GE2025: Good policies are more than just good ideas: Edwin Tong at East Coast rally (2025)

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SINGAPORE – Policy suggestions must be more than just good ideas – they must be practical and make sense, said Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong.

“A good policy is not just a good idea alone,” he said at an East Coast GRC rally on April 26. “There is a lot more that is needed to turn a good idea into something that can work well.”

On the second day of the hustings, Mr Yee Jenn Jong, who is part of the WP team contesting the constituency, had said during his party’s rally that he wanted to improve Singapore.

Mr Tong, who is leading the PAP’s East Coast GRC slate, said at Bedok Stadium on April 26 that he agreed with this aim.

“We must all be in politics for the service of Singapore and Singaporeans. But at the same time, this also needs to be done in a practical way that makes sense,” he said.

He added that parties have to go beyond “mere rhetoric and sound bites”, demonstrating instead leadership, vision and clear foresight about policy ideas.

These ideas have to be practical, executable and make good economic sense in the short and long term, Mr Tong said. He added that Singapore must also be able to live with the trade-offs.

He rebutted suggestions that the WP had previously proposed to raise revenue, as an alternative to raising the goods and services tax (GST).

“Let me ask you, who among us would like to pay more tax? Who would like to pay more GST?” Mr Tong asked.

But social spending is necessary to meet the growing needs of Singaporeans, he said, adding that healthcare, education, caregiving and family are among the basic building blocks of society.

“We must get that right, but it also means that it is a strain on our fiscal resources,” he said.

He noted that the WP has suggested raising taxes for multinational corporations (MNCs) or taking more from the reserves to meet these needs. But this could result in MNCs leaving Singapore, taking with them the jobs they provide, he said.

Mr Tong also noted that taking more from the reserves would not be a bad idea from a politician’s perspective, because the Government would not have had to explain the need to raise the GST.

“But from the perspective of safeguarding Singapore’s long-term interests for our children and their children... would that be prudent? Would that be safe? Would that be wise?” he asked.

Doing so would mean the reserves would grow at a slower rate, leaving less resources for subsequent generations, he said.

“We must always test policy ideas against practical execution and the impact that it will make on other people’s lives, including future generations of Singaporeans,” said Mr Tong.

The minister invited voters to scrutinise the PAP’s commitments to the nation in its manifesto, as well as those set out for East Coast GRC by his team.

“But don’t just look at our plans before you vote. Look at the Workers’ Party’s plans,” he said. “Do they help a subsequent generation of Singaporeans, and do they stand by those plans?”

Mr Tong also spoke of the need for steady hands, given the uncertain global economic situation.

With turbulence ahead, there must be something steady, strong and proven that people can hold to – and that something is the PAP, he said.

He noted that some people have said the PAP is drawing attention to these circumstances, hoping to win votes by scare tactics and fearmongering.

“But it is not up to us. And I think we can all see what is happening around us,” said Mr Tong.

He acknowledged that Singapore has not been spared the effects of global inflation and economic uncertainty, and said the Government will provide for those who need more help.

This would not just be short-term measures like rebates and vouchers – though they are important and help a lot – but also long-term measures like strengthening the economy and building a more resilient workforce, said Mr Tong.

The other four East Coast GRC candidates – Mr Tan Kiat How, Ms Jessica Tan, Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash and Madam Hazlina Abdul Halim – also took turns to speak at the rally.

In her speech, Ms Tan said good policies mean nothing if people cannot access them. “That’s why I’m committed to continue creating platforms that promote clarity, dialogue and understanding of our policies,” she added.

While Singapore’s policies are thoughtfully designed, no system is perfect, she said.

“I have and I will continue to champion causes to close gaps in our policies,” Ms Tan said, adding that this includes speaking up on the sandwiched generation and senior employability.

Mr Tan asked residents to remember that when the PAP promises something, it gets it done.

He compared the party to a sturdy tree, saying: “I urge you not to cut down this tree in exchange (for) sweet promises made to you about good profits from cutting down the tree to sell it as timber.”

“Every time (an) election comes around, there may be sweet promises that may look good, sound good in the short term, but in the long term, you are destroying the roots of a sturdy tree.”

In his speech, Mr Dinesh laid out his immediate priorities for East Coast residents – in particular Bedok, the division he will take over from Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is retiring, if elected. He wants to support seniors and caregivers, help young families, and uplift minority communities and the vulnerable.

Mr Dinesh, a new face, also hit out at opposition politicians, whom he criticised for a lack of action.

“There is talk of an opposition wipeout, but there has been opposition in our Parliament for the last 44 years. What have they been doing?” he said.

“Singaporeans are tired of their talking. We want action. Yes, the PAP is not perfect, but we have protected every Singaporean and every Singaporean family for the last 60 years, and we get things done.”

Madam Hazlina, also a new face, said her time in the social impact space has given her the courage to brave challenging situations. She said she plans to bring the people and public and private sectors closer together.

“This is a time for us to build trust. Our young are worried about their place in this world. I am sorry that life is tougher, but that is because Singapore is better,” she said.

“Our parents made it better, and we want to do our best for our children. So don’t give up. Step forward and work together – the young ones, I hear you, I see you, I feel you.”

• Goh Yan Han is political correspondent at The Straits Times. She writesUnpacked, a weekly newsletteron Singapore politics and policy.

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