A jubilant welcome back at Yew Tee

The new PM’s first stop.

Where’s the first place you would go once sworn in as Prime Minister?

The answer was simple for new PM Lawrence Wong: Back to the hardcourt next to Yew Tee MRT station.

The people he served for nearly a decade (2015-) as the MP for Limbang were there waiting.

“Rushed from the Istana tonight because I wanted my first event as Prime Minister of Singapore to be with all of you here!” said Mr Wong (15 May 2024) to the over 1,000-strong cheering crowd of grassroots supporters, Party branch activists and Limbang residents at the hardcourt.

“Thank you for your support. For your confidence and trust in me and my team, and for our chance to be able to serve all of you,” he added.

A cheering crowd and a long queue for photos

Mr Wong built up trust with Limbang’s residents over the years. Families there can tell you how he distributed food rations and haze protection masks to them when the haze reached unhealthy levels. He was also in the neighbourhood the previous week, celebrating Mother’s Day with residents.

So, the crowd waited for Mr Wong as early as 7.30 pm. They sat under a large events tent, watching on large screens the video of his swearing-in at the Istana. They sang along with emcees to Mandopop hits, perennial local favourites like “Chan Mali Chan”, and Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”. They waved red and white balloons and chatted with old friends.

“We want to see a Singapore where everyone can progress, everyone can do well, everyone can be the best possible version of themselves. And where we can continue to become ever more united as one people regardless of race, language or religion,” said Mr Wong, who was accompanied by his fellow Marsiling-Yew Tee MPs when he arrived.

“As Prime Minister, I will focus and work with my team and all Singaporeans to deliver on these promises,” continued Mr Wong. “Of course, I will also continue to serve as your MP — your Member of Parliament — together with my fellow MPs.”

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