GE2025 ‘dangerously close’ to tipping Singapore into racial politics, minister says

GE2025 ‘dangerously close’ to tipping Singapore into racial politics, minister says



Election campaign posters for the ruling People’s Action Party are pictured in Singapore April 30, 2025. — AFP pic

Tuesday, 23 Sep 2025 5:22 PM MYT


SINGAPORE, Sept 23 — Singapore came “dangerously close” to racial and religious politics during its 2025 General Election, the country’s Health Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Ong Ye Kung has warned.

Speaking in Parliament today during the debate on the President’s Address, Ong said Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had personally intervened during the campaign to prevent the election from sliding into divisive territory.

“If things had played out differently, there would have been dire and lasting implications for the unity, harmony and the very fabric of Singaporean society,” he said, as reported by Singapore-based media organisation CNA.

Ong blamed the threat in part on populism, noting that it often thrives on genuine concerns such as inequality or perceived competition from foreigners.


“The seeds of populism thus exist in every society. The question is whether these seeds are allowed to take root and grow,” he said.

He warned that simplistic narratives or avoidance of hard policy work only nurtures these dangers.

Populist campaigns frequently present an “us versus them” narrative, he said, offering easy solutions to complex problems.


Citing examples abroad, Ong warned that both left- and right-wing populism can devastate societies, driving xenophobia and economic instability.

Singapore has seen similar trends, he said, referencing claims by the Progress Singapore Party after the 2020 election that the India-Singapore free trade agreement, CECA, gave Indian professionals a “free hand” to work in the country.

“It was a seductive and simplistic argument, which took on an ugly racial tone. CECA-themed websites sprouted, filled with disturbing xenophobic views,” Ong said, emphasising that the claims were false.

“The PAP government’s job is to be keenly aware of what Singaporeans may be concerned about, address these concerns early … and not let them fester and turn into something ugly that feeds populism,” he added.

Despite these challenges, Ong praised voters for rejecting populist appeals, attending rallies, watching online debates, and engaging with long-form podcasts to scrutinise policies.

“No party or candidate won any seat by proposing unsustainable social welfare programmes, tearing down institutions, or by stoking anti-foreigner sentiments. Instead, our better angels prevailed,” he said.

He also called on Opposition parties, particularly the Workers’ Party, to present real alternatives rather than minor tweaks to ruling party policies.

“A real alternative promises gains with the accompanying trade-offs, so that voters can make informed decisions and not be lulled into comforting illusions,” Ong said.

Echoing Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ong stressed that politics must never divide the nation or invite foreign interference.

“We must protect our common space. Reject populism. Never pit one group against another; nor sacrifice the common good for narrow interests or short-term political gains. Only then can politics truly serve the greater good of our country,” he said.