wong stated. “Those in government who have developed strong bonds and trust with their counterparts in China and America will be needed.”

In order to successfully address impending economic issues, he emphasized that voters needed to put the entire cabinet back in office. “Yes, I do have backups and reserves. However, everyone is aware that the team cannot operate at the same level. It’s the same in any organization, and if we end up with such a loss, it will be the same in our future cabinet,” he remarked, alluding to his deputy prime minister’s possible loss.

It is generally anticipated that the People’s Action Party (PAP), which has ruled since 1959, will continue to hold onto power despite mounting public discontent due to rising living expenses.

In a fiercely contested northeastern district, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong was unexpectedly put forward to try to defeat the opposition Workers’ Party, which took home ten seats in the previous parliament.

Gan’s campaign has come under fire for his lack of knowledge with the area when a PAP candidate referred to the Workers’ Party team as “strangers.” The opposition responded by raising doubts about whether Gan was the true stranger.

Wong has firmly supported Gan, calling him his “taskforce man” because of his crucial contributions to co-leading Singapore’s COVID-19 response and currently serving as the leader of the “economic resilience” taskforce that is examining the effects of US tariffs. “You know the important person in charge of this work. “He is well-known throughout Singapore,” Wong stated.

Since taking over as PAP leader from Lee Hsien Loong last year, Wong is facing his first significant political test in the election.

Rallies for six political parties and an independent candidate were planned for Thursday evening, the last chance to campaign before the 2.76 million eligible voters in the country cast ballots on Saturday. Friday has been declared a “cooling-off” day, meaning that no campaigning of any kind is allowed.