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THE POLITICS THAT MATTERS TO BUSINESS

Not insular politics but glocal

The global turmoil and connections to local and national issues in Singapore are standout factors that made a difference in the general elections

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    • PAP largely avoided speechifying, and canvassed broader issues at rallies and TV, mainly by PM Wong speaking at centralised, national platforms.
    • PAP largely avoided speechifying, and canvassed broader issues at rallies and TV, mainly by PM Wong speaking at centralised, national platforms. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN

    Simon Tay

    Published Thu, May 15, 2025 · 06:00 AM

    MANY recent elections across the world swung against incumbents, with votes turning on national issues. The longstanding adage is that all politics is local. Results from Singapore’s general elections held in May however challenge both those expectations.

    Not only was the incumbent People’s Action Party (PAP) returned to power with an increased popular vote. Global issues too played a significant role, with particular focus on “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

    Trade, investment and market sentiments across the world have since been affected, and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong effectively focused on the emerging impacts on Singapore.

    PoliticsPolitics that matters to businessGE2025

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