PAP Thinking Ahead for SG100 (Petir Dec 2015)

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

December 2015

PAP THINKING AHEAD FOR SG100

IN THIS ISSUE

Chan Chun Sing on HQ’s roadmap pg16 Singapore’s future challenges pg10 Updated list of PAP MPs and Branch Chairs

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04 PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Lawrence Wong (Chairman) Desmond Lee Chee Hong Tat Seah Kian Peng Lim Wee Kiak Baey Yam Keng Zaqy Mohamad Janil Puthucheary Chiang Heng Liang Diana Pang Hamidah Aidillah Benjamin Tay Teo Lin Lee Adrian Liew Editor Chee Li Foong Editorial and Design Focus Publishing Limited (Tel: 6319-2392) Printer KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Photos Singapore Press Holdings, istockphoto.com

MCI(P) 144/02/2015 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

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December 2015

)ulƩlling our SroPises

* Also in Chinese, Malay and Tamil

Party Secretary General Lee Hsien Loong emphasises the importance of starting work now for the next general election.

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Unconventional Convention Ground-up engagement of activists and the novel use of technology made this yearǯs party convention diơerent.

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SGFuture: Our Challenges

PAP CONVENTION

Petir presents an easy-to-read infographic on the challenges facing Singapore.

In recognition of dedicated, loyal activists Special Letters of Appreciation were given to 183 activists for their exceptional eơorts during G ͜͞1͡. Another 3ͥ3 were honoured for their commitment to the party.

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PAP MPs and Branch Chairs An updated list of PAP MPs and Branch Chairpersons.

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FEATURE

H4 E[cośs roadPaS Strengthening the training of activistsǡ outreach eơorts and feed ack mechanism are the key priorities for new H xco chairman Chan Chun Sing.

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SHORTIES

A summary of major new policies and news in numbers.

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FEATURE

Out in force Veteran MP Charles Chong hits the ground running in his new wardǡ Punggol ast. So did the defeated candidates of Aljunied G C and Hougang who continued their groundwork.

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December 2015

Contents 16

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22

CONVERSATION

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Ordinary life, e[traordinary eco systeP Always give of your best is Amrin Amin’s mantra. The Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Home Aơairs shares about his growing up years in an exceptional Singapore.

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GROUNDWORK WOMEN'S WING

MaNing uS for lost tiPe In valedictory interviews, three retired MPs talk about their lives after stepping back from politics.

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YOUNG PAP

Forging stronger ties via SG 0 APa]ing Race Through the SG͜͡ Ama ing ace, oung PAP fosters closer ties with oung T C.

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BACKBENCHER’S BITE

Before and After Cheng Li Hui tells Petir the diơerences between being a volunteer and now, the newly-minted MP for Tampines ast.

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

December 2015

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COVER STORY

FulƩlling our SroPises Singaporeans trust that the PAP they voted in does not just stand for its stellar track record, but also how it can better their lives in future.

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s the dust settles on G ͜͞1͡, it is timely for the PAP to look forward and prepare Singapore for the future.

“Voters will judge the PAP not only by what we have done before, but what we will be doing this term, and what we can do,” said PAP Secretary General and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, when he addressed about 1,͜͡​͜ party members during the PAP Convention on December 6 titled “Forward with Passion, Together in Action”.

In a 3͡-minute speech delivered at the Singapore xpo, Mr Lee talked about what the PAP needs to do in future to “continue to be a national party that represents the broad majority of Singaporeans and works for the interest of all Singaporeans.”

MPs and activists must continue working hard while staying humble, to connect with residents.

“It’s not just knocking on doors and going through the motions, but thinking hard how we can make the most diơerence to our residents,” he said.

It also takes courage and conviction. “ ltimately, Singaporeans back Ƥghters. If you say yes to everything, you will not win votes. ou must stand up for what you believe in and persuade people ‘this is the right way, go forward’. ” Indeed, it was hard work which helped PAP to win the recent general election decisively, not just during the campaign period but over the last four years. Warm applause and cheers erupted as PM Lee mentioned several MPs by name.

Strong connections with the ground Minister for Manpower and ast Coast G C MP Lim Swee Say conducted over 1͜​͜ dialogues with his residents on the Pioneer Generation Package and MediShield LifeǢ South ast CDC Mayor and ast Coast G C MP Maliki sman aimed to reach out to every HDB and private estate residentǢ ee Soon South MP Lee Bee Wah is “famously hands on” and organised programmes with her residents to keep the area clean and green, while HollandBukit Timah G C MP Christopher De Sou a built up a young and energetic team.

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December 2015

Some MPs and their teams had tougher Ƥghts than others, pointed out Secretary General Lee. This included Sitoh ih Pin, who won back Potong Pasir on his third try in ͜͞11 and Tin Pei Ling who had a rough time in her Ƥrst campaign in ͜͞11.

Both had resounding wins this time in ͜͞1͡. The Aljunied, Hougang and Punggol ast PAP teams, he said, had the hardest mission but kept at it with the right attitude.

Said Mr Lee: “Whatever the government policies and national mood, the MP and his team doing groundwork, connecting with residents, makes a great diơerence. motionally, people can see that we care for them, that we are on their side, that we want to improve their lives by working with them.

“I especially thank the activists who support our MPs on the ground. The MPs work hard, but they can only succeed with their full team working alongside them,” he said.

The PAP also has to continue coming up with policies which will improve Singaporeans’ lives.

While it has done well in addressing issues like housing, transport, immigration and healthcare, there is a need to plan ahead.

“We are also looking ahead beyond SG͜͡, towards our next milestone, SG1͜​͜,” said PM Lee. “Singapore will not just be exceptional for a one-oơ period, and then turn ordinary and fade away.”

Work-in-progress items include improving the public transport system, implementing MediShield Life and building new hospitals and polyclinics, and Ƥne-tuning population policies.

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat is chairing the Committee on our Future conomy to develop a plan to restructure the economy and ensure that Singaporeans will continue to have good jobs and opportunities, while Minister in the Prime Minister’s ƥce, Chan Chun Sing and Minister for Culture, Community and outh, Grace Fu will lead discussions on SGFuture. choing the theme of change for the better, the PAP Convention for the Ƥrst time deviated from prepared speeches. Instead, a PAP panel presented their Ƥndings on three key issues critical to Singapore’s future.

South West CDC Mayor Low en Ling took charge of a team doing research on the Future of Lifelong Learning, orth ast CDC Mayor Teo Ser Luck looked into the Future of Sustainable Living, while Central CDC Mayor Denise Phua looked into the Future of Caring. They answered questions sent in by the activists on mobile phones via the pigeonhole Q&A app.

The engaging session led to some lively discussion. A question which garnered over ͜͡ votes and

which led to some debate was one submitted by Mr Heng Swee Keat who used to head the education portfolio – Should we get our children to clean toilets and go for adventure training to be more rugged?

Earning the right to lead

“Every generation will have to earn their own right to lead. The result in GE2015 is a good base. But GE2021 will be a new Àght.

Let’s start now, so that by 2021 the PAP can say what we promised, we have delivered; what we stand for, we continue to uphold.”

- PAP Secretary General Lee Hsien Loong

eƪecting back on ͜͞1͡, Mr Lee said Singaporeans gained a stronger sense of identity which will strengthen the nation going forward.

“This emotional year has left a permanent mark on all of us, individually and as a society,” he said. ot only was it Singapore’s Jubilee year, it was also when founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan ew passed onǢ both were one-oơ events which will never again occur in Singapore’s history.

“We all shared the national moment of grief when Mr Lee died, and the moment of celebration when we sang Majulah Singapura and recited the pledge on ational Day. For all of us who were here, a new consciousness was created. We were changed, we will remember.”

In conclusion, he said: “ very generation will have to earn their own right to lead. The result in G ͜͞1͡ is a good base. But G ͜͞͞1 will be a new Ƥght. Let’s start now, so that by ͜͞͞1 the PAP can say what we promised, we have delivered; what we stand for, we continue to uphold.”

December 2015

5

COVER STORY

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ᝅ喑᝺㘪ःᓄ᜽ߌȡą

䔶ч᭜̭౧᫝⮱ᝅ᫄ȡ䃖᜾Й⣝ౕᅞᐭ໸ߗ߈喑䃖㵹ߕ‫ڇ‬ज

Ą᜾Й⮱Ⱋ‫̺ٶ‬₏։⪆ౕᐧప কᎡ喑᜾Й㺮᱊ᐧప 6

December 2015

Вౕ Ꭱᄦ䔶ℾ䄡喑᜾Й‫پ‬⣝γ᜾Й᝭䃥̸⮱ឬ䄧ȡą

MePenuhi ManMi NaPi Rakyat Singapura percaya bahawa PAP yang mereka undi bukan hanya bersandarkan kepada rekod cemerlang parti, tetapi juga bagaimana ia dapat memperbaiki kehidupan mereka pada masa depan.

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etelah keadaan kembali tenang selepas pilihan raya umum ͜͞1͡ ȋG ͜͞1͡Ȍ, kini adalah masanya untuk PAP memandang ke depan dan mempersiapkan Singapura untuk masa depan.

“Pengundi akan menilai PAP bukan hanya atas apa yang telah dilakukannya sebelum ini, tetapi apakah yang akan mereka lakukan pada penggal ini, dan apakah yang boleh mereka lakukan,” kata Setiausaha Agung PAP dan Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien Loong, semasa berucap di depan 1,͜͡​͜ anggota parti semasa konvensyen tahunan PAP pada 6 Disember lalu bertajuk “Maju dengan Semangat, Bersama dalam Tindakan”.

Dalam ucapan 3͡ minit beliau, ncik Lee bercakap tentang apa yang perlu dilakukan PAP pada hari muka untuk “terus menjadi sebuah parti nasional yang mewakili majoriti rakyat Singapura dan bekerja untuk kepentingan seluruh warganya.”

AP dan penggiat parti mesti terus bekerja keras tetapi kekal rendah diri, dalam mendampingi penduduk,” katanya.

Sememangnya, ia adalah kerja keras yang membantu PAP memenangi G ͜͞1͡ dengan penuh yakin, bukan hanya semasa tempoh berkempen tetapi sepanjang empat tahun lalu. Tepukan dan sorakan gemuruh bergema setiap kali PM Lee menyebut nama para AP.

Hubungan kukuh dengan rakyat Beberapa AP dan pasukan mereka menghadapi saingan lebih sengit berbanding yang lain, ujarnya. Ini termasuklah Sitoh ih Pin, yang berjaya menawan semula Potong Pasir pada percubaan ketiganya tahun ͜͞11 dan Tin Pei Ling yang menghadapi masa sukar sewaktu kali pertama berkempen tahun ͜͞11. Kedua-dua mereka mencatat kemenangan besar dalam pilihan raya umum kali ini. Pasukan PAP bagi Aljunied, Hougang dan Punggol ast, tambah beliau lagi, mengha-

dapi misi paling sukar tetapi tetap cekal dengan menunjukkan sikap yang betul.

Kata ncik Lee: “Saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih terutama sekali kepada penggiat parti yang memberi sokongan kepada AP kita di lapangan. AP bekerja keras, tetapi mereka hanya boleh berjaya apabila sepenuh anggota pasukan bekerja bersama-sama mereka.”

Sedang PAP telah melakukan dengan baik dalam menangani isu-isu seperti perumahan, pengangkutan, imigresen dan penjagaan kesihatan, masih terdapat keperluan untuk merancang bagi masa depan.

“Kami juga berpandangan jauh melampaui SG͜͡, ke arah pencapaian selanjutnya, SG1͜​͜,” kata PM Lee. “Singapura tidak akan hanya menjadi sebuah negara yang luar biasa pada suatu ketika, yang kemudiannya kembali seperti biasa dan setelah itu menghilang.”

Antara kerja-kerja yang sedang dilakukan termasuklah memperbaiki sistem pengangkutan awam, melaksanakan MediShield Hayat dan membina beberapa hospital baru dan poliklinik, dan memperhalusi dasar penduduk.

Menteri Kewangan Heng Swee Keat kini mempengerusikan Jawatankuasa bagi konomi Masa Depan demi membangunkan sebuah perancangan untuk membangunkan semula ekonomi agar rakyat Singapura akan terus menikmati peluang dan pekerjaan yang baik.

Menteri di Pejabat Perdana Menteri Chan Chun Sing dan Menteri Kebudayaan, Masyarakat dan Belia Grace Fu akan memimpin perbincangan berkenaan SGFuture.

Mendapat mandat untuk memimpin Mengimbas ͜͞1͡, ncik Lee berkata rakyat Singapura menikmati perasaan jati diri yang lebih kukuh yang akan mengukuhkan lagi negara ini sedang ia melangkah ke depan.

“Tahun yang emosi ini telah meninggalkan bekas yang kekal kepada kita semua, baik secara perseorangan atau sebagai sebuah masyarakat,” katanya. Bukan hanya ia disebabkan Singapura menikmati Tahun Jubli mas tahun ini, tetapi juga disebabkan pemergian perdana menteri pertama negara, ncik Lee Kuan ew; yang mana kedua-duanya adalah peristiwa yang tidak boleh diulangi dalam sejarah Singapura.

“Kita semua mengongsi kesedihan di peringkat nasional apabila ncik Lee meninggal, dan menikmati keceriaan dan bersama-sama menyanyikan Majulah Singapura semasa Hari Kebangsaan. Bagi anda semua yang berada di sini, satu kesedaran baru telah diwujudkan.

Kami telah berubah, kami akan mengingatinya.”

Mengakhiri ucapannya, beliau berkata: “Setiap generasi harus meraih hak untuk memimpin. Keputusan G ͜͞1͡ adalah satu asas yang baik. Tetapi G ͜͞͞1 akan menjadi satu pertarungan baharu. Marilah mulakan persiapan dari sekarang, agar nanti bila tiba ͜͞͞1 PAP boleh katakan apa yang telah dijanjikan; telah ditepati. Apa yang kita dukung, kita akan terus tegakkan.”

December 2015

7

COVER STORY

8

December 2015

Contribute ideas and honest feedback to top leaders, regardless of positive or negative comments

Pledge by: Prabha Chandran Seth (Thomson)

Pledge by: Teo Lin Lee (Queenstown)

Commit my time to assist MPS team members whenever I can Pledge by: Seow Soo Huan (Toa Payoh West - Balestier)

Specially commissioned logo to deepen impressions from the Convention

Serve and contribute to the Party and nation

Recruit new MPS members Pledge by: Jonathan Hoe Jun Xian (Tampines North)

Support meaningful activities in the branch Pledge by: M S Chua (Toa Payoh West - Balestier)

Unconventional Convention Petir went behind-the-scenes to find out from the organisers the PPF Council on the preparations that made this year’s convention different

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s party conventions go, the 2015 convention ™as one ™ith a †iĆĄerenceǤ or a start, this ™as the Ƥrst convention which had its very own logo and theme. The “Forward with Passion, Together in Actionâ€? theme was intended to engage and spur activists to continue the momentum of working hard for party and nation. The logo was to deepen impressions from the convention and inspire continued diligence by party activists.

Speaking to Petir before the convention, Mr Benjamin Tay, Chairman of the PPF Council, explained: “Through the convention, we hope to nurture a new pioneering spirit among activists who dream of a better future for Singapore, and turn problems and constraints into opportunities.�

Another diƥerence in this year̽s convention was the engagement with participants well before it took place on December 6.

The estimated 1,500 participants were asked to vote on polls generated by the districts a good three weeks before the convention.

This was possible through the novel harnessing of technology, the pigeonhole application. Participants whipped out their smartphones to vote on preferred solutions to challenges posed by panel discussions.

Using the same pigeonhole app, partici-

pants also submitted their questions electronically for the Q&A segment. These questions were voted on by the attendees (again using technology), with the most popular ones moving up democratically to the top of a chart to help the panels respond to them.

At breakfast and break time, attendees used the pigeonhole app to submit pledges on the type of action they would take to build a stronger party and nation.

And instead of the typical series of speeches from top party leaders, the programme featured panels from the districts which gave presentations and responded to the audience’s questions.

The presentations were also the subject of deeper and wider engagement as they were inĆŞuenced by voting preferences from the poll results.

Engaged audience The PPF started work on bringing about a convention with a diĆĄerence over a year ago.

A core team focused on the nitty-gritty, with guidance on broad directions from the PPF Council Advisors.

Event organising co-chairs Edward See and Zizie Zuzantie said: “We wanted to create opportunities for our fellow activists to do more than just listen, to participate in

something bigger than just an event.’’ In keeping with the theme “Forward with Passion, Together in Actionâ€? as well as Secretary eneral ee sien oongĚ˝s call for Singaporeans to script our future together at his swearing-in speech in October, topics for the panel discussions telescoped into the future of Singapore. The three panel discussions, each led by a District Chair, covered the “Future of Caring’’, “Future of Lifelong Learning’’ and “Future of Sustainable Living’’.

By using the pigeonhole app, the PPF Council hoped to start activists thinking of those areas before they even stepped into the convention hall. It empowered and engaged the activists by allowing them to inĆŞuence the presentations which were to be given at the convention.

Loke Choon Wai, a member of the organising team, pointed out: “Technology allows wider and deeper engagement with the ground to the point of even inĆŞuencing the presentations made at the convention.â€?

For those who wanted a keepsake of the occasion, mementoes with the convention logo were given out. To deepen memories, pledge booths with inspirational photo walls, mock letter boxes and trees were also set up where participants could physically write and hang pledges and take photos.

December 2015

9

2015 PAP Convention

SGFuture: Our Challenges Proudly organised by the

1

INFOGRAPHIC: PATRIC HONG

Prior to the PAP Convention, the Districts brainstormed various challenges and tossed up several proposed ideas.

During these sessions, the participants also had the chance to vote for their favourite ideas.

Future of Lifelong Learning

CHALLENGE

1

How do we promote a national culture of lifelong learning?

CHALLENGE

3

How do we provide quality trainers and training providers?

44.6%

Identify and encourage experts in each ƥeld to become trainers

31.6% Introduce a robust system to accredit and validate trainers

54.6% Promote a continued mindset of learning for all ages beyond grades

22.8% ProUide more aƤordable education and training for workforce

23.8% 2kills certiƥcation by professional bodies and standards-setting

CHALLENGE

1

How do we address manpower shortage in caregiving jobs due to foreign manpower curbs while Singaporeans shun these jobs?

37.0%

Professionalise caregiving jobs with competency and pay scales

31.8% Provide aƤordable technology to promote self-reliance among seniors

31.2% Train paid caregivers in each precinct to support seniors at home

22.6% Encourage pursuit of passions and courses to uplift skills

CHALLENGE

2

How do we encourage our ageing and diverse population to embrace lifelong learning?

40.8%

More inter-generational mentorship tapping on seniors' experience

33.7% Empower seniors and highlight role models to motivate peers

25.5% Engage stakeholders and educational providers to raise awareness

10

December 2015

2

Future of Caring

CHALLENGE

2

How do we ensure there are adequate and aơordable eldercare facilities?

37.8%

2et aside Ʀoors in HDB blocks with supervised care for senior residents

36.1% Embed eldercare centres in the community, eg. CCs, schools

3

Future of Sustainable Living

26.1% Build retirement villages with onsite healthcare and social support

CHALLENGE

3

How do we implement a whole-society approach to help seniors age with dignity?

52.8%

Easy access to jobs for seniors in diƤerent age groups and skills

29.7% Customised service at senior activity centres and more peer support

17.5%

CHALLENGE

1

How can we shift to a car-light society?

CHALLENGE

2

How do we become self-suƥcient with our energy needs?

47.5%

71.7% Improve public transport coverage, aƤordability and comfort

Build more sustainable power plants using eg. solar or other clean fuels

14.8% Improve last-mile connectivity with more walkways and cycling paths

13.5% Promote alternatives like waterways, car-pooling and e-scooters

46.2% Subsidise smart technologies to reduce energy consumption

6.4% National push to change airconditioning temperature levels

Schools & institutes of higher learning to adopt groups of seniors on a longer-term longer term basis

CHALLENGE

3

How do we promote and educate a green mentality?

71.4%

Heightened nationwide public education to raise awareness

14.7% Promote food waste recycling with recycling bins at F&B outlets

13.9% Better placement of recycling bins at high traƧc locations

December 2015

11

COVER STORY

BY KHUSHWANT SINGH

In recognition of dedicated, loyal activists A total of 393 activists from various branches were honoured for their dedicated and loyal service to the Party at the PAP Dinner and Awards Ceremony held on December 5, 2015 at Singapore Expo. In conferring these awards, the Party recognised their leadership on the ground, tireless efforts and invaluable contributions to the Party. Another 183 received Special Letters of Appreciation for their significant efforts during GE2015.

Petir finds out from some of them what continues to keep them motivated and inspired all these years.

Commendation Medal Mr Benny Yeo Cheng San

Branch: Tampines East (Tampines GRC)

A

s chief coordinator for Tampines GRC and chairman of the GRC Secretariat, Mr Benny Yeo Cheng San was very busy supporting the PAP candidates for Tampines in GE2015.

The hard wor paid oơ and the Party retained the GRC. Mr Yeo, a general manager of a family centre, is also known for going out of his way to help residents. When his appeals on behalf of a resident to marry an ex-work permit holder were continuously rejected by the authorities in 1995, he encouraged the resident to upgrade himself from NTC 3 to NTC 2, with the hope of a promotion and pay

Dedicated Service Star Award Mr Tan Kim Hock Branch: Changi Simei (East Coast GRC)

A

party member since 1964, Mr Tan Kim Hock has been active in every general election since then. He recalls wearing out a pair of shoes during each general election in the early years visiting kampungs as there were no pavements then.

Now 77 years old, he accompanied the PAP team during GE2015 as they canvassed for votes. However, he could not join the block visits because of his bad knee condition.

The retired teacher even volunteered to be a counting agent at Victoria JC counting centre and was on his feet from 8pm to 1am. The good trooper that he is, he then adjourned to Bedok Stadium till 3am to hear the results from the other constituencies.

Mr Tan was assistant secretary of the PAP Changi branch from 1968 to 1975, and its secretary from 1976 till 2005. He was its vice chairman until three years ago when he requested the branch chairman to allow him to step down.

He said: “I will continue to serve because I believe the PAP is still the party that cares for the people and the nation.

12

December 2015

rise which would enhance the chances of gaining approval for the marriage.

With perseverance, the appeal was eventually approved. The step-daughter also got a student’s pass.

A party member since 1995, Mr Yeo, 51, said: “It gives me a sense of satisfaction when I see them as a family unit, even till today.”

Dedicated Service Medal Mr Khew Nee Khwek

Branch: Ulu Pandan (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC)

D

uring the recent election, Mr Khew Nee Khwek, 64, took annual leave not for a holiday but to play his part in making sure PAP won. He was active every day of the campaign period and also acted as a counting agent on Polling Day. He said that joining the Party in 1978 was a natural transition. He had been part of the PAP Youth Group in Queenstown and he had liked what the PAP was doing for the country.

He started helping out at MPS. Mr Khew, who works as an automobile technician, added: “These meet-the-people sessions are very busy periods and there are always so many things to do so I helped out in any way I could.”

Both his son, 31, an insurance consultant, and his daughter, 34, an investment adviser, are also PAP members. Only his wife is not, he said with a sigh.

Women’s Medal Ms Angeline Ang Gek Lan

Youth Medal Ms Hamidah Aidillah Mustafa

Branch: Bedok Reser oir-Punggol (Al unied GRC)

Branch: Keat Hong (Chua Chu Kang GRC)

C

urrently the deputy organising secretary of Young PAP, Ms Hamidah Aidillah Mustafa Ƥrst started as a olunteer riting letters for residents on MP e eningsǤ She told Petir: “I had to handle some of the most heartbreaking and tragic cases but I en oyed connecting ith the residents and fell in lo e ith helping othersǤdz A party member since 2008, she added: “Some of the residents may ha e come across as emotional, but ultimately, they needed someone to listen and come up ith possible solutions to resol e their problemsǤdz In 200ͥ, she as part of the Steering Committee helping the party utilise social media to spread its messageǤ G 20͝​͝ as the Ƥrst election she as in ol ed in here she isited homes and markets ith the PAP candidates during the campaignǤ he ͟0-year-old communications e ecuti e also said that she lo ed orking beside the “ olunteer aunties and unclesdz and praised their commitment and loyaltyǤ “ hey ere also ery supporti e of my eơorts,dz she addedǤ

L

ike many olunteers, Ms Angeline Ang Gek Lan started oơ by helping in the MPS and then became a party member in ͥ͝​ͥͣǤ Along the ay, she as appointed chairman of the Women’s Wing of her branchǤ She had orked hard in 2015 to support the PAP in its unsuccessful bid to in back the Aljunied GRC from the oppositionǤ She accompanied the arious branch chairmen on their isits to markets in the unos, Kaki Bukit and Paya Lebar di isionsǤ She as also one of the counting agentsǤ Ms Ang as recently appointed a Pioneer Generation AmbassadorǤ Her husband and her 26-year old son and 24-year old daughter, are all ery supporti e of her PAP ork, she saidǤ he 54-year-old house ife added: “I like being able to help the communityǤdz She particularly relished the experience of bringing the residents of Cheshire Home to Orchard Road to admire the Christmas lights last yearǤ

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

Long Service Medal (Gold) Mr Cheng Wai Keung

Long Service Medal (Silver) Mr Gopal Kanapatty

Long Service Medal (Bronze) Mr Mohamed Said Ali

A member since 1990, the 65-year-old company director said:

A member since 2000, the 69-year-old tra el agency partner, said:

“We must be able to serve the people and help them attain their aspirations, not with populist polices, but with our vision of the society and country that Singapore can be.”

“On some occasions, I have to explain government policies to residents. I believe grassroots leaders act as connectors between the government and the people.”

A member since 2004, the 56-yearold duty manager of a cargo ser ices company, said:

Branch: Bishan East Thomson (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC)

Branch: Queenstown (Tanjong Pagar GRC)

Branch: Changi Simei (East Coast GRC)

“I work in shifts and whenever I’m free, I will volunteer to record the problems of residents during MPS. I really appreciate receiving this award.”

December 2015

13

PAP MPs and Branch Chairs Aljunied GRC

Chan Hui Yuh

Chua Eng Leong

K Muralidharan Pillai

Shamsul Kamar

(Serangoon Branch Chairman)

(Paya Lebar Branch Chairman)

(Eunos Branch Chairman)

Ang Mo Kio GRC

Victor Lye

(Bedok Reservoir-Punggol Branch Chairman)

(Kaki Bukit Branch Chairman)

Yaacob Ibrahim (Kolam Ayer)

Heng Chee How (Whampoa)

Lee Hsien Loong

Koh Poh Koon

Ang Hin Kee

Ng Eng Hen

Josephine Teo

Intan Azura

Gan Thiam Poh

Darryl David

Chong Kee Hiong

Saktiandi Supaat

(Teck Ghee)

(Jalan Kayu)

Jalan Besar GRC

Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

(Yio Chu Kang)

(Sengkang South)

(Cheng San-Seletar)

(Ang Mo Kio-Hougang)

Jurong GRC

Denise Phua Lay Peng (Kampong Glam)

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Desmond Lee

Rahayu Binte Mahzam

Tan Wu Meng

(Jurong Spring)

(Toa Payoh Central)

(Bishan East – Thomson)

(Bishan North)

(Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng)

(Toa Payoh West – Balestier)

(Toa Payoh East – Novena)

Marine Parade GRC

Ang Wei Neng (Jurong Central)

Tan Chuan-Jin

(Kembangan-Chai Chee)

Goh Chok Tong (Marine Parade)

(Taman Jurong)

Lily Neo

Chee Hong Tat

Fatimah Binte Abdul Lateef (Geylang Serai)

Seah Kian Peng

(Clementi)

(Braddell Heights)

Edwin Tong Chun Fai (Joo Chiat)

(Bukit Batok East)

Sembawang GRC

Khaw Boon Wan

Ong Ye Kung

Vikram Nair

Lim Wee Kiak

(Sembawang)

(Admiralty)

14

(Gambas)

Tampines GRC

Amrin Amin (Woodlands)

(Canberra)

December 2015

Tanjong Pagar GRC

Heng Swee Keat

Masagos =ulkiƪi

Cheng Li Hui

Desmond Choo Pey Ching

(Tampines Central)

(Tampines East)

(Tampines West)

(Tampines Changkat)

Baey Yam Keng (Tampines North)

Chan Chun Sing

Indranee Rajah

Joan Pereira

Melvin Yong Yik Chye

(Buona Vista)

(Henderson Dawson)

(Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru)

(Moulmein-Cairnhill)

Chia Shi-Lu

(Queenstown)

Petir produces an updated list of our MPs and branch chairs.

Chua Chu Kang GRC

East Coast GRC

Gan Kim Yong

Lim Swee Say

(Chua Chu Kang)

Low Yen Ling

(Bukit Gombak)

Zaqy Mohamad (Keat Hong)

(Bedok)

Mohamad Maliki (Siglap)

Holland-Bukit Timah GRC

Lee Yi Shyan

(Kampong Chai Chee)

Vivian Balakrishnan

Sim Ann

(Bukit Timah)

Liang Eng Hwa (Zhenghua)

(Cashew)

Yee Chia Hsing

Jessica Tan Soon Neo

Christopher De Souza

Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC

Nee Soon GRC

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC

Lawrence Wong

K Shanmugam

(Nanyang)

(Limbang)

(Changi-Simei)

Halimah Yacob (Marsiling)

Alex Yam Ziming (Yew Tee)

(Chong Pang)

(Ulu Pandan)

Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim

Lee Bee Wah

(Nee Soon South)

Teo Chee Hean

Ng Chee Meng

Teo Ser Luck

Janil Puthucheary

Zainal Bin Sapari

Sun Xueling

(Pasir Ris West)

(Punggol North)

(Sengkang Central)

(Nee Soon Central)

Ong Teng Koon

Kwek Hian Chuan

(Woodgrove)

(Kebun Baru)

West Coast GRC

S Iswaran

(West Coast)

Lim Hng Kiang (Telok Blangah)

Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon East)

(Punggol Coast)

(Pasir Ris East)

(Punggol West)

Bukit Batok SMC

Bukit Panjang SMC

Fengshan SMC

Hong Kah North SMC

Hougang SMC

Macpherson SMC

Mountbatten SMC

David Ong Kim Huat

Teo Ho Pin

Cheryl Chan Wei Ling

Amy Khor Lean Suan

Lee Hong Chuang

Tin Pei Ling

Lim Biow Chuan

(Branch Chairman)

Patrick Tay Teck Guan

Pioneer SMC

Potong Pasir SMC

Punggol East SMC

Radin Mas SMC

Sengkang West SMC

Yuhua SMC

Cedric Foo Chee Keng

Sitoh Yih Pin

Charles Chong You Fook

Tan Chin Siong

Lam Pin Min

Grace Fu Hai Yien

Foo Mee Har (Ayer Rajah)

(Boon Lay)

December 2015

15

FEATURE

Exco’s

roadmap Labour chief Chan Chun Sing is heading the executive committee of the party's headquarters (HQ Exco), having taken over from Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. He tells Petir his new responsibilities.

Q: How do you see the GE2015 results – PAP won 69.9 per cent of the popular vote and 83 out of 89 seats?

What are some of the key learnings for the party?

Chan Chun Sing (CCS): Singaporeans are fair-minded. Things may not be perfect, and there are problems yet to be solved, but if you are hardworking, people can see it for themselves. They know you have tried your best. Our philosophy in Tanjong Pagar GRC (where he is a MP) is always to do our work conscientiously, take care of our residents properly, then we leave it to the residents to take care of the results.

The key takeaways for us is to always maintain focus in two areas: one, take care of Singaporeans, make sure they live well; and two, never jeopardise the long term interests of the country.

Q: What does the HQ Exco do?

CCS: Take the analogy of running a company. The party’s Central Executive Committee is like the board of the company. The HQ Exco is like the management. The board provides broad directions to the management which executes the directions. The HQ Exco oversees the administration and coordination of party activities across all its 89 branches. We have sub-committees in the HQ Exco handling various things, such as feedback and communications, outreach, training and administration.

There are formal meetings at least once every two months to discuss our tasks ahead, like how to strengthen the training modules for our activists to keep pace with the times; facilitate more best practices sharing across diơerent branches, also to share some of the mistakes

16

December 2015

“The strength of our party has always lied in the strength of the branches, which is our ground network. The aim is to Ànd ways to mobilise the strength, to leverage on the network of the branches.” made so that others can avoid them.

Besides the formal meetings, as and when the sub groups have issues to discuss, we'll meet.

Q: The term, which began recently, is for two years. What are your directions and plans?

CCS: We hope to strengthen in three areas: • Strengthen the training of our activists to ensure that they are well versed in groundwork, understand our policies as well as the concerns and aspirations of our people, • Strengthen our outreach. This is to ensure that we continue to reach out to groups that we previously may not have reached, and • Strengthen our feedback mechanism. This is to ensure that the voices of our people are heard and conveyed, so that the government can be more nimble in making policies and addressing those issues closest to the heart of the people.

Q: Will Q staơ be beefed up to handle increased workload?

Work begins for next GE Preparations for the next general election have already started. ,r 'eng Swee *eat will taJe charge of the PAP’s eƤorts to analyse its performance in the 2015 general elections while Mr Gan Kim Yong will handle the process of identifying candidates for GE2021.

It had been a landslide win that saw the PAP winning nearly 70 per cent of the vote, and garnering 83 of the 89 seats in Parliament.

Mr Heng’s appointment was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the PAP's Secretary-General, on his Facebook page in October 2015, barely weeks after GE2015.

In his own Facebook post, Mr Heng, who is an MP for Tampines GRC and Finance Minister, said his team to analyse the poll results would comprise party members with a wide range of experience. He will also seek views from a broad spectrum and “discuss deeply” with the chairmen and activists of all the PAP branches.

Mr Gan’s task was also announced by Mr Lee at a dinner in early December for past and present PAP MPs. Mr Gan, who is an MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC and Health Minister, takes over the task from Dr -g Eng Hen. The ƥrst tea session with potential candidates is likely to take place in December 2015, said Mr Gan. “We are now going through referrals and nominations from the grassroots, ground activists, MPs and diƤerent sources,” he said.

PAP HQ Executive Committee Advisors: Khaw Boon Wan Teo Chee Hean Tharman Shanmugaratnam

CCS: PAP's system is always very lean, we don’t have a very large HQ. It always depended on our network of activists and volunteers. The strength of our party has always lied in the strength of the branches, which is our ground network. The aim is to Ƥnd ways to mobilise the strength, to leverage on the network of the branches.

Chairman: Chan Chun Sing (Chairman, Young PAP)

Q: You are the HQ Exco chair and YP chair, in addition to being a Cabinet minister.

How do you manage your time?

CCS: I must manage it carefully. Everybody has only 24 hours. Nobody can do everything by themselves, teamwork is very important. Also, it is not only how we manage our time, we must bear in mind that the time of our people is very precious too. As leaders, we must set our priorities right. It is our job to make sure that the time and resources we have are wisely applied to the areas which are most important and our people's energy are applied most eơectively.

Amidst my tight schedule, I will set aside time for my family, at least have a meal with them during weekends and try my best to spend one or two week nights with them. Otherwise I will only know how old my kids are and not how tall they have grown.

Alt Chairman: Heng Swee Keat

Amrin Amin Amy Khor Baey Yam Keng Chee Hong Tat David Ong Grace Fu (Chairperson, Women’s Wing) Halimah Yacob (Chairperson, PAP.SG)

Members: Janil Puthucheary Josephine Teo K Shanmugam Koh Poh Koon Lam Pin Min Lawrence Wong (Advisor, PPF) Masagos 9ulkiƦi Ng Chee Meng

Denise Phua Teo Ser Luck

District Chairs: Teo Ho Pin Maliki Osman

Ong Ye Kung Sam Tan Sim Ann Tan Chuan-Jin Vivian Balakrishnan Yaacob Ibrahim Zaqy Mohamad

Low Yen Ling

*Two-year term began in 2015

December 2015

17

SHORTIES New policies for HDB buyers kick in

F

Ƥ ǡ ͊͝͞ǡ͜​͜​͜ǡ ƪ ͜͞͝͡Ǥ ͊͜͝ǡ͜​͜​͜ Ǥ ͝͞ǡ͜​͜​͜ ƪ ǡ ͣǡ͜​͜​͜ Ǧ Ǧ ǡ Ǥ ͡ǡ͜​͜​͜ Ǥ ͊͢ǡ͜​͜​͜ ƪ ǡ ͊͡ǡ͜​͜​͜Ǥ F ǡ Ǧ Ƥ ǡ ͊͜͠ǡ͜​͜​͜ ͊͢ǡ͜͡​͜ ͊ͤǡ͜͡​͜ Ǥ Ƥ Ǧ ǡ Ǥ

Dialogues on Singapore's future

A

Ǧ ̽ ͜͡ ǡ ͜͡ Ǥ

ȃ F Ǥ Ƥ ǡ ͥ͞ǡ ͜͝​͜ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ͜͟͞͝ǡ Ǧ͜͢͞͝Ǥ F ǡ ͜͟͜͞Ǥ

NEWS IN NUMBERS

$500

50

450

900

From January 1, 2016, every Singaporean aged 25 and above will receive this amount in the SkillsFuture Credit scheme. The credits do not expire and can be used to take courses to upgrade a person's skills.

The government will top up the credit at regular intervals.

President Tony Tan gave out National Day awards to 450 people at the National Day Investiture on November 8, 2015.

Recipients included former Cabinet Minister S. Dhanabalan, who received Singapore's highest civilian honour, the Order of Temasek (First Class), for his contribution to the country.

18

December 2015

Women above the age of 50 who hold a blue or orange Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) card can now get free breast cancer screenings. It would encourage more women from the lower and middle-income groups to go for early checks.

A new Youth-At-Risk Engagement Framework will be launched in April 2016 and is expected to serve up to 900 at-risk youths. The $2-million pilot initiative will develop standardised assessment tools to better assess the risk levels and needs of such youths.

FEATURE

Out in force

Win or lose, PAP teams hit the ground running immediately after GE2015. Petir speaks to veteran MP Charles Chong about his work since winning back Punggol East. We also hear from the candidates who contested in Aljunied GRC and Hougang on their unabated engagement with residents.

Punggol East’s new champion

M

Ps should speak out and not just toe the party line when the interests of residents have not been met, said Mr Charles Chong.

Well-known for his outspokenness, he said: “It is impossible to make perfect laws and regulations. There could be people who fall through the cracks. MPs should speak out about these instances with conviction and work for the policy to be changed or get exceptions to be made in these particular cases.”

The veteran politician ȃ he entered Parliament in ͥͤ͝​ͤ - prefers to Ƥrst try to resolve the issue behind closed doors. “If that doesn’t work, I’ve no hesitation in bringing it up in Parliament or speaking up in public.

I’ve a commitment to my voters,” he said.

Mr Chong, 62, has walked the talk. Between 2003 and 2006, the then Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP headed a campaign to get Buangkok MRT station opened. He recalled: “They did not open the station because it was not Ƥnancially feasible. ou can’t think of feasibilityǢ the interests of the residents take precedence.”

The station Ƥnally opened in anuary 2006.

Winning attributes The former MP of oo Chiat MC, which was absorbed into Marine Parade GRC in GE2015, won Punggol East MC from the Workers’ Party in the recent GE. He attributed his success to a combination of factors ȃ party activists had remained active and meetthe-people sessions by the PAP had continued even after its defeat in the 2013 by-election. Mr Chong was also not new to the area, having served as an MP for Paris Ris-Punggol GRC between 2001 and 2011.

Another reason was the general swing towards the PAP nationwide, he said.

As Punggol East is a new estate with many young families, he plans for more pre-school and childcare facilities. The estates also need sprucing up.

Punggol East now has a proven champion at its helm.

Mr Charles Chong

“If that doesn’t work, I’ve no hesitation in bringing it up in Parliament or speaking up in public. I’ve a commitment to my voters.”

Making exceptions In the late 1980s, there was a resident in his 2eLAawanF &1" who suƤered froL JidneX failure #ialXsis Lachines were in short suOOlX and the Lan wanted to use his "/% funds to AuX his own dialXsis Lachine "/% turned hiL down, LaintaininF that the LoneX was for his old aFe ,r "honF sOoJe out for hiL and Fot "/% to allow it “This incident convinced me that no matter how well intentioned and well crafted Oolicies maX Ae, invariaAlX there will Ae circumstances that maX warrant eWceOtions,ŗŗ he Oointed out

Punggol East - Mr Charles Chong

BY KHUSHWANT SINGH

December 2015

19

FEATURE Ƥ

E

Aljunie

ven before GE2015, the PAP team for Aljunied GRC decided that regardless of the outcome, they would continue house visits and meet-the-people sessions in their respective wards.

Mr Chua Eng Leong, who was unsuccessful in his bid to be the MP for Eunos, explained: “Politics should be about serving the community and the nation faithfully.

We are not once-in-a-blue-moon candidates, only appearing during elections.”

He said: “It was painful to lose by such a slim margin but I was heartened that the party’s performance improved in GE2015.”

Almost immediately after Polling Day, the 44-year-old was distributing masks to residents as the haze had worsened. He said: “Many residents were clearly touched and told me not to forget them.”

He was also surprised at the animosity generated during the election. Said the chairman of PAP Eunos branch: “I remember this incident.

As I was handing out leaƪets to commuters at a bus stop, a Workers’ Party activist shouted at me. I paid him no Mr Chua Eng Leong heed. Some residents stared at him and he soon stopped and rode oơ on his bicycle.”

Mr Chua, an executive director at Standard Chartered Private Bank, said: “I saw it with my own eyes that most Singaporeans are decent folk and do not tolerate such behaviour.”

“It was painful to lose by such a slim margin but I was heartened that the party’s performance improved in GE2015.”

- Mr Chua Eng Leong

Mr Shamsul Kamar

“Young Singaporeans are our future and I believe in investing in and building up their potential, and encouraging them to be active citizens.”

- Mr Shamsul Kamar

“We will never lose unless we give up. It matters not what we say, but what we do.”

- Mr Victor Lye

“We hope the GE2015 results will motivate more PAP activists to step up and volunteer in opposition wards.”

- Mr Murali Pillai

Know the ground

J

Mr Murali Pillai 20

December 2015

ust days after the GE2015 results were announced, the Aljunied GRC team cancelled its “Thank you” parade. Instead, they and their branch activists were out in full force distributing masks to combat the haze and pack and distribute groceries to the needy in the opposition ward.

The action was to assure residents that the PAP will continue to serve despite losing “by a whisker”, said Mr Murali Pillai, chairman of the Paya Lebar branch.

“Our activists are encouraged by the stronger than predicted results. They will soldier on, listening actively, engaging and helping all our residents, regardless of which political party they supported, always focussing on what is good for our community and Singapore as a whole,” he emphasised.

“We are always on the ground to look out for and deal with issues aơecting a number of our residents,” observed Mr Murali. “For instance, after the GE, a group of residents approached us for advice in a serious case of nuisance allegedly committed by their neighbour. It is a good sign that they continue to look us up for help.”

“We hope the GE2015 results will motivate more PAP activists to step up and volunteer in opposition wards. It is here where we will feel the closest resemblance to the pioneering spirit of our party, by Ƥghting hard to gain our people’s trust and conƤdence despite the daunting odds,” he said.

a ing t e diơerence

M

r Shamsul Kamar reached home at 4.45am after receiving the election results. He had lost but at 9am, he was with his grassroots leaders at a coơee shop planning visits to Kaki Bukit ȃ the same ward that he wanted to serve as an MP. Said the chairman of PAP Kaki Bukit branch under Aljunied GRC: “We had put up a good Ƥght against the incumbents, who are regarded as the face of the opposition in Parliament.

“The election was over but I wanted to carry on and help the community. There is about 14 per cent of rental ƪats here so there are many lower-income households.

About 40 per cent of residents are aged 55 years and above. I want to make a difference in their lives with the social assistance programmes implemented by the government. We can do better for those who fall through the cracks.”

A former teacher, he is now the deputy director of industrial relations with the NTUC. The 43-year-old, who is married with no children, is encouraged by the willingness of many young people who came forward to help in his outreach activities, especially after the elections. He said: “Young Singaporeans are our future and I believe in investing in and building up their potential, and encouraging them to be active citizens.”

Mr Lee Hong Chuang

Hougang

ed

Getting up close and personal in Hougang

M People, not politics

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hen his children were young, they hid his shoes to prevent him from stepping out to do his community work, recalled Mr Victor Lye who has been doing grassroots and party activities for more than 15 years.

These days, his children, now in their late teens and early 20s, occasionally accompany him on his community service.

During the Aljunied vote recount, his son sent him an Instagram message: “Win or lose, I’m incredibly, immensely, absolutely proud of you, daddy.’’

His response: “We will never lose unless we give up. It matters not what we Mr Victor Lye say, but what we do.’’

It is the same perseverance that sees Mr Lye continue his work in the GRC, post GE2015. “We are not in Parliament but we still have to do the groundwork. Our actions have been about protecting the interests of our people. We focus on people, not the politics,” said Mr Lye who chairs the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol branch under Aljunied GRC. Expressing appreciation of the electorate’s support, he pointed out: “If we had over 1,300 more votes, we would have won. So, I am grateful to Aljunied voters for giving us a chance. They have seen how the PAP had responded and was willing to listen and change after the swing against it in GE2011. They appreciate the sincerity and honesty after the government undertook policy adjustments in housing, transport and health.”

r Lee Hong Chuang believes that the personal approach is the way to win the hearts and minds of more Hougang residents.

He said: “I sit with the residents and they get to know me as a friend and tell me their problems. They realise that not every problem can be resolved but they know I will try my best.”

A grassroots leader at Ang Mo Kio GRC for 26 years before spending about a year at Hougang prior to GE2015, the chairman of the PAP Hougang branch, said: “Hougang residents put personality before politics so I think I am in the right constituency as I am rather down-to-earth myself.”

In 2011, 35.2 per cent of Hougang residents voted PAP. This increased to 42.34 per cent when Mr Lee contested the SMC in GE2015.

Mr Lee, a senior IT manager at IBM, said of this year’s GE: “It was an uphill task so the outcome was very encouraging.”

At the ‘Thank you’ parade the morning after Polling Day on September 11, many residents came forward to acknowledge his hard work.

Mr Lee, 45, added: “I am also grateful for the support of my family members at the rallies.” He and his wife have a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son.

“Hougang residents put personality before politics so I think I am in the right constituency as I am rather down-to-earth myself.”

- Mr Lee Hong Chuang December 2015

21

CONVERSATION

AMRIN AMIN

Parliamentary Secretary, MiniVtry RI +Rme AƨairV Age: 37 Family: Parents and three siblings Hobby: Walking and movies

Ordinary life, extraordinary eco-system Time may be limited but always give of your best, says Amrin Amin, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs

S

ince his youth, Amrin Amin has had a sense of mission to help the less fortunate and that is perhaps the main reason why he readily gave up a promising law career in the private sector to serve in the public arena as Parliamentary Secretary in the inistry of ome AơairsǤ

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December 2015

“What guides me is giving back to society, making use of our limited time on earth to help the less privileged and doing my best,” said the second child of a technician father who drove a taxi to supplement his income, in an interview with PetirǤ “Mine is a story of an ordinary life blessed

BY CONRAD RAJ

with extraordinary people in an exceptional countryǤ hat̽s also the story of many Singaporean lives,” he once wrote, adding that apart from hard work and luck, it’s “the Singapore eco-system that has made all the diơerenceǤ” e started life in a three-room ƪat in

Bedok with three other siblings. “We were not poor, neither were we rich, your average working class Singaporean family. I went to in in and riĆĽths rimary Schools,Çł he recalled. His mother supplemented the family Ƥnances by taking on diĆĄerent ÂŒobs Čƒ babysitting, holding yreš and upperware parties, tailoring and baking and later, as a production operator.

It was then that he learnt a maÂŒor lesson that continues to shape his life. “One day, I asked my mum how come, unlike the other kids in my primary school, I did not have a regular recess allowance? She replied that my recess money depended on the nightly earnings of my father driving his taši. She told me not to compare with others and make the best of what I have. I was not to have a sense of entitlement.Çł Even as a youth, at Dunman Secondary School and ampines unior ollege, r Amrin had a knack for organising events and

bringing people together. At , he was active in the studentsÇŻ council and as aw lass resident at the aw aculty of the ational University of Singapore, he even organised a “peaceful petitionÇł for more time to Ƥnish assignments.

And like the lawyer he is, he used a Latin phrase to emphasise his life’s mission, “carpe diemÇł or “seiÂœe the dayÇł. “I believe in putting my heart and soul in what I do, give my all and best, the results will take care of itself,Çł he added.

Giving his best “ hroughout my secondary, ÂŒunior college and university days I was never at the top of class. But I always gave my best,Çł he said modestly and matter-of-factly. He has a Masters in Law from olumbia University where he was a Harlan iske Stone Scholar. ollowing his Masters, he worked as a corporate lawyer with a leading international law Ƥrm

“What guides me is giving back to society, making use of our limited time on earth to help the less privileged and doing my best.�

The Singapore spirit One of Mr Amrin Amin's aims is to attract more young people to join his Woodlands constituency's activities. “These days there are many activities competing for precious, limited time,� he pointed out. “Young people are busy building up their careers and families. As a result, volunteer work may take a backseat. The challenge is to come up with something that really appeals to them.

We have to develop a pipeline of activities that appeals to their sense of purpose. Even if it means organising ourselves and our activities such that our youths are with us for at least once a month for two hours, that is also okay.

What’s important is we keep in touch,’’ he added.

Another challenge he relishes is picking up Mandarin. “I speak a little Mandarin. I notice that when I smatter my speech with a few

Mandarin phrases, eyes lit up and the smiles are warmer,� observed Mr Amrin. “We live in a multi-racial Singapore, it is important for MPs and activists to reach out to all Singaporeans.�

On his walkabouts and home visits, he pays particular attention to children, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. Mr Amrin shared: “I started a “Bring-Your-Report-Book-to-MPSâ€? recently where I invited children from rental ĆŚats to show me their report books. MPS is not just a place where people complain or get rations, but also a place to celebrate life’s little joys. It was nice to see children proudly showing me their report cards and sharing what they excelled in. With this small initiative, I hope to send a message of hope and to let them know that we are rooting for them!â€?

He rewarded those who do well with small gifts like book vouchers to spur them to do better and suggested tuition to those who did not do as well.

Singapore’s multi-racial and religious harmony is another area of concern for Mr Amrin. In the wake of the November 2015 Paris attacks by terrorists, he pointed out that Singapore must be extra vigilant and cannot take our harmony for granted. He was an exchange student in New York during the September 2001 terrorist attacks and recalled how the national mood in the US changed overnight. In the midst of fear and crisis, he also witnessed the solidarity and camaraderie of ordinary Americans. “I saw some of that remarkable spirit of solidarity in Singapore during our SG50 celebrations and the passing of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew with Singaporeans coming together as one, vendors giving away drinks and ĆŚorists ĆŚowers for free to mourners. It is comforting to know that the Singapore spirit is very alive and strong,â€? he said.

December 2015

23

CONVERSATION

in New York from 2007 to 2010. Mr Amrin had also represented NUS in the prestigious Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington DC. His passion for law, initially criminal law, was inƪuenced y Ƥlms such as John Grisham's The Client and the Matlock TV series.

He en oys meeting people from diơerent ackgrounds. DzIn politics too, you get to interact with all kinds of people, from poor to rich, from the coơeeshop aunties to usinessmen.dz It is his mantra of Dzgi ing ack to the peopledz that got him into community ser ice in 200͠, soon after he ecame a lawyer. He started with meet-the-people sessions (MPS) at Chong Pang, helping its MP, K Shanmugam and remem ered eing inspired y how Mr Shanmugam alanced an acti e court practice and community work. DzIt was ery satisfying. At MPS, I met people who need help. I felt happy that I could help in a ery small way,dz said Mr Amrin whose swearing-in as Parliamentary Secretary coincided with his ͟7th irthday.

Another coincidenceǣ his two rothers work in the same Home Aơairs Ministry. ne of them is in the Police Force and the other at Immigration. DzWe are all now part of the Home Team,dz he said with some delight.

Mr Amrin is in his element when he interacts with his constituents and is able to give back to society.

“It was very satisfying. At MPS, I met people who need help. I felt happy that I could help in a very small way.”

Teh tarik moments Education and social causes play a key part in Amrin Amin's mind, again as part of his giving back to society. He has served on various boards, including Nanyang Polytechnic, National Council of Problem Gambling, feedback unit Reach, Prophet Muhammad's Birthday Memorial Scholarship Fund Board and the Association of Muslim Professionals 'Ready for School' Programme.

Mr Amrin believes that the PAP’s success in GE2015 was largely due to its responsiveness to a changing Singapore and at the same

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December 2015

time, staying true to its ideals of a Singapore for all Singaporeans.

Despite his busy schedule, Mr Amrin has his social moments. He enjoys regular chats with his close friends over a cup or two of teh tarik at a neighbourhood coƤee shop. And of late he has a woman in his life ȃ a doctor working at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, across from his work place at New PhoeniW Park. Their diƤerent schedules, however, do not allow them to have regular lunch dates. He is trying to get her to attend more grassroots events.

December 2015

25

G RO U N DWO R K

>

WO ME N ' S WI N G

Making up for lost time

BY KHUSHWANT SINGH

After stepping back from politics just before GE2015, former MPs Irene Ng, Penny Low and Ellen Lee are now devoting themselves to matters they had to sideline during their political careers

F

or Ms Irene Ng, who served three terms as MP for the Changkat ward in Tampines GRC, it's now mainly family time. She said: “My parents who live in Penang are in their ͤ͜s, and s ơer from vario s health ailments. I sometimes could not help feeling guilty when I attended our senior activities in the constituency ȃ I spent more time with our Changkat seniors and taking care of them than my own parents. Now, it is time to make up for that.”

She also intends to spend more time with her husband, Graham. He had left Scotland and his career in 2007 to marry her, but never got to see much of her because of her hectic MP schedule.

A former journalist, she also plans to return to writing, which she describes as “my Ƥrst love”. It had taken a backseat when she was active in politics.

Serial entrepreneur Ms Penny Low is another three-term MP, at Punggol North in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. Originally she had intended to give the 10 best years of her prime life to Singapore. Ms Low ended up putting aside her growing business and life plans to serve the people for 14 years. After stepping back from politics, she has been busy with what she described as “unƤnished business”, as well as ongoing philanthropy work and international engagements.

She said her not-for-proƤt organisation ȃ the Social Innovation Park ȃ had just held a “hackathon”, a competition to create apps for the social sector to foster collaboration, and enhance market place and volunteer management systems, while preparing for its upcoming 10th anniversary events. She also endeavours to spend more time with her family.

A former two-term MP for Woodlands in the Sembawang GRC, Ms Ellen Lee, has resumed full-time practice as a lawyer and is also spending more time with her family.

She has four step-children and 10 grandchildren.

She said: “Life is a tad more leisurely now that I don’t have back-to-back events to at-

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December 2015

Despite retiring from politics, all three women helped tirelessly in the last GE in planning strategy, attending rallies or joining in the house visits by PAP candidates, especially in their respective wards.

A resident bids a teary farewell to Ms Ng on hearing news about her retirement as her MP.

tend. Although I miss the exciting life of an MP, I am contented to have some peace and quiet for a change as I slow down to enjoy life more than before.”

In the years ahead, she will focus on her family, career and to continue with community services that she enjoys.

PAP in their DNA

Ms Low on the stump for her PAP comrades.

Ms Lee enjoying an outing with grandson Nicholas Toh.

Despite retiring from politics, all three women helped tirelessly in the last GE in planning strategy, attending rallies or joining in the house visits by PAP candidates, especially in their respective wards.

As former MPs, they had come to know many of the residents personally. Ms Ng, 52, said: “I felt it was imperative that the political capital that I have built up over the years be passed on to the new candidate.”

The trio hope to contribute to PAP’s continued success. Ms Low said it best: “Our party is part of my DNA; hence I will always be ready to contribute to the best of my ability.”

Asked what advice they would give to new PAP women MPs, Ms Low, 48 and Ms Lee, 58, said that while the new politicians go about helping their constituents, they should not neglect their own health and their family members as well.

Ms Ng’s advice: “Trust in what you think.

Act on what you believe in. You can’t please everyone.”

All three women left on a high note judging from the response from their constituents. Without doubt, they will be making their mark again, this time in another phase of their lives.

G RO U N DWO RK

>

YO U N G PA P

Forging stronger ties via SG50 Amazing Race Undeterred by the haze, YP members took part in Young NTUC’s SG50 Amazing Race and in the process, discovered how affordable public transport is in Singapore

E

ver traversed the whole of Singapore with only $7 for transport? Five Young PAP (YP) members did that recently when they took part in the SG50 Amazing Race organised by Young NTUC. The YP team comprised members from the Jurong, Nee Soon and Holland-Bukit Timah YP Regions.

Not only did they accomplish the feat, they also fostered a closer relationship with their counterparts from Young NTUC. The Amazing Race, on October 3, was held in conjunction with Young NTUC’s 10th anniversary and the nation’s 50th birthday. It attracted some 300 youth union members from 14 unions.

Despite some initial concerns about the haze on race day, it kicked oơ at ͥam with all ͢0 teams going through a series of checkpoints to complete challenges which could be either physical or a speciƤc task such as solving a quiz or puzzle. And through it all, each team member could travel only by public transport ȃ using a $7-EZ-LINK card.

Mr William Chow, Region Chairman of YP Jurong, Yuhua Branch who took part, said: “It was a challenge. We had to be creative to stretch our dollar. The team pooled together our local knowledge and innovative ideas to achieve an optimisation between our race objectives and our very limited transport budget.

“For instance, we cleared checkpoints that were clustered together to save transport cost, instead of criss-crossing the island in a budgetbusting manner. Where feasible, we walked or sometimes even opted to take a slightly longer bus journey to save some money.”

History lessons Iconic landmarks such as the Padang, former Supreme Court, Marina Floating Platform, Merlion Park, NTUC Building@OMB and union oƥces such as UWPI (United Workers of Petroleum Industry), BATU (Building Construction & Timber Industries Employees Union) and AUPE (Amalgamated Union of Public Employees) were among

Camaraderie between YP and Young NTUC members.

YP team members used their local knowledge and creativity to stretch the $7-per person transport budget to clear 10 checkpoints which were located across the island.

Pre-race at Orchid Country Club: All raring to go.

the 10 checkpoints completed by the teams.

“We learnt many insights into why unions were formed, their history and contributions to the development of Singapore. Most of the answers to the quizzes could not be found on Google!,” said Mr Chow with a chuckle.

“We also did many interesting things together, such as running the length of the Padang to get its length which we managed to accomplish using GPS and taking a ‘jumping-in-the-air’ photo with the Merlion as the backdrop,” he added.

“We had great fun planning our routes; our minds were constantly stretched to complete the race within the tight travel budget,’’ Mr Chow said, noting the fact that the YP team was able to complete the race with only $7 per person was testament of the country’s “very affordable public transport system.”

Forging closer ties with Young NTUC was another outcome of the outing. Mr Chow said the two groups already knew each other but the race has enhanced their friendship. “Going forward, YP, which has a pipeline of activities in ͞01͢, will deƤnitely invite Young NTUC to participate in our activities,’’ he said.

December 2015

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BACKBENCHER'S BITE WHO: Cheng Li Hui, Tampines GRC MP who entered politics in 2015 and is Deputy CEO of engineering ƥrm 'ai +ecJ 'oldings WHERE: l Yhar Tampines !locJ 201D, Tampines Street 21, #011105 ON THE MENU: Roti +ong )ohn ʙ 50 , cheese naan ʙ 50 , mutton dum Ariyani ʙ 50

Before and After

BY WONG SHER MAINE

M

s Cheng Li Hui was a volunteerturned-MP after GE2015. Petir caught up with her recently on her

new role.

TOPICS DISCUSSED Ҟ P I’ve been a volunteer in the grassroots for over a decade. As an MP, you could say my role is the same yet diơerent. or e ample, as a volunteer, I drafted letters for people seeking help. I still draft letters but as an MP, I’m responsible in seeing that these letters get appropriately managed, and that they get the correct advice and assistance.

As an MP, I have to adjust my schedule as I attend many more events. It is important for me to be there to show support to the community, the VWOs, schools and other organisations that invite me. Today is a weekday, and I have already attended three events.

The funny thing is, when I was a volunteer, I would come early for an event. Now, I have to make sure that I arrive e actly on time and not too early, which is surprisingly not easy for me, as I’ve always turned up early for years. ҟ P Over the years, I’ve learnt a lot from the MPs I worked with. When I volunteered

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December 2015

in Bukit Panjang, I saw how Dr Teo Ho Pin steadily and relentlessly built up programmes like brisk walking for the elderly over the years. What impressed me was the dedication and belief, because many programmes take years before they mature and bear fruit.

Now I step into Mr Mah Bow Tan’s shoes at Tampines East and they are big shoes to ƤllǨ He has great rapport with his activists and residents. He would walk into a household and say – “Hey how’s your brother?” remembering the fact from his last visit. He is especially close to the senior citizens and has implemented many new programmes for them in Tampines, for e ample, the ͟-in-1 amily Day Care Centre and enior Citizens itness Parks. Ҡ My father was a rojak hawker turned businessman. His was the classic rags to riches story. With little education and through the sweat of his brow, he made a life for himself and all of us. He impressed on us his values of giving back to the community and volunteerism. As a young teenager in secondary school, I remember helping to pack goodie bags.

When I was a girl guide, I visited old folks’ homes, cleaned homes, mobilised my school mates in community work. As I matured, I

understood what a privilege it is to help people and it’s now a big part of who I am. ҡ Like many other ingaporeans, my grandparents took care of me as my parents were working. And so I was very close to them. This made me naturally more compassionate to the issues and concerns of the elderly. I’m also great with young children. rom young, I took care of my younger siblings, nieces and nephews. Till today, young children always ƪock to me when I visit them. It brings me so much joy to share that time with them.

Tampines has many young families as well as elderly, many of whom were resettled farmers from the old Tampines Village. I hope to continue connecting our seniors and our children through interactive activities because I’ve personally seen how both groups beneƤt.

Recently, senior citizens from the eldercare centre and kids from the childcare and student care centres made tang yuan ȋƪour ballsȌ together. The young enjoyed spending time with the elderly, and you should see the smiles on the faces of the elderly when the kids said ‘Xie xie, Ah Gong or Ah Ma!’ (Thank you, grandfather or grandmother in MandarinȌ”