A Lifetime Of Service

A Q U A R T E R LY P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E P E O P L E ' S A C T I O N P A R T Y

October 2013

A LIFETIME OF SERVICE IN THIS ISSUE

Serving faithfully in Tanjong Pagar pg18 Dr Maliki Osman: Connecting to our people

pg15

PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman Lawrence Wong Vice-Chairman Seah Kian Peng Secretary Lim Wee Kiak Members Alvin Yeo, Arthur Fong, Baey Yam Keng, Devi Vasantha Haridas, Kalyani Ramasamy, Chiang Heng Liang, Abdul Jafar Darwis District Representative Diana Pang Young PAP Hamidah Aidillah PAP Policy Forum Malminderjit Singh PAP WW Teo Lin Lee Editor Lim Huan Chiang Editorial and Design Focus Publishing Limited (Tel: 6319-2392) Printer KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Photos Singapore Press Holdings, istockphoto.com, Ministry of Communications and Information MCI(P) 106/02/2013 Petir is published by the People’s Action Party Central Executive Committee. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the PAP or the Government. All rights reserved.

PAP Headquarters Block 57B, New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057 Telephone: 6244-4600 Telefax: 6243-0114 Internet: www.pap.org.sg

4

October 2013

06

NATIONAL DAY RALLY

New way forward for Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spells out major policy changes in housing, health-care and education in his National Day Rally speech.

Activists give their thumbs-up to the changes.

10

DIALOGUE

PAP’s DNA: Look after the people

PAP is not just about winning elections but is here to help Singaporeans, work for them and plan for their future, says Minister ˆ‘” Ī ƒÂ?† ‘”‡‹‰Â? ĆĄÂƒÂ‹Â”Â•ÇĄ ” ŠƒÂ?Â?—‰ƒÂ?Ǥ

12

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

5HQHZHG FRQĆŠGHQFH DIWHU FULVHV ÇĄ †‡Â?‰—‡ ƒÂ?† Šƒœ‡ •–”‡Â?‰–Š‡Â?‡† ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ƒÂ?•ǯ …‘Â?Ƥ†‡Â?…‡ǥ says Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.

14

SHORTIES

A summary of major new policies and news in numbers.

15

CONVERSATION

The science of connecting Newly-promoted Minister of State for the Ministries of National Development and Defence, Maliki Osman talks about his “connecting� ways when reaching out to his constituents.

18

90TH BIRTHDAY WISHES

Good health and happiness to Mr Lee Kuan Yew The founder of PAP and Singapore celebrated his 90th birthday on 16 September 2013. From ministers to activists, they all wish him well. They also took the occasion to pay tribute to him and his legacy – Singapore.

20

GROUNDWORK BRANCHING OUT

Forever faithful to Tanjong Pagar

PAP stalwart activists share thoughts of their long-serving MP, ” ‡‡ —ƒÂ? ‡™ ƒÂ?† –Š‡ „”ƒÂ?…Šǥ ™Š‹…Š ‹• ǯ• ‘Ž†‡•–Ǥ

22

YOUNG PAP

<RXQJ 3DWULRWV VFRUH RQ DQG Rƨ WKH SLWFK A football team â&#x20AC;&#x153;wins goalsâ&#x20AC;? with community outreach.

10 12

October 2013

Contents 21

24 24

PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

They have all grown up but continue to serve the Foundation. These are the PCF Ƥ Ǧ Ǥ

27

WOMEN'S WING

Integrate work-family life

30

PCF’s warm embrace

Government should consider integration of work and family life as a national concern, not leave it to individual companies, says Women’s Wing position paper.

29

PAP POLICY FORUM

A CPF savings plan for our young

24

Start them young to build up nest eggs for housing and education.

30

BACKBENCHER'S BITE

Senior cop turned MP His professional grounding makes Patrick Tay, MP for Nee Soon East, better able to serve his constituents.

31

CAUGHT ON THE NET

What others say on the Internet.

32

QUOTE & UNQUOTE

Thought-provoking quotes from parliamentarians.

Please send feedback, suggestions and comments to paphq@pap.org.sg.

October 2013

5

NATIONAL DAY RALLY

New way forward for Singapore

6

October 2013

Housing

'DKO ENQ DUDQX VNQJHMF E@LHKX SN @ƤNQC @ ƌ@S

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!THKC 3N .QCDQ OQHBDR SN QDL@HM RS@AKD

Health-care

- New MediShield Life, covering all 2HMF@ONQD@MR HMBKTCHMF SGNRD VHSG OQD DWHRSHMF HKKMDRRDR VHSG MN @FD KHLHS - New Pioneer Generation Package to GDKO SGHR FQNTO NE BHSHYDMR O@X SGDHQ ,DCH2GHDKC +HED OQDLHTLR

$WO@MC "NLLTMHSX 'D@KSG RRHRS Scheme to cover all ages

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,DCHR@UD SN BNUDQ NTSO@SHDMS AHKKR HM ETSTQD

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to help Singaporeans own their own homes, raise loving families and build strong communities. I will make sure every Singaporean family who is working can afford a HDB flat. We can do that.â&#x20AC;?

Youth Initiatives

-DV XNTSG BNQOR SN DWO@MC NOONQSTMHSHDR ENQ XNTMF ODNOKD SN RDQUD @MC BNMSQHATSD SN SGD BNLLTMHSX

Education

- Replace PSLE T-score with grading system, like in 'O' and 'A' Levels - From 2014, all primary schools will reserve at least 40 places for children with no prior connections to the school - Top secondary schools to broaden admission criteria

,NQD ĆŚDWHAKD RTAIDBS A@RDC A@MCHMF @S Secondary 1

$CTR@UD DWSDMCDC SN @KK 2HMF@ONQD@M children aged 7-16

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a new strategic direction that will take us down a different road from the one that has brought us this far. There is no turning back. I believe this is the right thing to do given the changes in Singapore and the world.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a deeper sense, these are not plans. These are acts of faith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in Singapore and in ourselves.â&#x20AC;?

Future Plans

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-DV )DVDK @S "G@MFH 3DQLHM@K SN NODM AX VHSG RGNOR QDRS@TQ@MSR @MC indoor garden

3DQLHM@K SN AD ATHKS CNTAKHMF "G@MFH R DWHRSHMF B@O@BHSX SN @ANTS LHKKHNM passengers a year by mid-2020s

.OONQSTMHSX SN CDUDKNO @ MDV 2NTSGDQM 6@SDQEQNMS "HSX @ESDQ @KK BNMS@HMDQ ONQSR QDKNB@SD SN 3T@R EQNL NMV@QCR

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must pass on to our children a better Singapore than the one we inherited. We owe it to them to do so, just as we owe what we have today to our founding generation.â&#x20AC;?

See next page for reactions from activists.

October 2013

7

NATIONAL DAY RALLY

Leong Yi Xing, Bedok branch "With the three new strategic shifts in the government’s approach to give more citizens a fair share through housing, strengthening social services through health-care, and keeping society upwardly mobile through education, I believe our country has what it takes to succeed. Our citizens, via Our Singapore Conversation, have discussed what they want for the future of Singapore."

Reactions

from activists Victor Qin, Canberra branch "If anything, this year's National Day Rally has shown that we have a leader who's not only listened, but understands the plight of the common man – and has taken concrete steps to improve the lives of the average man in the street.

I felt upbeat about the rally this year. The segment on social mobility was truly inspiring. It showed that opportunities and equality existed for all segments of the society. As the speech moved on to housing, it answered my long running CNTASR @ANTS SGD @ƤNQC@AHKHSX NE 2HMF@ONQD @R SGD BNTMSQX ( VNTKC DUDMST@KKX settle down in.

However, I have my doubts as to how the bill would be paid, for the plethora NE MDV CDUDKNOLDMSR @MC BG@MFDR HM 2HMF@ONQD HM SGD BNLHMF XD@QR ( @L @ KHSSKD bit wary if these changes would pose a heavy tax burden on me and my future family."

Hamidah Aidillah, Keat Hong branch "I'm really very heartened at PM's announcement to allow the use of Edusave for Madrasah students. It's been a battle fought for years and the students are finally getting their due credit, and not penalised for pursuing their alternative dreams. It is testament to the government for embracing different educational routes.

I think the tweaks in health-care are so spot on and inclusive. It has given a sense of security to our elderly and their families – that no one will be left behind. That no matter how big the healthcare bills will be, there will be a way to take care of them. Big relief for elderly and families."

8

October 2013

“Singaporeans sense correctly that the country is at a turning point. I understand your concerns. I promise you, you will not be facing these challenges alone, because we are all in this together.”

Ip Kit Ling, Nee Soon East branch "I like the NDR. It is heartening to

Jayagobi s/o Jayaram, Nee Soon East branch "PM Lee's speech was reassuring, forthright and heartening. Reassuring in that our government has indeed taken note of the challenges faced

by Singaporeans and, in particular to concerns raised by Singaporeans in regard to housing, health-care costs and education.

While I am heartened with the broad-based plans that PM Lee has

Lou Woei Cherng, Thomson-Toa Payoh branch

know the government is listening to the

"Reserve 40 places for

UNHBDR F@SGDQDC EQNL @KK SGD 2HMF@ONQD

Primary 1 admission. The 40

Conversations.

places should be reserved

Housing: I am a middle-income single and

solely for Phase 2C and not

I was hoping to hear more housing policy

be shared with 2B. Phase

changes for us. Unfortunately, no. Hopefully,

2B applicants are parents

the HDB will announce more policies for

who are still related to the

middle-income singles soon.

school.

Health-care: I like the Medishield Life

Parents should also be

2BGDLD HS BNUDQR DUDQXANCX ,X LNSGDQ HR

limited to one application

excluded from Medishield now because she

per phase per school.

has a pre-existing heart condition. I am glad

This will restrict those

the government has made this major change.

PT@KHƥDC ENQ D@QKHDQ OG@RDR

Education: I hope the government will

but unsuccessful from

highlighted to address the shared

@KKNV LNQD ƦDWHAHKHSX SN TRD ,DCHR@UD ENQ

competing with others in

challenges ahead of us, I do, however,

post-graduate degrees. We are constantly

later phases."

also sincerely believe there needs to be

upgrading ourselves."

a continuous cautionary approach to addressing these challenges, as well as managing Singaporeans' expectations.

PM Lee is absolutely right to have impressed upon the need to take a calibrated, targeted and balanced

Fu Zitian, Tampines North branch

approach in dealing with the concerns

"My initial thoughts on this National Day Rally were pretty positive. It projected an image that the government is actually willing to listen and engage but just that companies or residents do not know where to look for Ǥ Ƥ Ǧ be well received.

My concern is how much will the cost go up in order to have a bet Ǧ ǫ Ǧ ƪ ͊͝ǡ͜​͜​͜ monthly salary too good to be true? Maybe we need examples of it.

I like the idea where we plan way ahead for infrastructure such as the airport and ports. It makes me want to be involved in these big projects."

ơ Ǥ All in all, PM Lee delivered a heartening and hopeful speech that was purposeful and inspirational for all Singaporeans in our pursuit of a shared and meaningful future."

October 2013

9

DIALOGUE

PAP’s DNA: Look after the people Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam exchanged views with activists about the National Day Rally and mapped out the way forward for them

T

he health-care, housing and education policy changes announced in the National Day Rally (NDR) were aimed at giving Singaporeans a greater sense of security.

Singaporeans must feel “this is my country. I can be safe here and my country will take care of me,” said Minister Shanmugam.

“We have to make a move, (because) Singaporeans told us so clearly, during the OSC (Our Singapore Conversation),” he explained.

However, he warned that such changes come with costs.

Younger Singaporeans, espe ͜͠ ǡ will have to be mindful that such changes call for higher government expenditure, which will translate into higher taxes going forward. This will become very

͜͟͜͞ ͜͝ Ǥ He made these remarks at a closed-door dialogue with some 65 activists on August 24, the Ƥ Ǥ Organised by the PAP Policy Forum, the 2.5-hour long session saw active participation from activists engaging the Minister on various topics, ranging from feedback on the NDR to Singapore’s foreign policy, to suggestions on how to rally the ground.

An activist from Taman Jurong commented that he received positive feedback about PM’s delivery of the NDR this year. In fact, many young people felt that PM has completely changed.

Mr Shanmugam agreed Ƥ speeches PM has made, where many parts of the NDR were

ơǦ Ǧ ơǤ Ministers are focused on achieving results and not usually very emotive publicly.

“We don’t wear our hearts on our sleeves, but we empathise genuinely with the issues raised.

People on the ground know that we are sincere and genuine.”

Accept change and adapt A 74-year-old veteran from Changi-Simei branch, who joined the Party before Singapore’s independence, expressed his worry that Singaporeans ơ before; they have become more demanding but are doing less for the country.

He asked what can be done to ensure that Singapore would still ͜͝​͜ Ǥ Mr Shanmugam pointed out

the key is to convince the people that the PAP government is here to help them, work for them and plan for the future. “The world and Singapore have changed.

We cannot keep asking why they have changed. We have to accept the changes, and say: ‘Yes, I accept the change’ and I will Ƥ Ǥ ǡ through our policies, that “we are better and the right choice,” he urged the group.

Mr Shanmugam explained the changes were consistent with the PAP’s fundamental DNA of looking after the people. ơ Ǧ wing socialist party, and then it adapted to a capitalist system because that was in the interests of Singaporeans. Now that Singaporeans are getting older, the government has to modify the

“We don’t wear our hearts on our sleeves, but we empathise genuinely with the issues raised. People on the ground know that we are sincere and genuine.”

- Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam

10

October 2013

12 Post-GE 2011 to-do list

Get priorities right and understand the people’s concerns.

3GD -#1 HR @ L@INQ RSDO VHSG SGD proposed changes.

Get communications right. Ministers, MPs and activists will have to make RTQD SG@S SGD -#1 LDRR@FD HR TMCDQRSNNC NM SGD FQNTMC

Re-think groundwork.

6D MDDC SN OTRG G@QC NM SGD FQNTMCVNQJ We need to share best practices, and some ODNOKD @QD DWODQHLDMSHMF VHSG OHKNS OQNIDBSR NM SGD FQNTMC $UDQX DƤNQS LTRS AD L@CD SN serve the people.

0LQLVWHU 6KDQPXJDP XUJHG DFWLYLVWV WR ƩJKW KDUG WR DYRLG DQ HURVLRQ RI support among Singaporeans, especially the middle-income group.

policies again.

“For the young, they want us to create opportunities for them.

For the old, they want us to take care of them and create opportunities for the young. We received this feedback from talking to the people.

PAP is here for the long term “At the end of the day, Singa Ǥ Ƥ to do the right things. But we must also win elections in order to do the right things. But we don’t try and win elections by doing the wrong things with a short term populist focus,” he added.

Another activist from Bukit Batok East suggested that the PAP should analyse the “real level of pain” on the ground to have an awareness of how lowincome earners are managing. ͜͞͝​͝ general election showed the Party enjoyed the strongest sup-

port from households in the bottom 25 percentile. The erosion of support came in the middle income group.

“They don’t feel that they are being taken care of. We have to look after people in the middle as well. We’re making a concerted policy to bring the four-room ƪ ǡdz ǡ ring to one of the new changes announced in the NDR. Concluding, he urged the DzƤ dz on the ground to “improve (the party’s) position”.

“We’re coming in to do right for the people, rather than for more power, which is the case with some other countries. If our politics resemble those in other countries, then the outcomes will also resemble theirs. We Ƥ erosion (of support). We can improve our position. It’s your task and my task.”

October 2013

11

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

5HQHZHG FRQƩGHQFH after crises Singaporeans display compassion, cohesion and activism dealing with SARS, dengue and haze

courage

confidence

cohesion

compassion

VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN

The writer is the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. He is also the MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC

12

October 2013

Courage and duty I will never forget the heartbreak on ͞​͞ǡ ͜͞​͜͟

informed that Dr Alexandre Chao had just passed away at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Intensive Care Unit. I was part of the Ministerial SARS Combat Unit and spent two months helping my ex-colleagues at SGH. Singapore was in the depths of the SARS epidemic. Although he was supposed to be on overseas leave with his wife, Dr Koh Woon Puay, Dr Chao made

a fateful decision to cut short his vacation and returned to work at SGH. SARS was a new and mysterious threat at that time, and it struck health-care providers disproportionately. He knew the risks. And so did every single health-care worker. Every day, when they said goodbye to their families as they left for work, they wondered whether it would be the last time. If anyone developed a fever, they ǡ ơ ones. Those who passed away did so without the comfort of a last kiss or feeling the

hands of loved ones. Many slept alone in separate rooms to reduce the risk of infecting family members.

Ƥ Ǥ ǡ ǡ single person I worked with in hospitals all over Singapore knew instinctively what courage and duty meant. Every doctor, nurse, health-care professional, administrative ơǡ ǡ Ǥ No panic. Just this deeply-held sense of duty to fellow Singaporeans.

Compassion, cohesion and activism in a crisis But it wasn’t just those on duty who shone. SARS, and subsequent crises like the dengue epidemic and trans-boundary haze also showed ordinary Singaporeans at our best. We remained calm and collected. Our Ƥ Ǥ

volunteers brought meals to the homes of people who were quarantined. Masks were distributed. Hawkers organised themselves to check on one another. Taxi drivers continued to drive, and even made special arrangements for health workers.

Singaporeans also exhibited initiative and spontaneous ground up activism. No need to wait for orders.

Jeremy Chua started SG Haze Rescue to direct resources and manpower to distribute masks to neighbourhoods with more senior citizens. Sylvester Yeo donated his own money to provide N95 masks for elderly cleaners and hawkers. They leveraged both new media and more traditional ways to reach out. People opened up their homes to others with no air conditioners.

Singaporean Celeste, expressing her love for the country in an online comment to a UK newspaper website, said: “No matter what happens to Singapore, I will still love Singapore, because this is my home and is where I belong to.’’ Her comment was made in June, when Singapore enveloped by haze.

In a quiet calm way, Singaporeans demonstrated the power of community spirit and collective action.

success. Without trust in the government, anything we say would not be believed, and all our carefully formulated plans could not be implemented. This means being very careful to ensure that all information that is published is accurate. In an emergency, it also means being prepared to admit that we don’t have all the data and certainty that we would like. Even more crucial – never give false reassurances. Maintaining credibility amidst great uncertainty is essential.

Of course there are things that we could have done better and there will be criticisms. We will learn and Ǥ ̽ Ƥ the way Singaporeans will respond to any future crisis. I have learnt just how tough, courageous, dedicated and compassionate Singaporeans are. And we have emerged Ƥ Ǥ

Minister Ng Eng Hen showing a resident how to use a mask during the haze crisis.

Trust, our success ingredient Trust is an intangible but crucial ingredient for our

“I have learnt just how tough, courageous, dedicated and compassionate Singaporeans are.”

Singapore saw a record high of 16,687 dengue infections (as at September) in 2013.

ŝ5HPHPEHULQJ 6$56 <HDUV 2QŞ H[KLELWLRQ DW 7DQ 7RFN Seng Hospital.

October 2013

13

SHORTIES Novena to become new health-care hub

S

ingapore is planning its biggest health-care complex in Novena which will have public health-care facilities, a medical school and other health-care facilities.

The piece of prime land will yield a built-up area of about ͢Í&#x153;Í&#x153;ÇĄÍ&#x153;Í&#x153;Í&#x153; Â&#x2022;Â&#x201C; Â?ÇĄ Â&#x2021;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; ͤͥ Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; ƤÂ&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x17D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â? Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;ÇĄ Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Í?Í&#x153; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2039;Â? the complex will be linked by underpasses and aerial bridges. Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2039;Â? Í&#x17E;Í&#x153;Í&#x;Í&#x153;Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â? Í&#x17E;ÇĄÍ&#x17E;Í&#x153;Í&#x153;ÇĄ mainly for step-down care use. In comparison, Singapore General Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Í?ÇĄÍĄÍ&#x153;Í&#x153; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022;Ǥ

Family-friendly new buildings

N

ew buildings will have family-friendly features when they are built, according to the Building and Construction Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new rules.

Starting from next April, new shopping malls, community clubs and sports complexes will have nursing rooms and upsized parking spaces for families, among other things.

Elderly-friendly features will also have to be installed. One in ƤÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2030;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x201E; Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x153;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; for support.

Those in wheelchairs will also have wider corridors to move Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2020; Č&#x201A; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A; Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021; Í?ǤͥÂ? Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Í?ǤÍ&#x17E;Â? Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Ǥ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A; ÍĄÍ&#x153;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Ǥ

NEWS IN NUMBERS

55

3.5%

3 years

No.1

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October 2013

3GD FNUDQMLDMS G@R TOFQ@CDC 2HMF@ONQD R OQNIDBSDC DBNMNLHB growth this year to between 2.5 per BDMS @MC ODQ BDMS @ESDQ @ ODQ BDMS DWO@MRHNM HM SGD ĆĽQRS G@KE NE SGHR XD@Q 3GD QDUHRDC &#/ OQNIDBSHNM V@R GHFGDQ SG@M SGD D@QKHDQ OQNIDBSDC FQNVSG NE SN ODQ BDMS

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2012. Singapore is also the top Asian BNTMSQX SG@S "GHMDRD SNTQHRSR V@MS SN UHRHS VHSGHM SGD MDWS XD@Q

CONVERSATION

The science of connecting

PHOTO: LIONEL LAI

The East Coast GRC MP has developed and implemented a rigorous system of meaningfully connecting to residents, he tells Petir

W

hen he was teaching at the National University of Singapore, Dr Maliki Osman would teach students how best to uplift the lives of the poor. He was spurred by his own background. Born the eighth of nine children to a bus conductor and ǡ Ǧ ƪ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ͤ͠ǡ ǡ putting his theories into practice in the political sphere.

As the mayor of South East District, he links government agencies with community players on the ground. Newly-promoted to Minister of State for the Ministries of National Development and Defence, he manages issues such as housing vulnerable families, estate upgrading and National Service, among his various responsibilities.

But it is his work as an MP that has made fellow MPs ask him for

advice. Using data analysis and informed by his academic discipline, Dr Maliki has pioneered a systematic way of doing grassroots work that is meaningful to both residents and volunteers.

One key insight is the concept of micro-communities: the smaller the community, the easier it is to strengthen it. Eschewing grand, attention-grabbing events, Dr Maliki prefers many small, impactful activities that connect with people. “My mantra to grassroots is that small is big and BIG is a measure of many strong smalls,” he said.

He started developing micro-communities midway through his time at Admiralty ward in Sembawang GRC, where he served from ͜͞​͜͝ ͜͞͝​͝Ǥ ǯ ȋ Ȍ ͝͡ ǡ Ǧ munity, each with a kepala (village head in Malay). The kepala’s role

October 2013

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CONVERSATION is to build relationships with every resident in the block so that data can be harnessed to improve community resources. "When I have a family who needs help, my community directory tells me where my taxi drivers, nurses, policemen, retired teachers are.â&#x20AC;?

House visits are critical to enabling his work. A structured programme trains volunteers to treat residents with respect.

Two months after the house visit to a block or street (in the case of private estates), a get-together is held. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Constant engagement makes them feel we are serious,â&#x20AC;? he said.

During these get-togethers, he will have dialogues with the residents, encouraging them to work together on local issues while hearing their feedback on national issues.

If Dr Maliki meets people who he feels can contribute, he invites them right on the spot with a prepared letter to attend a tea session, where he will talk about his community work, which he is most passionate about. A few hundred have been invited, with about 30 per cent of them signed up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These people have no previous connection with the grassroots. But they will join for house visits and get to know their neighbours, and feel good that they are connecting with people, helping their neighbours,â&#x20AC;? he observed.

To Dr Maliki, big events like National Day dinners test how strong the community

is. If an RC comes with less people from its area, he analyses the reasons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can draw Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;ƤÂ&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2122;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A; Č&#x2039;Â&#x2030;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;Č&#x152; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013; with, and who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, by virtue of who they can get to turn up for the dinner.â&#x20AC;?

Most recently, the code of conduct for parking in his Siglap ward that a residentled task force developed was cited by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech, for building a sense of Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2019;Ǥ Dz Â&#x2C6; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;ĆĽÂ&#x2026; Police to decide, people get very upset. Here Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;ÇĄ Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?ƤÂ&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;ÇĄ Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; allow people to have a sense of community Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; ƤÂ?Â&#x2020; Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; solutions. This is community building!â&#x20AC;?

The work is time consuming but rewarding. Grassroots feel inspired that they are not just event organisers but connectors making Â&#x192; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Dz

always tell my grassroots leaders that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing all this for the next generation. You don't want our children to grow up thinking that neighbourhoods don't exist.â&#x20AC;?

Eventually, he will return to academia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to be at the forefront of creating knowledge. After my political career, I will probably go back with a richer perspective of what works, what doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, and develop a new set of training material. But how far down the road is that, no one can tell.â&#x20AC;?

MOHAMAD MALIKI BIN OSMAN

Age: 48 Family: Married with two children Favourite food: Instant noodle with sambal blachan and my wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pie Favourite shows/movies: Korean period dramas and action movies Pet peeve: Inconsiderate and impatient drivers who refuse to give way even after I have given early signals

own background. I started looking at dysfunctional families, drug @CCHBSHNM ,X NVM ,@K@X BNLLTMHSX HR UDQX LTBG @ƤDBSDC AX HS MC to think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something I can do, it spurred me on.â&#x20AC;?

What drives you?

Face time with Dr Maliki Osman How did you get involved in social work? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never expected to get to university. I didn't know what to major in. I looked through the prospectus and found social work resonated with me because it talked about social justice, bringing lower strata of society up. When the training started, I V@R DWONRDC SN FQNTOR NE ODNOKD VGN L@CD LD QDĆŚDBS NM LX

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October 2013

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My personal desire is to bring the Malay community up. We've made a lot of progress but we need to do more. My observation today is that because the pace of society is very fast, some Singaporeans are unable to keep up. I want to see if I can put them on roller-blades to help them move faster.

To do that, you really need to connect to as many people as you can, so that you feel for them and hold their hands up to a point when you can let go. But if you don't know them, you don't know which hands to hold.

My other concern is dealing with the institution of the family, making sure families are able to cope with the stresses of daily, and our

Resettling the East Coast Park homeless

Volunteers at the "homework cafe" at Siglap CC.

children are equipped with life skills to be resilience in the face of adversityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

What issues keep you awake at night? â&#x20AC;&#x153;One issue is that of retirement adequacy, and dealing with an ageing population. Is a 35-year-old today consciously aware of the challenges he will face when he retires? Or if you ask a 45-year-old head of a household what is your savings rate like today, are you ready to retire in 20 years' time, the answer is quite alarming.

If you are besieged with any medical illness, you can just imagine the whole family in crisis. I don't think we have spoken enough about such issues. It worries me to see how families get stuck with a crisis situation.â&#x20AC;?

6GDM GD ĆĽQRS LNUDC SN 2HFK@O V@QC after the 2011 general election, an immediate problem Dr Maliki Osman encountered was the large number of homeless people living in tents along East Coast Park beaches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cases stemmed from the economic crisis of ,@MX VDQD KNRHMF ĆŚ@SR RDKKHMF property, and had to stay with friends and families. But some had exhausted the goodwill of those they were staying with. Others were out of cash,â&#x20AC;? he said.

The sight of so many homeless people prompted concern from the public and the media.

Tackling it was right up Dr Maliki's alley. His ward was next to East Coast Park, and his work in the Ministry of National Development was also about housing the vulnerable.

He started putting in place a comprehensive, coordinated programme to help them. It was dubbed Project 4650 because the homeless were resettled in Blocks 46 and 50 in Bedok South, two E@LHKHDR SN D@BG SGQDD QNNL ĆŚ@S Ę&#x2014;GNLDVNQJ B@EDĘ&#x2014; V@R RS@QSDC at Siglap CC to give around 60 to 70 children a chance to do their school work every weekday night. Volunteers, many from the private estates in the area, were roped in to supervise.

Because many families were Malay, self-help group Mendaki set up a subsidised tuition programme, and also conducted workshops on budgeting, ĆĽM@MBH@K L@M@FDLDMS @MC O@QDMSHMF 3GD FQ@MSHMF NE ĆĽM@MBH@K @RRHRS@MBD packages was tied to attendance of these workshops.

Two years later, many of the original families housed in Blocks 46 and 50 G@UD LNUDC NTS SN QDMS@K ĆŚ@SR RNLD even went on to purchase Build-To-Order ĆŚ@SR Ę&#x2014;3GD JHCR @QD CNHMF ADSSDQ HM RBGNNK Giving families the sense of stability is so HLONQS@MS Ę&#x2014; GD R@HC ANTS G@KE NE SGD E@LHKHDR G@UD moved out, but new ones are still coming HM Ę&#x2014;3GD HRRTDR @QD CDDO (S S@JDR SHLD !TS they don't have to end up at the beaches any more. They come to our touch points.

We stabilise their lives, provide hope and work with them for longer term RTRS@HM@AKD RNKTSHNMR Ę&#x2014; Scan QR code or visit http://www. pap.org.sg/news-and-commentaries/ commentaries/family-advocatelittle-time-home to catch a glimpse of Comrade Maliki's family life.

October 2013

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to Mr Lee Kuan Yew Birthday wishes have poured in for Mr Lee Kuan Yew who celebrated his 90th birthday on September 16, 2013. The good wishes came from far and wide, from international leaders, friends, Singapore ministers and local party activists.

Some of them have conveyed their wishes to Mr Lee through Petir.

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October 2013

“Mr Lee has been serving Parliament with distinction for 58 years, our longest serving Member of Parliament.

He imposes high standards on himself, both in and outside Parliament, and expects the same of all our MPs. In Parliament, he once said that he wanted Members of Parliament whose ‘instincts are immediately for Singaporeans’.

On Mr Lee's birthday, I wish to thank him for helping to shape our Parliament into one that is credible, competent and Singapore-centric. I hope that his values will continue to be upheld by all our Parliamentarians at all times.”

Halimah Yacob, Speaker of Parliament

90TH BIRTHDAY WISHES â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unlike other governing political O@QSHDR DKRDVGDQD SGD / / G@R MN grand building, or army of employees.

We are a frugal political party manned largely by activists and volunteers.

Mr Lee embedded in our party #- @ RSQNMF U@KTD NE EQTF@KHSX @MC humility. Party members do not enjoy special privileges. We act for the people and work hard for Singaporeans. We are proud of our achievements as a nation, but we do MNS ĆŚ@TMS SGDL BKD@M @MC GNMDRS ONKHSHB@K system is one of Mr Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important contributions to Singapore.

R VD VHRG ,Q +DD @ '@OOX SG Birthday, let us wish too that our political system will remain clean and honest forever.â&#x20AC;?

Khaw Boon Wan, Party chairman

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr Lee is someone who has made every moment in his life count â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and S@JDM NUDQ XD@QR SG@S R @M @L@YHMF achievement! His will, spirit and determination are still very evident and he continues to be an inspiration to all of us. '@OOX SG AHQSGC@X ,Q +DD @MC thank you for everything!

Wishing you the best of health!â&#x20AC;?

Indranee Rajah, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr Lee Kuan Yew's leadership and big ideas have transformed Singapore from a sleepy village into a thriving metropolis. LKY has become an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a concept of governance and government known around the world. Singaporeans stand tall among the citizens of the world. He made us proud to be called Singaporeans.

3G@MJ XNT ,Q +DD '@OOX SG Birthday.â&#x20AC;?

Koo Tsai Kee, former MP of Tanjong Pagar GRC

A special session for Parliamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-serving MP.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite his health, he still attended our Tanjong Pagar-Tiong !@GQT -@SHNM@K #@X #HMMDQ NM TFTRS 16, 2013. Mr Lee preserves and completes the things that he set out to do.

I salute him for his passion for the community. He has been, is and will continue to be an inspiration to many of us. It makes us want to try that much harder and not to let him down.

I will wish our LKY excellent health.â&#x20AC;?

Freddy Ang, branch secretary, Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru branch

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G RO U N DWO R K

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B R A N CH I N G O U T

Forever faithful to

Tanjong Pagar

Tanjong Pagar boasts the PAP’s oldest branch and stalwart activists who have served the same MP for more than half a century. The activists share the branch’s rich history with Petir

N

ot many activists in Singapore can say they have served in the same constituency, much less the same MP, for half a century and more. But at least two veteran activists can proudly claim that long faithful record.

For one of them, Cheong Seck Wee, it is even more remarkable – a beating in the early 1960s by gangsters did not deter him from supporting the Party. If anything, he has inducted his nephew into volunteering in Tanjong Pagar.

Mr Cheong and fellow activist Mr Choo Wye Foo are among the activists who have

served Tanjong Pagar for more than 50 years, mirroring that of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the ward’s long-time MP since April 1955.

Together they have witnessed the tremendous transformation in the area in the intervening years. Where the streetscape once consisted of shop houses, itinerant hawkers and triads, it has been replaced by gleaming buildings (anchored by the 50-storey The Pinnacle @ Duxton), and trendy F&B outlets. The Tanjong Pagar PAP branch merged with nearby Tiong Bahru branch after the 2011 general election to become Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru branch,

țThe PastȜ

serving a total of about 52,000 residents.

When the Prime Minister visited him in hospital Recalls Mr Cheong of the beating incident: “I was putting up campaign posters when I was attacked by gangsters who did not support the PAP,’’ he said. Laid up for a week, he was surprised when Mr Lee visited him in hospital. “I did not expect him to come to hospital,’’ said the 74-year old Mr Cheong who, nudged on by his friends, began serving Tanjong Pagar (TP) in 1960.

Mr Cheong lives in Tanjong Pagar Plaza, in

Tanjong Pagar PAP Branch 18th Anniversary Celebrations in 1972.

Tanjong Tan T an njon jong jon g Pagar Paga a arr PAP PAP AP Sub S Sub-Branch ub-Br -B a anc ncch in in the the h 197 1970s.

0 0s 0s.

Tanjong Pagar ‘longevity’ facts 20

October 2013

RS / / AQ@MBG DRS@AKHRGDC HM )TMD / / V@R GD@CPT@QSDQDC @S 3@MINMF /@F@Q

G RO U N DWO R K the same building complex as the PAP branch.

Just as all those decades ago when he was ƪ ǡ nephew Anthony Kng to join him at TP. Said Mr Kng, 45, who is a member of the branch exco: “I have been here (serving the ward) since 1992 as my uncle suggested I can help. I started shortly after I graduated.’’

Another stalwart is Choo Wye Foo who has been a PAP member since 1955.

While age has slowed him down, the 78-year old’s recollection of TP in the 50s and 60s remain sharp. A Chinatown boy all his life and given his familiarity with its surrounding area, he often went on house-to-house visits to canvass voters during GE. “Sometimes I even look after their children so that the adults can go and cast their vote,’’ he recalled.

As TP has been uncontested since Mr Lee became its MP in 1955, these activists are deployed to help candidates in other constituencies such as Bukit Merah, Nee Soon, Radin Mas, Hougang and Punggol-East.

/HVVRQ IURP IDLOHG ƩUH FUDFNHUV Mr Choo, who lives in nearby Everton Park, recalled an amusing incident during

>

B R A N CH I N G O U T

a National Day celebration in the 60s. “Fire crackers were permitted then. The plan was to ơ Ƥ ǡ anthem. But after sometime, the crackers ơ Lee appeared impatient. So the MC asked us to sing but the moment the words Mari Kita ǡ ơǡ anthem.

“As the stage was some distance from where Ƥ ǡ could not see the crackers clearly,’’ explained Mr Choo.

A livid Mr Lee dressed down the organisers.

“If we cannot do a simple task like this, how can we govern a nation?” Mr Choo recalled the former Prime Minister’s rationale.

Sea change in Tanjong Pagar but spirit to serve intact Both Messrs Choo and Cheong cited the eradication of triads, improved security and living conditions as among some of PAP’s biggest achievements in TP. “The PAP smashed the triads,’’ said Mr Choo.

Both have made way for younger activists although they continue to drop in at the

țThe PresentȜ

branch to update ground sentiments on gov ơ Ǥ One of them is Shawn Soh, a true-blue TP resident – he grew up in Tanjong Pagar Plaza and continues to live right above the branch.

“I belong to the heartlands, I want to return something to society,’’ said Mr Soh who, at 28 years old, is a baby compared to his seniors.

The proximity cannot be applied to Mr Yap Kwee Seng who does not even have roots in TP but serves it. A Woodlands resident, Mr Yap, 42, was introduced by friends to TP. Dz Ƥ ǡ ǯ I’m here,’’ he said, despite the long trek to his home after the weekly meet-the-people sessions on Mondays which occasionally end at 3 am.

Another activist Ganesan s/o Kulandai, 55, observed: “Most of the problems centre Ƥ ǡ ƪ ǡ social visit pass and neighbourhood disputes.’’

Almost sixty years since Mr Lee won Tanjong Pagar, the spirit to help each other remains vibrant. His presence at this year’s National Day celebrations on 16 August only spurred the activists to work harder for Tanjong Pagar!

Comrades Choo Wye Foo and Cheong Seck Wee (in red and white check shirt), UHƪHFW RQ WKHLU PHPRULHV of Mr Lee Kuan Yew in Tanjong Pagar.

From left: Comrades Ganesan s/o Kulandai, Shawn Soh, Yap Kwee Seng, Choo Wye Foo and Cheong Seck Wee. A happy blend of young and old activists.

ADSVDDM @MC +NMFDRS RDQUHMF ,/ HM 2HMF@ONQD /@QKH@LDMS ,Q +DD 8T@M 8DV ,/ RHMBD OQHK

October 2013

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G RO U N DWORK

>

YO U N G PA P

Young Patriots score on and Rке WKH SLWFK The h team reaches h out to society i through h h ffootball b ll

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October 2013

G RO U N DWO RK “At the end of the day, it does not matter who wins or loses. The important thing is that we pass on the message that we are a community of activists who care.”

- Shaikh Ismail, co-team manager from Pasir Ris East PAP branch

>

YO U N G PA P

N

ot many of you may be aware but the Young PAP has its very own football team!

Known as the Young Patriots Football Club or “YP FC” in short, the team had humble beginnings in late 2009, starting with just 20 players.

The team trains together regularly and has also played against a number of local teams as well as participated in local tournaments.

Most notably, just barely three years after its formation, the Young Patriots Football Club emerged Ƥ Futsal Tournament, beating 16 other teams in 2012.

The team was formed by then Young PAP Chairman, Mr Teo Ser Luck, to provide an avenue for YP members to connect and network through soccer, a popular mass sport.

It also gives a fantastic platform for activists to meet and interact with other Singaporeans.

These days, the team boasts a total of 42 players comprising a good mix of activists as well as friends of Young PAP. The youngest player on the team is only 13 years old while the oldest player is about 40 years old. With a good combination of young talent and seasoned players, the Young Patriots Football Club aims to scale greater heights this year by being part of the competitive ESPZen Amateur Football League. There are also plans to start a youth team as well as veterans’ team to provide more opportunities for activists and friends to come together. g Patriots FC is not The Young ju about playing just fo football.

To enhance th team’s outreach the

ơ ǡ u underway for the Y Young Patriots FC t be more active to ơǦ in some community initiatives as well.

The team recently launched the Young Patriots Community

Contact Card, which is given to the opponent players at the start of each game. Taking this piece of YP with them, the opponent players are asked to pass on the contact card to someone who they know may be in need of help. Through this initiative called “Caring through Football’’, the team hopes to put the needy individuals and families in touch with the relevant agencies or branches for further assistance.

“Many in Singapore love football so this can be a vital contact point with the community. At the end of the day, it does not matter who wins or loses. The important thing is that we pass on the message that we are a community of activists who care,” said co-team manager Shaikh Ismail from Pasir Ris East PAP branch.

In addition to the above, the Young Patriots FC also organises other community outreach activities with welfare groups and organisations, providing an opportunity for the YP players to give back to society. This is outside the bi-weekly training sessions organised and conducted by team coach, Eugene Ong from Punggol Central branch.

JOIN US!

If you are interested to join the team or would like to arrange for a friendly with the team, please contact us at yp.soccer@gmail.com.

October 2013

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G ROU N DWO R K

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PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

PCFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s warm embrace

Beneficiaries tell Petir how PCF preschools have enhanced their lives

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October 2013

G ROU N DWO R K

“Parents can be assured the PCF is here to ensure their children are well taken care of, and is raising the bar in pre-school education, and also making sure that they enjoy their childhood.”

- Jurong GRC MP and Organising Chairman for PCF Family Day 2013 David Ong

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PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PCF’s helping hand Some $610,000 was handed out to 30 charities, VWOs and self-help organisations at PCF Family Day. The money was raised by a group of MPs in the South East District, led by Mr Lim Biow Chuan of Mountbatten constituency.

3GHR HMHSH@SHUD HR O@QS NE NMFNHMF DƤNQSR

by Ministers and MPs from various districts who take turns to raise money for the underOQHUHKDFDC @MC SGNRD VHSG ƥM@MBH@K @MC RODBH@K needs.

Of the amount raised this year, $98,000 was given to 49 deserving polytechnic students.

Each student was presented with a Polytechnic Study Award worth $2,000 by the Prime Minister. The students were selected based on Ms Kimberly Soh was one of the 49 recipients of the Polytechnic Study their household income, academic results and Award given out by PCF. involvement in community service or CCA. One of the recipients was Kimberly Soh, 18, a second year communications and media management student at Temasek Polytechnic.

3GD XNTMFDQ NE SVN FHQKR R@HC SGD @V@QC HR @ řQDKHDEŚ ENQ GDQ E@LHKXŗR ƥM@MBDR 'DQ mother works as production operator while her father passed away in 2011.

“I feel very honoured to get this award. I’m not old enough to work yet, so it’s extra money for the family. And I was quite excited to meet the Prime Minister,” said Kimberly, who aspires to be a radio DJ with Kiss 92 FM.

One for the album: pre-school children posing for a picture with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the PCF Family Day.

October 2013

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G RO U N DWO R K

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October 2013

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WO ME N ' S WI N G

G RO U N DWO R K 1. Why did you lead the advocacy paper on Women at Work?

I gladly accepted the challenge to lead this position paper, as I have always been passionate about women’s potential and challenges in the workplace. I drew on my experience as a working mother, international corporate leader and participant in gender diversity forums.

The PAP government has created education and job opportunities that greatly Ƥ Ǥ ǡ labour force participation remains low at 58 per cent compared to 76 per cent for men.

Few women make it to leadership positions.

Women occupy about 15 per cent of top management positions and 7 per cent of board seats. In keeping with the PAP’s principle of inclusivity, the Women’s Wing (WW) sees the need to step up advocacy for women in the workplace.

If we deploy more women at work, it will Ƥ unique life experiences and perspectives to the workplace.

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WO M E N ' S WI N G

Integrate work-family life WW paper asks for incentives and support schemes to develop more pro-family environment at work. Petir speaks to MP Foo Mee Har on her role in leading the paper and more

2. What approach did you take and what were the key recommendations of the paper?

“Women at Work” is the WW’s second position paper after the “Marriage and Parenthood” paper. It was developed with inputs from various sources: the public, employers Ǥ developed countries’ experiences.

We called on the government to consider advances made in other countries, which include prioritising the integration of work and family life as a national concern, for both men and women, instead of leaving it to individual companies. We advocated the use of incentives and support schemes that help employers, especially SMEs, build capabilities and infrastructure, to retain and encourage more women to re-enter the workforce.

We asked for more government interven ơ cultural change in the workplace, including legislation for the right of workers to request ƪ Ǧ ǡ three years.

3. How does WW intend to advocate for more women participation in the work place?

We will work with government ministries

and employer groups to make pro-family employment practices much more pervasive in Singapore. We want to help employers understand that it makes good business sense to be able to attract and retain women, and that it starts with creating the right environment.

– including gender, skills and experience – for the selection of directors, and disclosure requirements on future plans to achieve a diverse board. We also need to mentor and help develop a pool of “board-ready” women.

4. How does WW plan to address the inadequate representation of women in board rooms and in leadership positions?

5. How did your personal experience as a senior executive of a large ƪ your perspective on women in leadership?

We are working with like-minded stakeholder groups such as BoardAgender, the Singapore Institute of Directors and the Singapore Exchange. Setting quotas may not be the best approach; it could lead to ‘tokenism’, and diminish the meritocracy of women appointed to senior positions.

Instead, the Corporate Governance Code Ƥ

I’ve learnt that the key issue is less about equality, but rather about the complementary strengths that women bring to the workplace. Women contribute to improved performance through their unique talents in collaboration, communication and people management. But they need the support of the government, their employers and families to get there.

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GRO U N DWO R K

>

PA P P O LI CY F O R U M

A CPF savings plan for our young Give the young a headstart by having a CPF account when they are infants

T

he Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings policy has been a founding pillar of Singapore.

Many of us would not have been homeowners if not for the CPF savings which can ƪ Ǥ having CPF monies as a retirement fund, we can also use it to pay for our individual Ǧ Ǥ Ƥ university students by allowing them to complete their undergraduate studies using their parents' CPF savings and repaying to CPF when they work.

In short, the CPF policy has helped to create happiness, prosperity and progress for Singapore. ǡ together with our society’s current and future demands. Often, we hear these retirement ƥ retires in years to come. Most of their savings Ƥ ƪ Ǥ

over the years. I remember my father bought Ƥ Ǧ ƪ ͥͣͤ͝ for a mere $24,000 which, at that time, was considered costly. Even so, he was able to Ƥ funds. This meant that after the 5th year, all his payments due towards his home are his savings in his CPF account, which grew with Ǥ edge that he has funds for his retirement.

This group of Singaporeans is in their 60s and 70s today.

Many of them have a home and retirement funds. But my heart goes to the Singaporeans of tomorrow, whom I think have to work harder and might not have enough ƪ ǯ education. To keep abreast of the future, we should start contributing to CPF for our future Singaporeans while they are still in their infancy, and not wait till they join the labour force. We must start investing in them while they are still young, to cope with rising costs for their tertiary education and homes.

The “Young CPF Saver” programme, as I call it, could start from the age of 1-yearold over a 20-year period, that is, till the

child turns 20. Parents and grandparents, together with the Government as partners, can complement each other for this new initiative. For every dollar contributed by a parent or a grandparent, the government can match it at 25 per cent at a cap of $200 each year. A special interest rate of 5 per cent from CPF can be awarded to this group of young account holders.

Currently, the CPF pays 2.5 and 4 per cent respectively for the Ordinary account and Special/Medisave account. For example, a parent who contributes $100 a month to their child’s CPF account pays a total of $1,200 a year, of which the government matches 25 per cent of it at a cap of $200. This amounts to $1,400. The interest rate at 5 per cent gives

a total of $1,470 a year. Over 20 years, it will ͊ͥ͞ǡ͜͠​͜ǡ terest, monthly higher contribution and any special grants to the CPF account along the way. When the child starts working, he will have some CPF funds to give him a headstart.

The scenario I have given may not be the exact example, but we can always start somewhere by using our CPF policy to invest in our young as well. A good way forward on a government-parent partnership initiative.

JOSHUA SELVAKUMAR The writer is a PPF Council Member.

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BACKBENCHER'S BITE

ON THE MENU

ª Crispy noodles with seafood ($4) ª Mao Shan Wang durians ($12 per kg)

to work very closely as a team to resolve difƤ Ǥ My union background and two law degrees have also helped me greatly, whether it’s dealing with top management to negotiate labour agreements or having a meal with workers at a shipyard to hear their views and solve their grievances.

All these aspects – a former policeman, a grassroots background, the NTUC training, the legal training, the experience in dealing with government agencies – have enabled me to do a better job as an MP.

The PME champion

WHO: Patrick Tay, MP for Nee Soon East Ward in Nee Soon GRC. He entered politics in 2011 and is a unionist at the National Trades Union Congress.

WHERE: "NƤDDRGNO @S !KNBJ 8HRGTM Street 22, a stone’s throw from Nee Soon Town Council.

Senior cop turned MP

P

atrick Tay is just 41 but he has already devoted almost two-thirds of his life to grassroots work, having been a volunteer since he was a teenager. The trade unionist is known for championing the rights of Singapore workers, be it private security ƥ ǡ ers and Executives (PME) group.

Always beaming, the father of three spent seven years in the Singapore Police Force before joining the NTUC in 2002. ǡ Ƥ demanded of almost 24/7, a leisurely meal is a luxury he rarely gets to enjoy.

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October 2013

Still, it has not deterred him from feasting on his favourite noodles – even if it means he has to order takeaway most times. The durian lover also shares his favourite fruit with his grassroots by “tapaoing’’ (takeaway) boxes from the durian stall, located conveniently outside the ơ ͥ͞͝Ǥ TOPICS DISCUSSED

Life’s lessons As a policeman, I learned to think on my feet and to have a high stress threshold. I dealt with life-and-death situations and had

At NTUC, I champion the PME group, the ‘‘sandwich class’’ in society. A third of workers today are PMEs and this number is growing. I’ve been lobbying for changes to the Employment Act to cover PMEs, given their jobs are extremely vulnerable, especially in a downturn.

amended to ensure better union representa Ǥ Ƥ testing, which means giving fair consideration to Singaporeans when it comes to PME jobs.

In my ward, I focus on three areas – health and wellness because we have many elderly residents; the importance of safety and security in a dense neighbourhood; and to ensure the estate is clean and green.

Facebook, my personal journal I run my own Facebook account which has about 4,000 friends – and counting. I’m quite prompt in replying, I try to do so within a day, if possible. At every event I attend, I try and snap a picture to post up. Facebook is a log of my life. My wife and children say they check my account so they know exactly where I am every day!

Social media is important because it gives me an additional channel to reach out to people. No red tape, no communication barrier. People give me feedback directly or chat with me about their concerns.

CAUGHT ON THE NET We bring you a flavour of the bread-and-butter issues discussed online COMMENTARIES

We are not serving to win a popularity contest It is more important to be sincere about helping the people on a regular and consistent basis than to seek popularity online.

PAP branch chairman for Aljunied Victor Lye has served his community since 1999, and has no intention of giving up anytime soon.

To him, serving is not about impressing the public nor garnering more “Likes” on Facebook or other social media platforms. Rather, it is about helping those who need help, and making a posi ơ Ǥ

Scan the QR code to read on.

COMMENTARIES

ON THE GROUND

Grace Fu: Joining politics is tougher on women

What MPs think of National Day Rally 2013?

In a recent interview with The Straits Times, Ms Grace Fu, Minister in the Prime Minister's ƥ ǡ when they enter politics, her observations of the Punggol East by-election and how the political arena has changed since 2006.

A collection of online reactions from Back ƥ the National Day Rally on August 18.

Scan the QR code to read on.

Scan the QR code to read on.

COMMENTARIES

ON THE GROUND

Citizenship has privileges and responsibilities

Giving back to others in the community

Singapore citizenship has its privileges as well as its obligations and responsibilities, said Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at a recent National Citzenship Ceremony where more than 100 new citizens received their new identity cards.

He urged them to actively contribute to society, as well as to take the initiative to integrate into the community. At the same time, he encouraged Singaporeans to reach out to the new residents and help them to adapt to their new home.

From August 7-10, some 23 youth volunteers from Young PAP West Coast GRC visited the slums of Cambodia to help them in whatever capacity they could.

They brought along food supplies, necessities such as mosquito nets, and even art materials for the families and children there. ơ ence begins with having a heart that's willing to help. They are emboldened to continue making changes to help the lives of those around them even after returning to Singapore.

Scan the QR code to read on.

Scan the QR code to read on.

ABOUT THIS WEBSITE The PAP website is updated daily with speeches, commentaries and op-ed pieces written by Ministers, MPs and party @BSHUHRSR 8NT B@M @KRN ƥMC NTS SGD K@SDRS MDVR @MC @MMNTMBDLDMSR QDK@SDC SN SGD / / NM SGHR VDARHSD

www.pap.org.sg

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QUOTE & UNQUOTE Dz ƥ stress and competition in the system... What we can and should do is to ensure that every child starts from about the same point so that the race is not lost even before it has begun...”

- MP Hri Kumar Nair on ways to improve the education system @MC SN FHUD DUDQX BGHKC @ KDUDK OK@XHMF ƥDKC

“You know when you are overseas and you hear a Singaporean accent, it just excites you that there is another Singaporean nearby. Ƥ Singapore core.”

And ƩQDOO\ “It is important for us to handle the matter when it is still small. We can prevent more damage or undesirable outcomes.”

- MP Yeo Guat Kwang on the need to understand early the problems foreign workers face before they escalate and become serious.

“If our hearts beat as one, we can move mountains to make Singapore the best home for our families.’’

- Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong’s observation that if Singaporeans are united, and trust each other, they can work together for Singapore to overcome challenges.

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October 2013

- MP Baey Yam Keng on the traits of a Singapore core.