'Be shrewd in assessing the motives of people who seek to get close to you': PM Wong to PAP MPs in 'rules of prudence' letter

Following the People's Action Party (PAP) win during the 2025 General Elections, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong released his letter on "Rules of Prudence" to all the PAP Members of Parliament (MPs).

In his eight-page letter, PM Wong reiterated that Singapore gave the PAP a "clear and strong mandate" after winning 87 out of 97 seats and 65.6 per cent of the votes.

"Now we must discharge this mandate with conviction and purpose - to tackle the concerns that preoccupy Singaporeans, and to ensure that Singapore continues to thrive in an increasingly turbulent world."

PM Wong also advised the PAP MPs to "be humble in victory", reminding them that MPs are servants of the people, "not their masters".

"Never break faith with the people. Always carry out our duties responsibly, addressing their worries and advancing their interests.

This will help us persuade Singaporeans to support sound policies that serve their own long-term benefit. It will also enable the Government to stay connected with the ground and formulate better policies."

Reputation

PM Wong emphasised that every MP must uphold "the rigorous standards" set for them and "do nothing to compromise them".

"The PAP has been able to retain the trust of Singaporeans all these years because of our commitment to honesty and integrity. The PAP’s reputation for clean, incorruptible government is one of our most precious assets.

As PAP MPs, your personal standing can contribute to, or detract from, this high standing of the Party as a whole."

While some will want to help MPs without anything in return, he warned that others may seek to cultivate them "to obtain benefits for themselves or their companies, or to get you to influence ministries and statutory boards to make decisions in their favour."

He then cited examples such as gift hampers for festive occasions, dinners and entertainment, concert tickets, and personal favours as some of the "countless social lubricants" which such people might use to "ingratiate themselves to MPs" and make the MPs obligated to them.

He advised the MPs to be shrewd in assessing the motives and to stand above any favour or influence.

"As a general rule, you should decline invitations to such business events. If you feel you should attend, please seek prior approval from the Whip."

Regarding business and politics, PM Wong told MPs to separate their public political position from their private, professional or business interests and to be wary of potential conflicts.

MPs who hold senior management positions in companies or sit on company boards must not exploit their position as MPs, and their conduct must always be above board.

MPs who are employees of companies or industry associations must not use Parliamentary questions or speeches to lobby the Government on behalf of their businesses or clients.

"The Government must always base decisions on the merits of the issues, and not yield to pressure from interested parties," he added.

Parliament

MPs are expected to attend all Parliamentary sittings and must inform the Whip if they have to leave the Parliament premises during a sitting.

Those absent from any sitting are to seek permission from the Government Whip and apply for leave of absence from the Speaker, with copies sent to the Leader of the House and Government Whip.

Those travelling abroad must also inform the Whip where they can be reached.

PAP MPs should express their views frankly, whether for or against Government policies, and they should take ownership of causes and issues they feel strongly about, PM Wong added.

"Champion the issues, and do so with conviction. Effective advocacy goes beyond speaking up. You have to research the issues thoroughly, engage diverse stakeholders, understand the trade-offs, and present well-reasoned arguments for improving policies."

MPs will get their first chance to speak in Parliament during the debate on the President's Address at the Opening of Parliament.

PM Wong advised MPs to count every opportunity to speak in Parliament.

"Your honest, informed views are an important political input to Ministers when they formulate and review policies. Ministers will accept valid, constructive suggestions, but they have to challenge inaccurate or mistaken views. We need to show the public that PAP backbenchers are as effective as opposition MPs, if not better, at holding Ministers to account, getting issues fully debated, and influencing policies for the better."

Accepting gifts

MPs should not accept gifts that might place them under obligations that conflict with their duties, said PM Wong.

All gifts must be declared to the Clerk of Parliament, who will have the gifts valued.

This excludes personal gifts from close friends or relatives.

Finances

PM Wong also told MPs to exercise their financial affairs prudently and not to over-extend themselves or allow their financial position to become precarious.

This is to avoid "personal embarrassment" and exposure to pressure or blackmail.

"In particular, be careful about making major financial commitments that assume you will continue to receive your MP’s allowance.

While many MPs do serve several terms, there is no guarantee that you will automatically be fielded in future General Elections, or that if fielded you will definitely be re elected. There is neither tenure nor job security in politics."

Social Media

PM Wong noted that social media had become an integral part of people's lives and told PAP MPs to embrace it and fully use different platforms to inform the public about their work and views and engage with residents directly.

"In doing so, always be mindful you are a public figure elected by your residents. Uphold decorum and ensure everything you post is factually accurate – this is an absolute requirement for us. Remember that every post you make will be permanently associated with you and the Party."

MPs should also not use social media to attack or disparage others.

PM Wong also added that social media is not a substitute for face-to-face engagements and MPs must establish personal bonds with residents and attend to their needs in person.

Uphold high standards

PM Wong concluded his letter by reminding PAP MPs that the party always holds its position in elections because its integrity is never in doubt, and its members are sensitive to the views and attitudes of the people they represent.

"MPs must always uphold the high standards of the Party, and not have lifestyles or personal conduct that will embarrass themselves and the Party. Any slackening of standards, or show of arrogance or indifference, will erode confidence in the MP, and ultimately in the Party and Government."

He advised new MPs to pick up the dos and don'ts from seasoned MPs.

He also warned MPs to conduct themselves with "modesty, decorum and dignity," reminding them that they will always be in the public eye.

"You must win respect, not popularity, to stay the course," he concluded.

Top photos via PM Wong/Facebook