National Day Rally: Lack of big announcements could reflect PM Wong’s ‘first among equals’ style
This year’s speech marks a departure from past NDRs in several ways
[SINGAPORE] As the most important political speech of the year, the National Day Rally (NDR) might have been expected to feature pomp and grandeur, especially since this is the year Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence.
Yet, that would perhaps not be in line with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s style, as he himself implied when concluding his speech on Sunday (Aug 17).
In writing the chapter after SG60, the “Singapore spirit” will be a driving force, he said. With citizens having shared faith in each other, the nation will break new ground and mark new milestones “not with loud fanfare, but with quiet confidence”.
In a sense, quiet confidence has characterised PM Wong’s leadership since he took the reins last May.
On Sunday, too, he struck an upbeat tone despite laying out formidable external challenges, reiterating that Singapore can shape its own future instead of being a resigned bystander.
“Singapore’s progress will never be left to chance,” he said, as he outlined the government’s efforts to overcome the adversities ahead. “We are – and have always been – a nation that adapts, reinvents and dares to dream.”
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Such positivity permeated his speech as he touched on issues that have dominated recent discussions.
He highlighted the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) even while acknowledging resultant worries about job security, and promising workers that they remain the top priority.
Similarly, Singapore’s ageing society was not framed as a threat. Rather, PM Wong focused on how seniors can lead healthy and active lives, announcing moves to build “Age Well Neighbourhoods”.
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No marquee announcements?
From AI and the economy to worries about graduate jobs, PM Wong’s choice of topics may reflect a close reading of what resonates with the ground.
Yet, this year’s speech marks a departure from past NDRs in several ways.
First, PM Wong arguably spent less time on regional matters than his predecessor.
When Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong was prime minister, he often devoted several minutes of his speech to an overview of Singapore’s relations with its close neighbours.
While PM Wong did briefly discuss geopolitics in this year’s rally, the lack of an update on foreign relations was particularly stark, given that he had just completed his round of introductory visits in the region.
Second, NDRs have typically been expected to feature marquee announcements.
In the past, the NDR has often been used as a platform for major announcements: Project Jewel and the Pioneer Generation Package in 2013; the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (Vers) in 2018; the government’s S$100 billion commitment to climate adaptation measures in 2019; and the Kallang Alive master plan in 2024, just to name a few.
In theory, this year’s NDR could have been used as a platform for announcements such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Draft Master Plan 2025 – released in June – or an update to Vers.
The fact that it was not could reflect PM Wong’s “first among equals” leadership style. Important announcements are not necessarily “saved” for the leader; instead, team members are given the opportunity to be in the limelight.
This is exemplified by the involvement of both experienced and new ministers in the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, chaired by his “right-hand man”, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong – who got a shout-out at the rally.
PM Wong might well be saving some announcements for when the 15th Parliament opens in just over two weeks – and perhaps also allowing the respective ministers to deliver them.
On Sep 5, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will deliver the President’s Address that traditionally marks the opening of Parliament. This will be followed by a five-day debate, about two weeks later, where the various ministries will lay out their plans for the term ahead.
Pundits will be watching these plans – known as Addenda to the President’s Address – for the big announcements that NDR did not bring.
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