PM Wong issues "Rules of Prudence", calls on PAP MPs to serve with honesty and incorruptibility

SINGAPORE: People’s Action Party (PAP) Members of Parliament (MPs) must uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty and incorruptibility, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his first “Rules of Prudence” letter since assuming office.

In the eight-page letter released to the media on 29 May, Wong urged PAP MPs to take ownership of causes they care about and advocate for them with conviction and responsibility.

While championing issues that reflect constituents’ aspirations or wider national concerns, MPs must go beyond rhetoric, he said.

“You have to research the issues thoroughly, engage diverse stakeholders, understand the trade-offs, and present well-reasoned arguments for improving policies,” wrote Wong, stressing the importance of effective and informed advocacy.

The issuance of the “Rules of Prudence” has been a PAP tradition following each general election.

This is Wong’s first such letter since becoming Prime Minister and PAP secretary-general.

The party recently won 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats with 65.57 per cent of the vote in the general election.

While the core principles echoed those laid out in previous editions, particularly the one issued by Lee Hsien Loong in 2020, Wong's letter also highlighted current challenges and expectations, particularly in a more scrutinised and digitally connected political landscape.

MPs urged to prepare thoroughly for key parliamentary debates

Wong noted that MPs will first speak in Parliament during the upcoming debate on the President’s Address, though the date of Parliament’s reopening has yet to be announced. Other speaking opportunities include the Budget debate and debates on the budgets of various ministries.

“Make every opportunity count. Prepare your speeches carefully and deliver them clearly. This will help your audience and the media to grasp your points effectively,” Wong advised.

He also emphasised the importance of engaging in robust but respectful parliamentary debate.

MPs should be prepared for sharper questioning and must engage opposition members constructively. “Address the issues and not the person,” he said, cautioning MPs against playing to the gallery.

The 15th term of Parliament will feature 12 opposition MPs from the Workers’ Party, including two Non-Constituency MPs.

Wong addressed the evolving role of social media in political communication.

Use social media wisely, not to disparage others, MPs told

He urged MPs to embrace digital platforms to share their work and views, and to engage residents directly. However, he warned against using such platforms to disparage others.

“Social media has become a key channel for communication and a primary source of news for many. Use it well, but never to attack or undermine others,” he wrote.

The letter reiterated key principles long held by the PAP, including clean government, proper conduct in Parliament, and separating business from politics.

MPs were also reminded to maintain respectful relationships with public servants and to avoid exerting undue pressure or bypassing formal procedures.

“Never pressure [public servants] or seek to bypass proper processes,” Wong stated.

Wong warns MPs against accepting gifts or favours

He cautioned MPs against accepting gifts or favours that may compromise their impartiality.

The letter specifically mentioned hampers, entertainment, dinners, and newly, concert tickets, as potential "social lubricants" used to curry favour.

“You must be shrewd in assessing the motives of people who seek to get close to you. Both in conduct and perception, you must stand above any hint of favour or influence,” he wrote.

Additional sections of the letter covered topics such as fundraising, financial prudence, and limits on holding directorships.

Wong concluded by calling on PAP MPs to conduct themselves with modesty, dignity and decorum. “In this internet age, you will always be in the public eye. You must win respect, not popularity, to stay the course,” he said.