Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has confirmed that the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) will field candidates of Indian origin in the upcoming general election, acknowledging the Indian community’s significant contributions across multiple sectors of Singaporean society. Speaking during a youth dialogue session organized by Tamil Murasu, titled Vaanga Ippo Pesalaam Chat (“Come, Let’s Chat” in Tamil), PM Wong emphasized that despite being a minority, the Indian community plays a vital role in shaping Singapore’s national identity. “You may be a small community, but your contributions and impact on Singapore are not small at all,” he said, adding that the community exemplifies the spirit of Singapore—“small and yet punching above its weight.”
This announcement comes in the wake of the 2020 general election, where PAP did not introduce any new Indian candidates among its 27 fresh faces, prompting public discussion about ethnic representation in Parliament. Wong reassured the audience of the government’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion during the 90-minute session attended by about 130 Indian youth from various universities and community organizations. He confirmed that new Indian-origin candidates will be part of the PAP’s 2025 line-up, although he did not disclose specific names.
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Several potential Indian candidates have recently been seen accompanying senior party members in community outreach events, suggesting a ramp-up in electoral preparations. Among those speculated to be PAP’s new faces are Dinesh Vasu Dash, former CEO of the Agency for Integrated Care; lawyer Kawal Pal Singh; veteran trade unionist Jagathishwaran Rajo; and orthopaedic surgeon Hamid Razak. Meanwhile, opposition parties are also expected to feature Indian-origin candidates, with lawyer Harpreet Singh Nehal reportedly among the potential new faces representing the Workers’ Party, which secured 10 parliamentary seats in 2020. PAP currently holds 83 of the 93 seats in Parliament.
Indians comprise 7.6% of Singapore’s citizen population, with Malays at 15.1% and Chinese forming the majority at 75.6%, according to 2024 figures. The relatively small size of the Indian community was highlighted by Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary, who noted it as a potential strength. “We can remain in close contact with everybody, leverage the connections, the networks, the friendships, the trust that we have,” he said. Wong also encouraged Indian youths to take pride in their unique Singaporean Indian identity, one that preserves cultural roots while embracing national values. “Your values, norms, and way of thinking are different from Indians in India. It’s a Singaporean attitude, mindset, and way of life,” he stated.
Participants at the dialogue raised a wide array of questions, from addressing ethno-religious tensions to everyday concerns such as cost of living and employment. The panellists, speaking under Chatham House rules, assured the audience that the government remains focused on both maintaining social harmony and addressing economic challenges. Speculation around the election date continues, with observers predicting it could be called in the coming weeks. PM Wong has indicated the PAP will introduce over 30 new candidates, its largest slate of newcomers in recent history, as the nation gears up for what promises to be a closely watched contest.
