PM Wong replies to girl, 6, who wrote letter to him saying she doesn't want another sibling after NDR rally

On August 23, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a series of measures aimed at supporting marriage and parenthood during the 2026 National Day Rally. These measures included enhanced childcare leave provisions, extra public housing ballot chances for each child aged 18 and below, and reduced fees at government-supported preschools.

While the government's focus on family expansion was intended to bolster Singapore's demographics, it struck a chord with six-year-old Sarah, who was writing a letter to Wong expressing her disinterest in having another sibling. Sarah's mother, Humairah Suhaimi, initially intended to play a prank on her daughter, suggesting the sounds she could hear were her baby siblings.

When Humairah jokingly told Sarah that Wong wanted Singaporeans to have more children, she did not find it amusing. Instead, Sarah became emotional, crying "I don't want a new baby. We don't need a lot of money!" She wrote a heartfelt letter to Wong, imploing him not to add another sibling to her family. Despite her mother's attempts to help, Sarah wrote the letter herself, spelling Wong's name correctly but maintaining the authenticity of her feelings.

Sarah had previously met Wong at an event in 2025, giving her a personal connection to the Prime Minister. Her nine-year-old brother, Adam, did not share her sentiment, hinting that he desired a new sibling. Despite the unexpected nature of her daughter's letter, Humairah was impressed by Sarah's writing skills and the gravity of her request.

Wong responded to Sarah via email on August 30, thanking her for her letter and assuring her that she need not seek his permission to remain the youngest in her family. He also encouraged Singapore to remain a good place for families to raise their children, regardless of the number of children they decide to have.