𝐖𝐏 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Every nation has a founding story, and ours begins not with conquest or celebration, but with a storm. As the Sejarah Melayu has it, when Sang Nila Utama’s ship was caught in violent seas off Temasek, he did not hesitate to cast his crown into the waves. In that moment, he understood that leadership was not about preserving symbols of power, but protecting the people entrusted to his care. Whether history or legend, the story has endured because it reminds us that Singapore’s journey began with sacrifice for the common good. We are strongest when we place our shared future above individual claims, and our people above all else.
As our nation enters its 61st year of independence, we are mindful that the world is changing and that we are navigating choppy seas. No captain can control the winds, and no family can single-handedly shield itself from economic storms. Geopolitical pressures and economic uncertainty have raised costs and made everyday life more difficult for many Singaporeans. That is why strong safety nets matter—not merely as temporary lifebuoys in moments of crisis, but as structural supports that give every family the confidence to weather difficult times with dignity. We must be judged not by how well we reward those already secure, but by how steadfastly we ensure that no one is left behind when the waters turn rough.
But no ship reaches its destination through the efforts of its captain alone. Every member of the crew contributes their skill and labour. Our economy is no different. All workers deserve wages that reflect the value of their work and workplaces that offer fairness and dignity. Singaporeans who are retrenched should receive meaningful support both before and after retrenchment—not merely to retrain, but to sustain, reskill with proper guidance with the assurance that opportunities will exist for them.
Similarly, no nation navigates through unpredictable waters through the efforts of one generation alone. The Singapore we inherit was built on the sacrifices of pioneers who laboured with little certainty but immense resolve. We honour them not only by celebrating their achievements, but by caring for those who need our help today: supporting caregivers, ensuring lower-income Singaporeans can enjoy dignity in their later years, and enabling persons with disabilities to flourish as integral members of our community. Every Singaporean should know that they are valued and that no one must navigate life’s journey alone.
Ultimately, our character is revealed not only through policies, but through everyday acts of kindness: neighbours caring for one another, essential workers persevering through heat and rain, and volunteers strengthening their communities. Singapore is strongest when all who call it home, whatever their background, recognise our common responsibility to one another.
All of us, including our fellow Singaporeans - regardless of race or religion - who have recently taken up citizenship, but enjoined as fellow Singaporeans with the red passport, are empowered to play a part in strengthening our nation. Collectively, we are RSS Singapore.
As we celebrate another National Day, let us remember that our strength rests on how each of us cares for our shared destination. Diverse voices and different political perspectives do not weaken Singapore when expressed with respect and common purpose.
The Workers’ Party will continue to play its role as a loyal and constructive opposition—offering ideas, asking difficult questions, and advancing policies that improve the lives of all Singaporeans.
To all Singaporeans, wherever you may be, I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy National Day.
- Pritam Singh, Secretary-General
For other languages, please visit www.wp.sg/news/workers-party-national-day-message-2026
