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.
Tampines GRC set for four-way battle in GE2025 with The Workers’ Party enters the contest with vice-chair Faisal Manap, who made a surprise shift from Aljunied to Tampines on Nomination Day.
Online backlash to tone and delivery
Netizens reacted strongly to the tone and delivery of Neo’s speech. On platforms including Facebook and TikTok — notably on The Straits Times and CNA accounts — users questioned whether the delivery style was appropriate for a civilian audience.
One comment read: “Why does he talk like he’s in the Army? We’re civilians, not his soldiers. Do we need to drop 100 if we never vote you in?”
Others criticised his aggressive hand gestures and assertive stance. “Arrogant style of talking with hand gestures really gets on people’s nerves!” said another user.
“If chilli not eaten, how to know if it’s spicy?”
Concerns over democratic discourse
Critics also took issue with Neo’s dismissal of those who question or propose ideas, pointing out that debate and scrutiny are essential parts of democratic governance.
One user commented, “Opposition is there to question and give ideas to the ruling party — that is their main job.The ruling party must be open to debate to get the best outcome before taking action.”
An especially pointed remark read: “Not even in Parliament yet, and he analogously paints the PAP as the movers of the Sun and constellation? Speaks volumes of the typical condescending attitude that we’ve become so sick and tired of.”
Satire and parody of military style
Humour was a common response, with many netizens parodying the military-style approach. Comments joked that if Neo were elected, “residents have to ‘sedia’ and say ‘yes sir’ every day.”
Another user posted, “During walkabout, all residents stand by door, ready for inspection. During MPS, all fall in two lines, flush to one side!”
Such remarks reflect unease about the authoritarian undertones in the delivery and messaging of Neo’s speech, even if meant rhetorically.
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