Changed world, fresh team, new resolve: PAP GE2025 manifesto, summarised

The People's Action Party (PAP) has revealed its manifesto ahead of the General Election 2025, with the slogan “Changed World, Fresh Team, New Resolve - Securing a Brighter Future for You”.

The manifesto was launched at 23 Media Circle, Infinite Studios, on Thursday, Apr. 17.

Speaking at the launch of the manifesto, PAP Secretary-General and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that the manifesto is the party's roadmap to navigate a changed world.

"There is a gathering storm ahead, and we are flying straight into turbulence," said PM Wong.

"We must therefore brace ourselves for stormy weather. How we navigate through these turbulent times will determine our future and our children’s future."

The manifesto

The manifesto focuses on addressing issues such as more help for the cost of living, higher pay for lower-wage workers, as well as more affordable healthcare and public housing, among other things.

Economy and upskilling

On the economy, PAP says it will provide more support for businesses, including alleviating cost pressures through tax rebates and measures like the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme.

The party will also make it easier for businesses to access manpower and capital, as well as expand into new markets.

PAP will also focus on equipping every individual, students and adults, through a more rounded education as well as skills upgrading.

Those who have been displaced from jobs will also be supported with the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme.

Cost of living and security for seniors

To tackle cost pressures, driven by wars and supply chain disruptions, PAP will continue to ensure that each household will receive CDC vouchers, cash payouts, utilities rebates, and other support to help with living expenses.

"We will support you as long as necessary," the manifesto read.

To provide more security for seniors, PAP says it will raise the re-employment age to ensure that seniors who wish to continue working can do so.

The party will also increase senior worker CPF contribution rates and enhance the CPF system, among other things.

PAP will also build more Active Ageing Centres and increase subsidies for seniors needing long-term care.

Better health

PAP also commits to continue making healthcare more affordable for Singaporeans.

It will also continue to encourage Singaporeans to stay healthy through preventive care and healthier lifestyles through various initiatives such as Grow Well SG, Healthier SG, and Age Well SG.

More support will also be extended for mental health.

The manifesto also said that the party will expand healthcare capacity, a topic which was also touched upon in this year's Committee of Supply (COS) debate.

Affordable public housing and sustainable living

The manifesto also says that PAP will work to keep public housing affordable and accessible through various initiatives, including building more than 50,000 new flats over the next three years.

They say that they are on track to launch 100,000 new HDB flats between 2021 and 2025.

PAP also says that they will integrate flood resistance, land reclamation, and redevelopment to protect Singapore from rising sea levels.

It will improve commuting and bring eight in 10 households within a 10-minute walk from a train station.

Thriving sports and arts scene

In the manifesto, PAP says it will "take sports, arts, and culture to new heights" by making them more accessible and enjoyable to all.

This includes encouraging active living and developing sports facilities in the heartland, as well as growing the arts and culture scene by expanding the SG culture Pass, and providing more exposure to budding artists.

PAP: This is our shared vision

"Thank you for the trust that you have placed in the PAP over the past 60 years. Our Singapore Story would not have been possible without your support," the manifesto read.

PAP said that the manifesto was inspired by Singaporeans' suggestions and ideas and so this is "our shared vision" to take Singapore forward.

Speaking to more than 400 PAP activists at the manifesto launch, PM Wong highlighted that GE2025 will be a tough election and the party cannot assume that it will automatically win just because they have been in power for a while.

Cost of living remains a big concern for many Singaporeans. Look at the results of elections in other countries over the past last year, incumbent parties were either defeated or suffered major losses," he said.

"We cannot take any vote for granted," he added, urging candidates to fight hard for every single vote, in every single constituency.

You can check out the PAP's manifesto at their website link here.

Top image via Mothership and PAP website.