SINGAPORE GE2025: PM WONG FACTOR, PAP'S STABILITY CONTRIBUTES TO VICTORY — ANALYSTS

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz

SINGAPORE, May 4 (Bernama) -- Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has passed the first major test of his leadership with resounding success, leading the People’s Action Party (PAP) to a landslide victory in the just-concluded General Election (GE2025).

Notably, the party not only retained its parliamentary supermajority but also secured a higher share of the popular vote with 65.57 per cent compared to 61.24 per cent in GE2020.

In total, the party won 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats, including five uncontested walkovers.

Political analysts attribute the outcome to the Lawrence Wong factor — a combination of his steady leadership style and commitment to team rejuvenation, as well as the PAP’s long-standing record of ensuring political and economic stability, especially in times of crisis.

Prof Dr Rusdi Omar, Dean of Universiti Utara Malaysia’s Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of Government, said Wong’s bold decision to introduce many new faces in his first election as party secretary-general helped the ruling party, which has governed since independence, better connect with younger voters.

“In my view, the people of Singapore are primarily looking for a leader who can truly govern the country, especially by ensuring economic and political stability amid uncertainty,” he told Bernama.

Rusdi expects the new Cabinet lineup to comprise a balance of experienced leaders and fresh faces, which will not only strengthen the government but also support the development of Singapore’s future leadership — an asset for the nation’s long-term direction.

Senior Lecturer at the Sultan Azlan Shah University’s Faculty of Islamic Studies and Social Sciences, Dr Kamaruddin Yaakob, noted that since taking office in May last year, Wong has made clear efforts to address issues affecting Singaporeans, including the economy.

Kamaruddin also observed that the PAP’s continued success — despite the global trend of older ruling parties losing ground — reflects the enduring trust that Singaporeans place in the party.

“We see around the world that many long-standing ruling parties often lose elections. But that hasn’t happened in Singapore,” he said.

He added that with the Workers’ Party (WP) retaining its 10 elected seats and securing two Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) positions, it will continue to play a meaningful role in providing checks and balances in Singapore’s unicameral parliament.

Kamaruddin expressed optimism that with the PAP’s strong mandate, Malaysia-Singapore relations are expected to flourish further, particularly in joint initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ).

“Both countries need each other, and any bilateral project will have a significant impact on both sides,” he said.

-- BERNAMA