S'pore to push for national interest in consistent and principled manner: Wong

The new Prime Minister says this will make the country become a more reliable partner.

New Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore must be firm in pursuing its national interest to cement its position as a credible ally.

“We have to be guided by what is in Singapore's national interest and do so in a way that is consistent and principled,” he told the media ahead of his swearing-in as Singapore’s new Prime Minister.

Wong explains this means having to do things that will not satisfy some countries. Like in the case of the ongoing tensions between the US and China, he said the city-state’s goal is not to find a balance between the two giants.

“We are not here to find a balance between the two,” he said. “Our approach is to stick to our national interests and act in a way that is consistent and principled.”

Wong said heading in this direction will make Singapore more credible and a trusted partner over time. This approach shows people what the country stands for and what it means, he added. 

“And I think they will be better prepared to partner with us and work together with us,” Wong said.

ALSO READ: Incoming PM Wong garners broad confidence across all age groups

Wong will be inaugurated on Wednesday, replacing Lee Hsien Loong after two decades of leading the country.

Aside from being Prime Minister, Wong will retain his current position as finance minister.