PM Wong defends municipal upgrade allocations, says local MPs can 'make an additional difference'

On 30 April 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong defended the government’s approach to municipal upgrading, stating that infrastructure improvements are not withheld from opposition wards but are instead “a matter of queuing and prioritisation”. Speaking to media during a walkabout in Tampines, Wong acknowledged past sentiments suggesting that political support once influenced upgrade timelines. He said, “There was a logic previously that … if you didn’t support the PAP, then you don’t get it earlier than the ones that supported the PAP. That logic, I think, is no longer wearable today.”

‘Local MPs can influence beyond baseline support’

Wong clarified that while upgrading programmes are allocated across all constituencies, the elected Members of Parliament (MPs) can significantly impact the outcome through active involvement and advocacy. “Who represents you in your constituency can make an additional difference,” he said. He explained that the base level of government agency support applies uniformly, but efforts from local MPs help “mobilise resources, come up with innovative solutions, and press for residents’ needs.” The developments in Tampines, he noted, reflected this dynamic. “It goes beyond what government agencies do. It’s also credit to the efforts of the MPs over successive years, working very hard and understanding what the issues are.”

Government approach to divisive issues

Wong further defended the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) ethos, saying it seeks to bring Singaporeans together even when dealing with contentious national matters. Citing examples such as the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code, the policy change allowing Muslim female healthcare workers to wear the tudung, and national response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Wong said the PAP government aims to build wide consensus. “That’s the PAP’s DNA,” he said. “We don’t accentuate differences. We don’t exploit them.”

Opposition criticises alleged unfair treatment

Wong’s comments followed remarks made by Workers’ Party (WP) secretary-general Pritam Singh during a rally the previous evening. Singh accused the PAP of practising “negative politics” and cited past incidents where opposition wards were allegedly sidelined. He pointed to denied access to community clubs and delays in upgrading programmes as examples. Singh added that these practices have changed over time, not because of goodwill, but because “bullying sticks and disrespectful carrots did not work”. In response, Wong dismissed the notion of negative politicking, saying, “I don’t think we want to see negative politics in Singapore.” He expressed disappointment over what he viewed as personal attacks against Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during the WP rally.

Calls for transparency and reassurance

Wong’s comments prompted mixed reactions. Some observers questioned his remarks about prioritisation and political support, suggesting they risk echoing divisive messages of the past, such as those directed at Hougang residents. Others asked what tangible initiatives set Tampines apart, and whether MPs in other PAP wards were underperforming by comparison. One commenter remark, “What exact projects or unique skill set did the MP of Tampines do or own such that their towns are beyond HDB standards?” There were also calls to ensure that all MPs, regardless of party, are held accountable for their parliamentary performance, not just their constituency infrastructure work. “We want to see how the one we elected performs in Parliament,” one voter noted.

Wong says policy debate must be constructive

Wong acknowledged that policy is never static and welcomed ongoing debate and critique. He said that feedback from the public and opposition was valuable in helping refine policies. “We listen to every voice,” he said. On the issue of access to community clubs managed by the People’s Association, Wong reiterated that the organisation remains non-partisan. He added that the government remains open to debate and adjustments. However, he cautioned that more voices in Parliament do not necessarily equate to better debate. “It depends on the quality of the inputs,” he said.

Faisal Manap says WP is “humbled” by presence of PM Wong and SM Lee in Tampines GRC

The comments come amid heightened electoral activity in Tampines. The People’s Action Party team, led by Masagos Zulkifli, faces a four-cornered contest against the Workers’ Party (WP), National Solidarity Party (NSP), and People’s Power Party (PPP). In the newly carved Tampines Changkat Single Member Constituency (SMC), PAP’s Desmond Choo is running against WP’s Kenneth Foo. During the last General Election in 2020, PAP retained Tampines GRC with 66.41 percent of the vote against the NSP. Wong’s visit to the ward followed a walkabout by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 29 April. Asked about the significance of this, Wong said it demonstrated the PAP’s seriousness in both national and local elections. “We want to provide the assurance to all residents, including the residents here in Tampines, that they will have a good, strong team with the full capabilities of the PAP behind them to serve them and to make sure we improve their lives,” he said. WP candidate Faisal Manap, who leads the party’s team in Tampines, welcomed the high-profile engagement. He said that the presence of Wong and Lee signals that the WP’s efforts are making a tangible impact. “It shows that WP’s presence does bring some form of competition, and that’s what the WP team wants,” he said. Faisal reiterated that the WP seeks to be a constructive opposition. He affirmed the party’s commitment to offering voters a credible alternative and contributing meaningfully to parliamentary debate.