PAP refreshing ideas, expanding networks to renew itself: PM Wong

SINGAPORE – The PAP will renew itself by refreshing its ideas, broadening its membership and expanding its networks, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Party renewal is not just about fielding new candidates at each general election, he told cadres during a speech at the PAP conference held at the Singapore Expo on Oct 25.

PM Wong, the PAP’s secretary-general, said Singaporeans today have more diverse views, experiences and aspirations.

While not everyone who wants to contribute will become a PAP member, and some may disagree with the party on certain issues, the PAP should still listen, learn from their experiences and work with them wherever it can, he added.

That is why the ruling party is widening its networks and creating more ways for people to engage with it, including through Friends of the PAP – a network launched in 2024 for people prepared to make “common cause” with the party.

PM Wong said the PAP wants to connect with Singaporeans from different backgrounds and professions and find new ways for them to contribute, including working together where there is common ground.

That is how the PAP keeps itself a “broad-based party – connected to people from all walks of life and in touch with the changing aspirations of Singaporeans”.

“We welcome Singaporeans with these diverse experiences and fresh perspectives, so long as they share our commitment to build a better Singapore together,” PM Wong said.

He noted that some may contribute as Friends of the PAP, and others may become activists and members. Over time, some may also step up and take on greater responsibilities.

The Prime Minister also made the point that party renewal does not mean veterans should step aside, as they still have much to contribute. Instead, it means making room for younger members to step forward and take on greater responsibilities, while encouraging them to draw on the wisdom and experience of their seniors.

“This is how the Government does leadership renewal. The same goes for the PAP,” PM Wong said in his Mandarin speech. “We must pass the torch from one generation to the next.”

When both generations learn from and support one another, the PAP will remain strong and relevant and continue building a better Singapore for all, he added.

On Oct 25, former PAP MPs Charles Chong and Sitoh Yih Pin received meritorious service medals for their long-term contributions to the party and the country.

PAP members Charles Chong (left) and Sitoh Yih Pin (right) receiving the meritorious service medals from party chair Desmond Lee (centre) during the PAP Awards and Conference at Singapore Expo, on Oct 25. — PAP members Charles Chong (left) and Sitoh Yih Pin (right) receiving the meritorious service medals from party chair Desmond Lee.

ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

Chong, the PAP’s longest-serving backbencher, entered Parliament in 1988 as an MP for Sembawang GRC and spent the next three decades serving residents in six constituencies, including Eunos, Pasir Ris, Punggol and Joo Chiat.

He became Deputy Speaker of Parliament in 2011 and held the post until his retirement in 2020. In 2018, he chaired the Parliamentary Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods, which laid the groundwork for the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act.

Sitoh became MP for Potong Pasir following the 2011 General Election, after two failed attempts to wrest the constituency from opposition stalwart Chiam See Tong. He was the MP for the single seat for 14 years, until his retirement in 2025. On the party front, he served on the PAP central executive committee from 2017 to 2020.

The awards acknowledged both Chong and Sitoh for their ongoing contributions in mentoring newer politicians, including Sitoh’s guidance of the next generation of leaders serving in opposition-held wards.

In his speech, PM Wong said PAP activists have, over the past year, been discussing the issues that matter to Singaporeans, including jobs and artificial intelligence, housing and parenthood, and education. These conversations matter, as activists get feedback on whether a policy that looks good on paper works on the ground.

“Sometimes it will tell us we need to explain ourselves better. And sometimes it will show us that things are not working as we intended – and we must change the policies,” he said.

He added that party activists’ suggestions have made a real difference in shaping government policies, citing recent enhancements to paternity leave, shared parental leave and the Home Caregiving Grant.

Speaking to the media after the conference, Fengshan division branch chair Hazlina Abdul Halim said being a broad-based party is about believing in the strength of differences and variety of perspectives.

The East Coast GRC MP said she has observed that young Singaporeans are more aware of the value of their voice and more willing to participate in forums and dialogues, and that this should continue.

“I do hope for a lot more Singaporeans to continue to find the value of their perspectives and to be able to be courageous, to share it respectfully, of course, in the spirit of building (up),” she said.

PM Wong said that as the PAP brings in new people, it must also make it easier for everyone to participate and contribute by modernising the way the organisation works.

He announced updates to the PAP SG app, launched two years ago to help the public connect with the party. Members can now access their digital membership cards, renew their membership and onboard new members through the app.

“These may seem like small changes. But they are part of a wider effort to keep the party active, connected and ready for the future,” he said.