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GE2025
PAP’s David Neo says Singapore needs action-takers, not talkers; ‘army-like’ speech draws ridicule
At a Fullerton rally on 28 April, PAP candidate for Tampines GRC David Neo delivered a military-style speech stressing that Singapore does not need more people who just question or suggest ideas, but those who “get things done”. Netizens mocked his tone, comparing it to a military drill, and criticised the dismissive rhetoric.
Published
on
30 April 2025
By
The Online Citizen
At the People’s Action Party (PAP) lunchtime rally held at Fullerton on 28 April 2025, newcomer and former Chief of Army, David Neo, delivered a speech that swiftly went viral for its forceful tone and controversial remarks.
Neo, who is standing as a candidate for Tampines GRC in the upcoming General Election (GE2025), adopted a commanding presence during his six-minute address, drawing clear parallels with his military background.
He opened with the phrase, “It’s a great day to be at Fullerton,” punctuating it with a sharp upward fist pump — a gesture that instantly drew comparisons to a parade-ground command.
Neo used his speech to emphasise the importance of execution over rhetoric.
“The only way I know how to work is to roll up my sleeves, walk with you, and work with you to get things done,” he said.
He positioned the PAP as a party of action, contrasting this with opposition parties whom he suggested lacked the ability to deliver.
“But can they get it done?” he asked.
“The fact is, they rely on the PAP to deal with the changed world. When the PAP is done, they say it’s because they talk.”
In his most widely circulated remark, Neo declared, “Singapore doesn’t need people who only question or give ideas. We need people who take action. We don’t need more people to talk. We need more people to get things done.”
A metaphor he used during the speech attracted particular attention:
“I go to bed and every morning, when I wake up, the sun rises. But I never make the mistake of thinking that the sun rises because I woke up.”
While intended to underscore the PAP’s role in governance, the analogy was quickly mocked by online users who saw it as grandiose and self-important.
David Neo, 47, brings with him a military background to the PAP team contesting in Tampines GRC, having served nearly 30 years in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
He stepped down from his role as Chief of Army, with the rank of Major-General, on 21 March to join the party’s election campaign.
