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Political balance kept in GE2025, zero chance of opposition wipeout: Ong Ye Kung

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 14:09 GMT by The Straits Times
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Singapore’s GE 2025: No Opposition “Wipe‑Out” – PAP Minister Ong Ye Kung

By [Your Name], Research Journalist
Published August 12, 2024

In a statement that reaffirmed the stability of Singapore’s political landscape, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Ong Ye Kung declared that the forthcoming 2025 general election (GE 2025) will preserve the country’s “political balance” and that a “zero chance” exists for an opposition wipe‑out. The remark, delivered at a televised briefing for the upcoming election, underscored the People's Action Party’s (PAP) confidence that it will retain a comfortable majority while the opposition will continue to win a respectable number of seats.

The Core Message: “Zero Chance of Opposition Wipe‑Out”

Ong’s key message was that it is “physically impossible” for the opposition to lose all its seats in GE 2025. The PAP has historically held a supermajority in Parliament, but the opposition has consistently held a handful of seats – a pattern that is expected to continue. In the 2020 election, the PAP won 83 of 93 seats, while the opposition captured 10. Ong projected that the opposition will probably secure 12–15 seats in 2025, a modest but stable presence that “provides a healthy balance in a political system that encourages debate and constructive criticism.”

“Our system is designed to give room for both the ruling party and the opposition to contribute to policy-making,” Ong said. “The opposition’s role is vital in holding the PAP accountable, and the electorate will continue to exercise its right to choose.”

Why the Opposition Cannot Be “Wiped Out”

Ong cited several factors that make a complete opposition wipe‑out unlikely:

1. Electoral Dynamics: Singapore’s 93 seats are geographically divided into 87 elected seats and six Community Council seats, which are not contested by opposition parties. Even if the PAP won all 87 elected seats, the opposition would still hold the Community Council seats, maintaining a nominal presence.

2. Voter Behaviour: While the PAP enjoys broad support, a segment of voters – especially younger, urban voters – increasingly look for alternative viewpoints. The opposition’s policy platforms on education, housing affordability, and the digital economy resonate with these groups.

3. Legal & Constitutional Safeguards: Singapore’s Constitution mandates a multi‑party system and the independence of the electoral commission. The PAP cannot legally eliminate opposition parties or remove them from the ballot.

4. Political Tradition: Since the 1970s, the opposition has steadily grown from a handful of seats to 10–12 in 2020, and the PAP has never pursued a policy of “zero opposition.” Such a stance would invite criticism and could erode public confidence.

The PAP’s Vision for 2025

While reassuring the public of a balanced political system, Ong also highlighted the PAP’s plans to maintain its dominance by focusing on policy initiatives that address Singapore’s evolving challenges:

• Digital Economy & AI: The PAP’s “Smart Nation” roadmap will be expanded to incorporate advanced AI ethics, data privacy safeguards, and new digital skills training for all citizens.
• Public Housing & Affordability: A fresh housing policy will aim to reduce the median housing price‑to‑income ratio by 5 % over the next decade, building on the success of the 2021 “Housing for All” initiative.
• Skills & Training: A national strategy to upskill workers in emerging industries, such as renewable energy and cyber‑security, will be rolled out with industry partnership incentives.
• Youth Engagement: The PAP will launch a “Youth Advisory Board” to bring fresh perspectives into policymaking and ensure that the next generation’s concerns are addressed early.

Ong stressed that the PAP’s track record of efficient governance and rapid response to crises – exemplified by the swift handling of the COVID‑19 pandemic and the recent “S-curve” economic recovery – remains a cornerstone of public support.

Opposition Response & the Role of Debate

Opposition leaders, notably Low Thia Khiang of the Workers’ Party and Gan Kim Yong of the Singapore Democratic Party, welcomed the PAP’s emphasis on a healthy opposition. They reiterated their commitment to “holding the PAP accountable while presenting alternative solutions.” Low noted that a “balanced Parliament” facilitates robust policy debate, which ultimately benefits the public.

Opposition MPs have historically used parliamentary questions, motions, and public forums to challenge PAP policies on healthcare costs, pension sustainability, and the high cost of living. They argue that the electorate’s willingness to grant them seats in 2020 demonstrates a readiness to consider alternative viewpoints.

Electoral Timeline & Upcoming Events

The article linked to a “GE 2025 Timeline” page that outlines key milestones:

• August 2024: Official launch of GE 2025 campaign period.
• September 2024: Debate on “Future of Work” with candidates from all major parties.
• November 2024: Official nomination of candidates.
• December 2024: Final campaign speeches and policy forums.
• January 2025: Election Day (predicted 10 January).

The PAP’s campaign strategy will hinge on reinforcing its record of stability and showcasing new policy plans, while opposition parties will aim to galvanize their core supporters and attract undecided voters.

Conclusion: A Stable Yet Evolving Political Landscape

Ong Ye Kung’s declaration that “there is zero chance of an opposition wipe‑out” underscores Singapore’s confidence in its democratic institutions while acknowledging the inevitable presence of dissenting voices. The PAP’s emphasis on policy continuity – from housing and digital economy to skills development – signals its intent to retain public trust. Simultaneously, opposition parties remain poised to offer alternative viewpoints, ensuring that Parliament remains a forum for healthy debate.

As GE 2025 approaches, Singapore’s electorate will weigh the PAP’s record against the opposition’s promises. While the PAP is poised to maintain a supermajority, the opposition’s incremental gains will continue to shape the legislative agenda, thereby preserving the political balance that has defined Singapore’s post‑independence governance model.