SINGAPORE: As the world grapples with rising costs, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized on Sunday (March 23) that the Singapore government has the means to assist its residents in navigating these challenges. Speaking at the Seniors' Connect @ Kovan Hub event, attended by approximately 2,000 seniors and residents, Wong acknowledged the global nature of rising costs but underscored his confidence in Singapore’s ability to provide local support.

"It’s a global issue. Every country is facing cost pressures, not just Singapore alone," PM Wong stated during his visit to Aljunied GRC, signifying his commitment to engaging with constituencies across the island, especially those under opposition control. This visit marked his second consecutive weekend in an opposition-held ward, coinciding with the new electoral map released on March 11.

Wong assured residents that collective efforts could lead to overcoming current challenges, stating, "At least here in Singapore, we can work together, provide help for Singaporeans, and work towards a better future in the years ahead." He looked ahead, expressing optimism about the next 60 years for Singapore.

Budget 2025: Tailored Support for the Community

Highlighting the initiatives included in the 2025 budget, Wong pointed out various support measures designed to alleviate the cost of living. Programs such as the Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers and the SG60 vouchers are key components of this budget, aimed at delivering tangible financial relief directly to households.

Caring for the senior population is also a priority for the government. Wong encouraged seniors to engage actively in community programs aimed at fostering well-being and continuous learning. "We hope you will continue to age well, live well, stay active," he encouraged, reinforcing his government’s commitment to support senior lifestyles.

As part of this event, Wong unveiled an SG60 time capsule, celebrating local heritage with 60 significant items donated by Aljunied GRC residents. This initiative reflects Singapore’s emphasis on community involvement and cultural pride.

Political Landscape: Aljunied GRC Changes and Upcoming Elections

Shifting gears to the political landscape, the boundaries of the Aljunied GRC, which has been under opposition control since 2011, have undergone significant changes. For the first time since its inception as an opposition-held ward, the electoral map now reallocates three of its polling districts—affecting nearly 4,000 voters—to the Tampines GRC for the upcoming elections.

The Workers’ Party, which garnered nearly 60% of the votes during the last election in 2020, will be looking to strengthen its foothold. The single-member Hougang ward has been a stronghold for the WP since 1991, with lawyer Dennis Tan securing over 61% of the vote in the last election.

In light of the political shifts, the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has undertaken a revamp of its branch leadership in the Aljunied GRC, introducing new chairs including Dr. Adrian Ang, Dr. Faisal Abdul Aziz, and Mr. Daniel Liu in recent months. Their presence alongside PM Wong at the seniors' event indicates a strategic move to strengthen community ties ahead of the elections.

As the WP prepares to fill a fifth member spot after the resignation of Leon Perera in July 2023, the upcoming elections are shaping up to be a closely watched contest, as both parties gear up to vie for the confidence of constituents amidst this pivotal moment in Singapore's political history.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor developments leading up to GE2025!