Paving the way for GE2021 (Petir Oct 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

October 2015

STRONG MANDATE FOR A BETTER SINGAPORE IN THIS ISSUE

Jalan Besar’s big-hearted activists pg24 Indranee Rajah: Women power pg26 Democratic governance in Singapore pg16

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COVER STORY

Even as the PAP wins a resounding mandate in GE2015, SecretaryGeneral Lee Hsien Loong says it must remain humble and stay close to the people. And the road to winning GE2021 starts now.

PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Lawrence Wong (Chairman) Desmond Lee 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 Lim Huan Chiang Editorial and Design Focus Publishing Limited (Tel: 6319-2392) Printer KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Photos Singapore Press Holdings, istockphoto.com

Paving the way for GE2021

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FEATURE

Democratic governance in today’s world Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong spells out the attributes that good leaders must have.

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FEATURE

The meaning of the 2015 General Election Former MP Chiang Hai Ding says the 2015 general election showed the electorate voted for continuity.

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CONVERSATION

Door opener for Singapore Inc

We do not always get to do what we like, but we can learn to like it, ƪ Ǥ ǡ with gusto.

FEATURE

Better protection for all An easy-to-read guide on MediShield Life ahead of its rollout on November 1, 2015.

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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October 2015

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Contents 19 24

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GROUNDWORK BRANCHING OUT

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The veteran and the newbie Age is no barrier when it comes to helping fellow residents in the Jalan Besar Division.

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WOMEN'S WING

Turning women into vote gatherers ƪ therefore a potent force to be harnessed for the PAP, says Indranee Rajah.

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PAP POLICY FORUM

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Needed: New pioneers for a better S’pore Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the PPF will press on with its work to gather views that will shape policies.

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

October 2015

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COVER STORY

Paving the way for

GE2021

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October 2015

Various factors led to a resounding PAP victory in GE2015. Now is the time to pull together and work with renewed energy and humility, to build on that mandate and take Singapore forward.

T

he outcome of GE2015 results were an unexpected surprise, even for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. “The General Election results were better than we had dared to hope; indeed better than anyone expected,� said Mr Lee in post-election remarks. “It was a fresh and clear mandate from Singaporeans.�

PAP won 69.9 per cent of the vote, and 83 out of 89 constituencies. Veteran MP Charles Chong wrested Punggol East SMC from the Workers’ Party’s Lee Li Lian.

Given the heat of the hustings, huge turnouts at opposition rallies and online sentiments, many expected a closer contest between the PAP and Opposition.

But the results showed that there is a sizeable group of “swing voters� in the middle whose votes were not so predictable.

Workers’ Party chairman Sylvia Lim acknowl‡†‰‡† –Š‹•Ǥ ‘—”• ƒˆ–‡” –Š‡ ƤÂ?ƒŽ ‡Ž‡…–‹‘Â? ”‡•—Ž–•ǥ she observed: “We are quite used to our rallies being well-attended, and also quite used to them not translating into votes. I think rallies tend to attract your own support base and perhaps some swing voters. But many of the swing voters probably will be making their decisions at home‌So we always have to take rally turnouts with a pinch of salt.â€?

Success in GE2015 was due to the convergence of several factors.

The passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew triggered an outpouring of gratitude to the founder of modern Singapore and the PAP Government.

Singaporeans were also proud of what had been achieved as the nation celebrated its Golden Jubilee.

More importantly, the people could see how the PAP had worked hard over the last four years to better their lives and wanted this to continue.

Some may also have feared the possibility of a freak election result as the opposition had contested all 89 seats.

Said Mr Lee: “In 2011, I promised that we would deal with the issues that concerned the people – housing, health, transport, foreign workers. We

“In victory, we must be humble, and stay close to the people whom we serve.

The PAP must never become arrogant, whether in the personal behaviour and attitudes of MPs and activists, or in the policies and actions of the party and government.�

- PAP Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong

did. We’ve worked hard to engage Singaporeans, solve problems, open new opportunities and work out policies which suit our needs. “We had a more inclusive focus on social needs, especially for the elderly and the disadvantaged.�

Since 2011, this focus had resulted in the introduction of new schemes like the Pioneer Generation Package, MediShield Life and the Silver Support Scheme.

The PAP also stepped up its engagement with citizens directly, through platforms like the Our Singapore Conversation, and the use of social media.

Keeping faith The election result has sent an important signal to our neighbours and the world that Singaporeans are determined to keep our nation special. “We need to pull together to resume our Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?nj„—‹Ž†‹Â?‰ ‡ƥ‘”–•ǥdz •ƒ‹† ” ‡‡Ǥ Dz ‡ ™‹ŽŽ ™‘”Â? with all Singaporeans, including those who voted against us, in order to take Singapore forward.â€? Â? ‹Â?’‘”–ƒÂ?– ’ƒ”– ‘ˆ –Š‹• ‡ƥ‘”– ‹• Ž‡ƒ†‡”•Š‹’ renewal. Forming the best team of future leaders is crucial, and the election has allowed the PAP to reinforce the nucleus of its next generation team, comprising younger ministers. “The new team will forge their own bonds with younger Singaporeans,â€? said Mr Lee. He stressed the results should be received with humility, even as MPs hit the ground running with renewed vigour. “In victory, we must be humble, and stay close to the people whom we serve. The PAP must never become arrogant, whether in the personal behaviour and attitudes of MPs and activists, or in the policies and actions of the party and government,â€? he said.

Complacency must not set in. Said Mr Lee: “This mandate means that we have to work extra hard to serve because we are trustees and stewards.

MPs and the government must work to deliver on what we have promised to do, build on our mandate and consolidate our position. Winning GE2021 starts now.�

October 2015

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COVER STORY

New Cabinet Highlights: • Fourth generation takes on leadership roles • One of the youngest Cabinets, with over half of the ministers under 55 years of age Ş ,R &Q@BD %T ADBNLDR ƥQRS VNL@M SN GDKL @ LHMHRSQX

Teo Chee Hean Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security

Tharman Shanmugaratnam Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies

Khaw Boon Wan Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Transport

Lim Hng Kiang

Lim Swee Say

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim

Dr Ng Eng Hen

Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade)

Minister for Manpower

Minister for Communications and Information

Minister for Defence

K. Shanmugam

Gan Kim Yong

S. Iswaran

Heng Swee Keat

Grace Fu

Minister for Health

Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry)

Minister for Finance

Minister for Foreign ơ

Minister for Home ơ for Law

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth

Chan Chun Sing

Tan Chuan-Jin

Lawrence Wong

0DVDJRV =XONLƪL

Ng Chee Meng

Ong Ye Kung

Minister, Prime ǯ ƥ NTUC SecretaryGeneral

Minister for Social and Family Development

Minister for National Development

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources

Acting Minister for Education (Schools) and Senior Minister of State for Transport

Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Senior Minister of State for Defence

Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

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October 2015

GE2015 Results Aljunied GRC

Number of Voters: 148,142

PAP: 67,424

WP: 70,050

49.04%

50.96%

Chua Eng Leong K Muralidharan Pillai Lye Thiam Fatt Joseph Victor Shamsul Kamar Bin Mohamed Razali Yeo Guat Kwang

Chen Show Mao Sylvia Lim Low Thia Khiang Md Faisal Bin Abdul Manap Pritam Singh

PAP: 86,701 WON

“The voters of Aljunied have decided. I wish to thank all our volunteers who have walked the distance with us. I appreciate your unwavering support as we rebuilt the ground in 2012.”

- Victor Lye

Number of Voters: 187,771

78.64% Ang Hin Kee Darryl Wilson David Gan Thiam Poh Intan Azura Binte Mokhtar Koh Poh Koon Lee Hsien Loong

WON

73.59%

Number of Voters: 129,975

Singapore People's Party: 31,108 WON

26.41% Law Kim Hwee Long Yaoguang, Don Bryan Mohamad Abdillah Bin Zamzuri Mohamad Hamim bin Aliyas Pwee Yek Kwan Benjamin

Chee Hong Tat Chong Kee Hiong Ng Eng Hen Saktiandi Bin Supaat Josephine Teo

“My own reading is Singaporeans want political leaders - of all parties - to uphold high standards.”

- Dr Ng Eng Hen

Ang Mo Kio GRC PAP: 135,316

Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

Bukit Batok SMC

Number of Voters: 27,077

Reform Party: 36,758

PAP: 18,234

SDP: 6,588

Independent: 150

21.36%

73.02%

26.38%

0.60%

Goh Keow Wah Jesse Loo Hoe Bock Roy Ngerng Yi Ling Osman Sulaiman M Ravi Siva Chandran

David Ong Kim Huat

Sadasivam V

Samir Salim Neji

“This election result shows that the young people understand what is at stake, and support what we are doing to secure a bright future for Singapore. In due time, they will be able to take up this responsibility and take the country further forward.”

- Lee Hsien Loong

WON

“I will do my utmost. We heard you, we listened to you, it’s time to roll up our sleeves, dig in and work hard to serve you for the new term. I’m sure the PAP from this election will rise up and will win over those who did not vote for us.” - David Ong Kim Huat

October 2015

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COVER STORY Bukit Panjang SMC PAP: 21,954

68.38%

Number of Voters: 34,317

SDP: 10,152 WON

Teo Ho Pin

PAP: 84,850

31.62%

57.50%

Khung Wai Yeen

Cheryl Chan Wei Ling

76.91% Gan Kim Yong Low Yen Ling Yee Chia Hsing Zaqy Mohamad

Number of Voters: 119,931

60.73%

66.60% Christopher De Souza Liang Eng Hwa Sim Ann Vivian Balakrishnan

WP: 35,622

“If you engage the residents correctly, if we serve them ơ ǡ

believe the votes will come automatically. So, (we will) chase after residents, rather than chase after votes.”

- Lim Swee Say

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October 2015

Number of Voters: 104,491

SDP: 31,494 WON

33.40% Chee Soon Juan Chong Wai Fung Md Sidek Bin Mallek Paul Anantharajah Tambyah

“I see this as an investment of hard work and relationship building, which takes years, not something which you do over nine days.”

- Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

Number of Voters: 99,118

Lee Yi Shyan Lim Swee Say Mohd Maliki Bin Osman Tan Soon Neo Jessica

Dennis Tan Lip Fong

PAP: 62,786

Goh Meng Seng Lee Tze Shih Low Wai Choo Syafarin Bin Sarif

East Coast GRC WON

42.50%

Holland-Bukit Timah GRC

23.09%

“For those who did not support us, we will continue to engage you and win you over. We will move forward as one community, one big family.”

- Gan Kim Yong

PAP: 55,093

WP: 9,176 WON

“It is good to begin working right after the hustings. We will continue reaching out to our residents beyond those who come to MPS. No matter what, I'm in it for a long time.”

- Cheryl Chan

People's Power Party: 25,475 WON

Number of Voters: 23,427

PAP: 12,417

“I’ve been here for the last 20 years, and I've worked with residents to develop Bukit Panjang to what it is today.

I want to continue to serve residents in the years to come.

My vision for Bukit Panjang is to build a better home and a vibrant community.”

- Teo Ho Pin

Chua Chu Kang GRC

Fengshan SMC

Hong Kah North SMC PAP: 19,628

39.27%

74.76%

Gerald Giam Yean Song Daniel Goh Pei Siong ,NG@LDC %@HQNY !HM 2G@QHƤ Leon Perera

Amy Khor Lean Suan

Number of Voters: 28,145

Singapore People's Party: 6,627 WON

“I would like to thank our Hong Kah North residents for their warm welcomes and constant encouragement, especially to those who have seen me several times and still came up to shake my hand!” - Dr Amy Khor

25.24% Ravi Philemon

GE2015 Results Hougang SMC

Number of Voters: 24,097

PAP: 9,565

WP: 13,027

42.34%

57.66%

Lee Hong Chuang

Png Eng Huat

WON

“I think the residents trusted me and could see that I was sincere. If the Prime Minister lets me, of course I want to come back (in 2021).”

- Lee Hong Chuang

Jalan Besar GRC

67.75% Heng Chee How Lily Neo Denise Phua Lay Peng Yaacob Ibrahim

79.29% Ang Wei Neng Desmond Lee Rahayu Binte Mahzam Tharman Shanmugaratnam Tan Wu Meng

65.60%

33.59%

0.82%

Tin Pei Ling

Chen Jiaxi

Cheo Chai Chen

Marine Parade GRC PAP: 85,138

64.07% Fatimah Binte Abdul Lateef Goh Chok Tong Seah Kian Peng Tan Chuan-Jin Tong Chun Fai Edwin Charles

Number of Voters: 146,244

WP: 47,753 WON

35.93% Firuz Khan He Tingru Ng Foo Eng Terence Tan Yee Jenn Jong

“Our focus will always be on our people and our nation that we love and we call home. And we will never lose that focus.”

- Tan Chuan-Jin

SingFirst Party: 24,869 WON

NSP: 215

Chan Sio Phing Frieda (Zeng Xiaoping) L Somasundaram 1DCYV@M '@ƥCY ACTK 1@Y@J Sim Tian Hock (Shen Tianfu)

Number of Voters: 130,498

PAP: 95,228

WP: 8,833

32.25%

“In 2011, you felt the tension doors open, it was not pleasant.

Now people are warmer.”

- Dr Yaacob Ibrahim

Jurong GRC

PAP: 17,251

“Because I was a a rookie (in 2011), it took a while for people to know me better, to warm up. But really, at the end of the day, it’s about just working very hard and trying my very best to solve problems that residents face.” - Tin Pei Ling

WP: 30,302 WON

Number of Voters: 28,511

WON

Number of Voters: 102,540

PAP: 63,644

MacPherson SMC

Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC PAP: 68,546

20.71%

68.73%

Foo Ming Jin David Sukdeu Singh Tan Peng Ann Wong Chee Wai Wong Soon Hong

Halimah Yacob Ong Teng Koon Lawrence Wong Alex Yam Ziming

“We are humbled by voters' trust in us and faith in our plans and we'll work very hard to take it forward. How do we take it forward? By continuing to listen, by being open to all ideas, by checking ourselves when we make mistakes and correcting them as well as we can and to be Singaporeans together.”

- Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Number of Voters: 107,599

SDP: 31,185 WON

31.27% Damanhuri Bin Abas Lim Boon Heng Tan Liang Joo John Wong Souk Yee

“Democracy is more than just about voting. It's about active citizen participation and collective problem-solving. It's about government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

- Lawrence Wong

October 2015

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COVER STORY Mountbatten SMC PAP: 15,331

71.86%

WON

Lim Biow Chuan

Number of Voters: 24,143

Pioneer SMC

SPP: 6,004

PAP: 18,017

28.14%

76.35%

Jeannette Chong - Aruldoss

Cedric Foo Chee Keng

“The results were beyond my expectation. But I pledge to remain humble and to serve with a heart.”

- Lim Biow Chuan

Number of Voters: 25,458

NSP: 5,581 WON

23.65% Ong Beng Soon Elvin

“For some of you who had not voted for me, you are still one of our own....a Singaporean. I will continue to serve you to the best of my ability.”

- Cedric Foo

Potong Pasir SMC PAP: 10,602

Nee Soon GRC

Number of Voters: 132,289

66.39%

Singapore People's Party: 5,368 WON

Sitoh Yih Pin

PAP: 82,287

66.83%

WP: 40,841 WON

K Shanmugam Kwek Hian Chuan Lee Bee Wah Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim Ng Kok Kwang Louis

33.17% Foo Seck Guan Gurmit Singh s/o Sadhu Singh Koh Tiong Yee Cheryl Loh Xiu Wen Ron Tan Jun Yen

“Our electorate is savvy, sophisticated. You do wrong things, you will get punished. People know that the PAP will keep on its toes, will be accountable and if it doesn't do either, it can be delivered a very sharp lesson.”

- K Shanmugam

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC PAP: 125,166

72.89% Janil Puthucheary Ng Chee Meng Sun Xueling Teo Chee Hean Teo Ser Luck Zainal Bin Sapari

Dz ơ Singaporeans the opportunity to choose a leadership whom they can work with and trust Ƥ but the future. A good, stable, honest leadership with a heart for the people.”

- Teo Chee Hean 12

October 2015

33.61% Loh Woon Lee Lina

“I promise, I deliver. Simple as that.”

- Sitoh Yih Pin

Punggol East SMC PAP: 16,977

51.77%

Number of Voters: 34,466

WP: 15,818 WON

Charles Chong You Fook

48.23% Lee Li Lian

“Allow me to thank you all for bringing the shine back to Punggol East.”

- Charles Chong

Number of Voters: 187,396

SDA: 46,550 WON

Number of Voters: 17,407

27.11% Abu bin Mohamed Harminder Pal Singh s/o Gurcharan Singh Lim Bak Chuan Desmond Lim Tung Hee Arthero Ong Teik Seng Wong Way Weng

Radin Mas SMC

Number of Voters: 28,906

PAP: 20,246

Reform Party: 3,333

Independent: 2,630

77.25%

12.72%

10.03%

Tan Chin Siong

Kumar s/o Appavoo

Han Hui Hui

WON

“For the past nine years, Radin Mas has been a home to me.

I've been walking the ground many times a week, day and night, and I have many friends there.” - Tan Chin Siong

GE2015 Results Sembawang GRC PAP: 96,718

72.28%

Number of Voters: 144,672

NSP: 37,087 WON

Amrin Amin Khaw Boon Wan Lim Wee Kiak Ong Ye Kung Vikram Nair

77.71%

Abdul Rasheed s/o Y Abdul Kuthus Lim Tong Zhen Ng Chung Hon Yadzeth Bin Hairis Yeo Ren-Yuan

Chan Chun Sing Chia Shi-Lu Indranee Thurai Rajah Joan Pereira Melvin Yong Yik Chye

62.13%

Number of Voters: 30,119

WP: 10,721

Lam Pin Min

37.87%

“The Government has heard the voices of Singaporeans.

We need to continue to do so and to address their concerns adequately.”

- Lam Pin Min

72.07%

WON

Baey Yam Keng Cheng Li Hui Desmond Choo Pey Ching Heng Swee Keat ,@R@FNR 9TKJHƦH

“This style of getting ideas from our people, listening to the ground and formulating the best possible approach forward is very important and we will continue with this; we'll continue to engage.”

- Heng Swee Keat

22.29% Ang Yong Guan Chirag Praful Desai Chiu Weng Hoe Melvyn Mohamad Fahmi Bin Ahmad Rais Tan Jee Say

West Coast GRC

Number of Voters: 99,300

78.57%

Reform Party: 19,426 WON

Foo Mee Har Lim Hng Kiang S Iswaran Patrick Tay Teck Guan

21.43% Kenneth Andrew Jeyaretnam Noraini Binte Yunus Soh Guan Soon Zhu Laicheng

“As we celebrate SG50, this is a turning point for Singapore. I hope Singaporeans will remain united as we work together for a better future for ourselves and our children.”

- Lim Hng Kiang

Number of Voters: 143,518

PAP: 95,305

SGF: 25,998 WON

PAP: 71,214

Koh Choong Yong

Tampines GRC

Number of Voters: 130,752

“As long as we focus on residents and their welfare, I think the residents will take care of the (election) result for us.”

- Chan Chun Sing

Sengkang West SMC WON

PAP: 90,635

27.72%

“The election results are a clear signal to political parties that they should focus on the matters that concern the people, and not on politicking.

Action, not words. Results, not rhetoric.”

- Khaw Boon Wan

PAP: 17,586

Tanjong Pagar GRC

Yuhua SMC

NSP: 36,943

PAP: 15,324

27.93%

73.55%

Choong Hon Heng Fong Chin Leong Lim Tean Nor Lella Mardiiiah Binte Mohamed Teo Kway Huang Sebastian

Number of Voters: 22,617

SDP: 5,512 WON

Grace Fu Hai Yien

26.45% Go Hui Leng

“It feels great to be back in The Yuhua Family. Some of them also reminded me of their vote for me and the responsibility that came with it.”

- Grace Fu

Party Abbreviation NSP National Solidarity Party PAP People's Action Party SDA Singapore Democratic Alliance

SDP Singapore Democratic Party SGF Singaporeans First WP Workers' Party

October 2015

13

FEATURE

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong spoke at the Institute of Policy Studies’ SG50 Conference on July 3, 2015. Petir brings you an edited version of it

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October 2015

“I

shall speak as a practitioner of democratic governance and in the context of Singapore, and not as an academic or in the esoteric abstract. A US senator, Thomas Philip O’Neill, was reported ǡ Dz ƥ ƥ Ǥdz The corollary of this is also true: “Good ƥ ƥ Ǥdz This then begs the question: How do you ƥ Ƥ place?

This is the conundrum in a democracy: How to produce a stable, good government time and again and not a musical-chair government at every election.

In my view, good leaders must have at least the following seven attributes: • integrity – honest, incorruptible and morally upright; • competence – able, practical, innovative ơ Ǣ

• compassion – fair, just and look after the weak, the poor and the vulnerable citizens; • think ahead – anticipate challenges and strategise for the long-term while attending to current problems; • conviction – prepared to introduce necessary but painful measures out of conviction and eschew populist policies; • ƪ – serve and not exploit power for personal and party (political) gain; and plan for leadership succession; and • adaptability – adapt to changing political and social environment and are in tune with people’s aspirations, especially the young’s and the new middle-class’.

It is easy to spot good leaders on hindsight. But it is much harder for voters to judge leadership and character in the fog of election campaigning. Universally, the ballot box tradition has more misses than hits in picking the best leaders. The number of

democracies is at an all-time high, yet trust in politics and politicians is collapsing. It will get more challenging over time to pick good leaders. Hence, Singapore should think ahead to see how it can continue to do so.

A good starting point is to debate whether and how the Singapore democratic model, developed by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, can be adapted to the current and future political and social environment. Will it continue to produce good governments in the next 50 years?

Two key features in our future landscape I see two key features in the future landscape that governments will have to deal with in order to succeed – higher and changing expectations of the citizenry and the impact of technology and social media.

Singaporeans’ standard of living is at an all-time high. Many of us own our homes, enjoy good healthcare, have a job and travel widely. Our children have a good education and bright career prospects. But human nature is such that whatever we have merely becomes the new springboard for higher expectations.

Indeed, this is how human society progresses. And it is not just higher expectations but also changing expectations. For ǡ Ƥ ǡ ͝ǡ ͞ǡ ͟ǡ ͠ Ȃ ǡ ǡ ͟Ǧ ƪ ǡ four wheels. For the generation after me, it was 5Cs – cash, car, condominium, credit card and country club. I do not know what the current mantra is but ‘work-life balance’ seems to be a priority.

In the past, our mountain of expectations was Bukit Timah Hill. We climbed it easily, just 537 feet high. Now it is Mt Everest, not easy to climb. The nearer you are to the peak, the harder it becomes. Not only must you be on top of your game, you also need luck on your side. But the government must hold out hope that everyone who tries can make it to the peak of his expectation. Everyone has his own Mt Everest of expectation and the task of the government is to encourage and help him scale it.

The second key feature – the Internet and social media – is value-neutral. These Ƥ democratise information in the hands of the Ǥ Ƥ information is processed and consumed.

Social media allows leaders to get closer to the people. They can share their thoughts with a wider group of people more easily. It also enables leaders to consult with citizens in a more timely fashion, rather than communicating decisions only after they have been made.

But social media also adds another layer of complexity to governing, a job which is already challenging. For example, the government’s voice is not as dominant as before.

To get its messages heard, read or seen is a challenge.

ơ ǯ The twin drivers of growing expectations and social media mean that politicians will face increasing challenges in both running ƥ ƥ Ǥ ǡ ơ government?

Singapore has managed to maintain a virtuous cycle of good governance over the past 50 years. Initiated by Mr Lee Kuan Yew, we have managed to select and elect good leaders. The people have trusted their elected government to run the country well and returned them in successive elections. How do we keep this virtuous cycle going? I cannot speak for other democracies, but I hope that I can at least state the necessary and sufƤ ǯ success.

The responsibility of democracy producing good governance lies with the citizens

“Singaporeans must vote for the party that they believe is best able to govern. They should not treat elections like circuses, auctions, beauty contests, or tikam tikam. On the evidence of past general elections, Singaporean voters are astute in their collective vote, choosing when and how to calibrate between showing approval and unhappiness. May they remain rational and wise.”

and the political parties which contest to govern them. This is stating the obvious ƥ discharging this responsibility. This is the Ȃ ƥ political system to operate successfully.

I see two basic conditions for producing good government.

First, the necessary condition. Those Sin ƥ ƥ Ǥ must be prepared to support them, because they represent our best hope for collective success. If they go down, Singapore goes down, along with every one of us.

These candidates and the people must see political leadership as both a noble calling and a worthwhile profession. It has to be a ǡ Ƥ ǡ cal leaders must have the conviction and the passion to work for the people and the Ƥ and lucrative careers.

But it must also be a worthwhile “profession” for them, like medicine, law and directors of corporations. Here, I certainly do not mean for us to have professional politicians, as that would be a disaster. I mean political service must be highly respected as a profession and devotion.

If politics is just a calling, in good times, Singapore will see fewer and fewer people in Ƥ Ǥ Many just do not see the need. The task for all political parties then is to seek out and encourage good people who can govern to run for elections. Then, at the end of the day, whichever party wins, it would be in a position to form a Cabinet which is exceptional. ǡ ƥ Ǥ poreans must vote for the party that they believe is best able to govern. They should not treat elections like circuses, auctions, beauty contests, or tikam tikam. On the evidence of past general elections, Singaporean voters are astute in their collective vote, choosing when and how to calibrate between showing approval and unhappiness. May they remain rational and wise.

To sum up, the answer to whether Singapore can maintain its current virtuous cycle of good governance lies in each and every Singaporean. In our hands, rest the power ơ ence, some to lead and others to support.’’

October 2015

17

FEATURE

The meaning of the 2015 General Election CHIANG HAI DING Dr Chiang was elected MP for Ulu Pandan 1970-1984. He published “Elections in Singapore

Ś HM )TKX @MC ř6D KRN 2DQUDC 1DƌDBSHNMR NE %NQLDQ / / ,/RŚ BN DCHSDC VHSG fellow MP Rohan Kamis) in July 2014.

O PAP supporters cheering for the party at Bedok stadium on election night.

n September 11, 2015, the people decided! They voted resoundingly for our Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong and his team, and for Singapore's future as a special little red dot in a world that is changing at an ever increasing speed.

The people voted again for the long term, and for continuity with a tried and tested party that continues to keep faith with them.

Â? ÍĄÍœÇĄ ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ Šƒ• –ƒÂ?‡Â? –Š‡ Ƥ”•– •–‡’ –‘™ƒ”†• ƒ •‡…—”‡ Í?͜͜Ǥ ‡ ™‹ŽŽ need many steps to cover our second 50 years but every journey begins with that ‹Â?’‘”–ƒÂ?– Ƥ”•– •–‡’Ǥ The PAP heard the voice of the people in the 2011 GE. We listened more during Our Singapore Conversation. We placed greater emphasis on the social aspects of our national policies. In addition to the Workfare scheme, we added MediShield Life, the Pioneer Generation Package and the Silver Support Scheme.

We responded to the expressed wishes of the people but we remain responsible by ensuring that we introduce social programmes that are sustainable and do not burden the future generations of Singaporeans.

Â? •‘Â?‡ ’”‡˜‹‘—• •ǥ –Š‡ ‘’’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ’ƒ”–‹‡• ‡Â?‰‹Â?‡‡”‡† ƒ „›nj‡Ž‡…–‹‘Â? ‡ƥ‡…– „› agreeing to contest fewer than half the seats in Parliament. They thus ensured that the people continued to enjoy a PAP government and they, the opposition parties, hoped to win a few seats.

For the 2015 GE, the opposition parties managed to agree not to oppose each other in any constituency, and to have one opposition party to oppose the PAP in each constituency.

Even more astonishing was the opposition hope that Deputy Prime Minister Tharman would split with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and lead an alternative government comprising opposition parties! It was a well deserved compliment to our Party and our DPM, as well as a realistic self-assessment of the opposition parties!

2015 GE is endorsement of PAP

“The results of the 2015 *( DIĂ€UP the people’s view that this Singapore model works.â€?

18

October 2015

Our party has consistently looked for men and women with talent and character to refresh its leadership and to make up Singapore's Team A. The people and the …‘—Â?–”› …ƒÂ?Â?‘– ÂƒĆĄÂ‘Â”Â† –‘ •‡––Ž‡ ˆ‘” •‡…‘Â?†nj„‡•–Ǥ Š‡ ”‡•—Ž–• ‘ˆ –Š‡ ͜͞Í?ÍĄ ÂƒĆĽÂ”Â? –Š‡ ’‡‘’Ž‡ǯ• ˜‹‡™ –Šƒ– –Š‹• ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ Â?‘†‡Ž works.

In essence, the electoral processes that brought the PAP into power in 1959 have ”‡Â?ƒ‹Â?‡† —Â?…ŠƒÂ?‰‡†Ǥ Š‡•‡ ƒ”‡ —Â?‹˜‡”•ƒŽ Â•Â—ĆĄÂ”ÂƒÂ‰Â‡ÇĄ ‘Â?‡njÂ?ƒÂ? ‘Â?Â‡ÇŚÂ˜Â‘Â–Â‡ÇĄ –Š‡ ”‹‰Š– –‘ express one's views, the right to form political parties, free and fair elections at regular intervals, numbered ballot papers and the secret ballot.

The PAP is the only party that contested all constituencies and fought to win every seat.

The PAP will continue to engage our people, to evolve and to grow with them in order to earn their trust to lead the country. We wish to also represent the people of Aljunied GRC and Hougang in Parliament in the next GE.

CONVERSATION

Door opener for Singapore Inc Not everyone gets to do what he likes but one can learn to like it. With this abiding principle, Masagos Zulkifli tells Petir about his work and views on his community.

I

Â?•‹†‡ ƒ•ƒ‰‘• —ŽÂ?‹ƪ‹ǯ• ™ƒŽŽ‡– ‹• ƒ –‹Â?› …ƒ”† –Šƒ– Š‹• ˆ‘—” …Š‹Ž†”‡Â? made for him where each of them had scribbled a short but loving message to their father. Š‡ …ƒ”† ™ƒ• ˆ‘” Š‹• Í ÍŁÂ–ÂŠ „‹”–Š†ƒ› Ć¤Â˜Â‡ ›‡ƒ”• ÂƒÂ‰Â‘ÇĄ ƒÂ?† Š‡ Šƒ• Â?‡’– ‹– with him ever since. It is a constant reminder of what is dearest to him in life: his wife, daughter and three sons. “I entered politics at a time when my children were still young and in school. It was very tough to be away from them all the time,â€? said Mr Masagos, now 52 and one of two full Malay ministers in the Cabinet.

Mr Masagos, who is now Minister for the Environment and Water Resources in the new Cabinet, was previously Minister in the Prime

‹Â?‹•–‡”ǯ• Ƽ…‡ ™Š‡Â? –Š‹• ‹Â?–‡”˜‹‡™ ™ƒ• …‘Â?†—…–‡†Ǥ ‘Â?…—””‡Â?–Ž› in the old Cabinet, he also held two very demanding portfolios as ‡…‘Â?† ‹Â?‹•–‡” ‹Â? „‘–Š –Š‡ ‹Â?‹•–”› ‘ˆ ‘Â?‡ ĆĄÂƒÂ‹Â”Â• Č‹ ČŒ ƒÂ?† ‹Â?‹•–”› ‘ˆ ‘”‡‹‰Â? ĆĄÂƒÂ‹Â”Â• Č‹ ČŒÇ¤ ‡ •’‘Â?‡ –‘ ‡–‹” ƒ„‘—– Š‹• ™‘”Â? ‹Â? these two Ministries.

If he had his way, he probably would not want to be at a ministry where he needs to travel so often. As one of Singapore’s top diplomats, Š‹• ’‘”–ˆ‘Ž‹‘ –ƒÂ?‡• Š‹Â? –‘ ÂˆÂƒÂ”ÇŚĆŞÂ—Â?‰ ’Žƒ…‡• •—…Š ĥ ƒÂ?œƒÂ?‹ƒ ƒÂ?† ‡Â?›ƒ where he meets government and business leaders to explore new opportunities and partnerships for Singapore. ”ƒ˜‡ŽŽ‹Â?‰ǥ ÂŠÂ‘Â™Â‡Â˜Â‡Â”ÇĄ ‹• Â?‘– Â?‡™ –‘ Š‹Â? Č‚ Š‡ †‹† ƒ Ž‘– ‘ˆ ƪ›‹Â?‰ ‹Â? Š‹•

October 2015

19

CONVERSATION Singtel career before joining politics in 2006.

As a senior Singtel executive, he spent nearly seven years living in the United States, Indonesia, Australia, Japan and Indonesia. Dz ƥ ǡ

would sometimes be away for as long as three weeks in a month. I didn’t like travelling because it took me away from my family,” Mr Masagos tells Petir in an interview at Tampines West Community Club which is in his constituency.

But as he explains it, his attitude in life is simple: “You never always get to do what you like, but you can always get to learn to like what you do.”

With that motto guiding him each day, he says he has, over time, found much to like about his work at MFA. “It can be the people, the places or the experiences. We can make Ƥ things better,” he added.

His years of private sector experience has given him that extra edge when it comes to promoting the Singapore brand overseas. Ƥ Ǧ leaders, people he got to know from his Singtel career, certainly helps the Singapore cause.

He makes it a point to meet regularly with Singapore companies to understand their growth strategies and how the government can open doors for them in overseas markets.

He tries to bring along a delegation of businessmen, especially from small and mediumsized enterprises, to help them expand in new and existing markets.

Mr Masagos chatting with children at Tampines West Community Club on June 22, 2015.

20

October 2015

A “tragedy” not to pay back to society Mr Masagos divides his time equally between his ministries. Over at MHA, he oversees areas such as drugs, youth crime, the prisons and terrorism. It is in the latter that he is the most concerned about these days.

“We need to constantly engage the MalayMuslim community, because if there are people who become radicalised, they should always be the exception,” he said. “It will happen because the Internet is so porous. There are people who become radicalised on their own, but as a norm there are structures that we have to maintain in place, and a certain construct in our community that we must preserve.”

What’s crucial, he pointed out, is the need to preserve this social compact and appreciate the ability to practice one’s religion freely and yet be able to live in harmony with others.

“This is not something that happened by accident, but something nurtured and tended to over time,” he said.

Mr Masagos has, over these last nine years since he entered politics, gradually moved up the ranks in the Malay-Muslim community.

When he was promoted to full Minister in April 2015, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong ƪ of the community. The Cabinet has, for the Ƥ ǡ ǡ being Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, the Minister-in ơ Ǥ

MASAGOS ZULKIFLI

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources; MP for Tampines GRC Age: 52 Family: Married with three sons and a daughter Hobby: Golf and reading

“We need to constantly engage the Malay-Muslim community, because if there are people who become radicalised, they should always be the exception. It will happen because the Internet is so porous. There are people who become radicalised on their own, but as a norm there are structures that we have to maintain in place, and a certain construct in our community that we must preserve.”

Family Time Through Golf ,Q ,@R@FNR ƥMCR SHLD SN RPTDDYD HM @ round of golf once a week with a group of close friends – and his family. It is his “only indulgence”.

He noted: “I play, get some exercise, and SGDM ( FN RSQ@HFGS SN SGD NƧBD ( Q@QDKX G@UD the luxury of playing 18 holes, so nine is good enough.”

More importantly, his two eldest sons, aged 23 and 20, sometimes join him on the R@LD ƦHFGS “It’s a nice way to bond with my family.

My two sons are quite competitive, and I’m trying to get the other two children to play as well. My wife plays too – terribly, but yes she can hit the ball 100 metres!”

“For a community that’s not endowed and works so hard to get to where it is today, in such massive numbers in one generation, it’s a miracle. We earned our keep and we are proud of it.”

Mr Masagos believes there are very few instances around the world where the minority community is able to level up together with the rest of the country. He attributes this to Singapore’s education system, where no child is denied access to learning because of their family circumstances. Ƥ Ǥ his generation to have studied engineering, Ƥ Ǧ Nanyang Technological University. Subsequently, he earned his Masters in electrical engineering from the National University of Singapore, and went on to to make history by Ƥ Ǥ Mr Masagos does not regard himself a role model for his community, but that is exactly what he is.

“Anyone who has done well in life, it would be a tragedy if you don’t give back to society. It takes very little for you to be active in your community and inspire others,” he observed.

“For a community that’s not endowed and works so hard to get to where it is today, in such massive numbers in one generation, it’s a miracle. We earned our keep and we are proud of it.”

Ƥ He always wears a bright smile when he goes to his weekly meet-the-people session (MPS) at Tampines Street 12. But Mr Masagos Ƥ prospect. Dz

Ƥ

MPS. I didn’t have a long lead time, unlike what many others have today. I remember how I was understudying (my precedessor) Yatiman Yusof. It was past 10pm and there was still this long queue of people waiting to see him.”

Over time, he says his MPS is the time of the week that he looks forward to the most.

The energetic group of branch volunteers is a major reason. As a team, they have left a positive impact on the lives of many residents.

He recalls one resident who had numerous family problems and was going astray in life. His school principal came to the MPS and asked Mr Masagos for help. In all, this particular resident was an MPS client for seven years.

One day, out of the blue, he visited Mr Masagos to inform him that he had earned a place to study in university. “He came to personally tell me this piece of good news. He didn’t have to, but he did because he saw that we helped him, and that there were people who cared for him. It is things like these that keep me going and gives meaning to my life.”

October 2015

21

FEATURE

Better

protection

for all

Petir’s easy-to-read guide on the upcoming MediShield Life Come November 1, 2015, MediShield Life will replace MediShield as the basic health insurance for all Singaporeans and permanent residents. It will help them pay their hospitalisation bills for B2/C class wards at public hospitals. The compulsory plan will go further than MediShield in ensuring all Singaporeans, young and old, are taken care of when they fall ill.

We size up the new scheme for you, and compare it with the existing MediShield.

- All Singaporeans from the time they are born to when they die, as well as permanent residents.

Who is covered

- All who are eligible will be automatically included in the scheme when it is launched.

Comparison of MediShield Life with MediShield MediShield Life

22

MediShield

• No age limit

• Covers only up to age 92

• No lifetime claim limit

• Total lifetime claims capped at $300,000

• Covers everyone, including those with preexisting conditions such as congenital issues and HIV

• Excludes certain people who have preexisting medical conditions

• Higher claim limits for hospitalisation and outpatient treatment

• Lower claim limits for hospitalisation and outpatient treatment

• Compulsory

• Can opt out

October 2015

Premiums

/QDLHTLR VHKK BNRS LNQD SG@M MediShield due to enhanced BNUDQ@FD @MC ADMDƥSR 3GD ƥFTQD VHKK CDODMC NM XNTQ @FD LNMSGKX HMBNLD ODQ ODQRNM HM XNTQ GNTRDGNKC @MC SGD @MMT@K U@KTD NE XNTQ QDRHCDMBD

ETMCDC AX "/% BNMSQHATSHNMR

8NT B@M TRD XNTQ ,DCHR@UD SN O@X SGD OQDLHTLR ENQ @M HLLDCH@SD E@LHKX LDLADQ RTBG @R XNTQ RONTRD NQ BGHKCQDM

/QDLHTLR VHKK AD O@HC EQNL ,DCHR@UD VGHBG HR HM STQM

ANTS ODNOKD G@UD SN O@X DWSQ@ OQDLHTLR ADB@TRD NE RDQHNTR OQD DWHRSHMF BNMCHSHNMR

Help from the Government

Pre-existing conditions -

A pre-existing condition is a medical condition or illness that an individual already has before he is covered under an insurance plan.

-

Those with pre-existing conditions that are life-threatening, require intensive intervention to manage, or have a high risk of recurrence will need to pay 30 per cent higher premiums for the 10 years of MediShield Life.

-

The Health Ministry is currently reviewing the list of serious pre-existing conditions. Examples may include stroke, cancer, kidney failure and heart disease.

-

You need not declare a serious pre-existing condition as the authorities can assess your KHDOWK UHFRUGV <RX ZLOO EH QRWLÆ©HG LQ ZULWLQJ should you need to pay the higher premium.

- All Singapore citizens will receive Transitional Subsidies ENQ SGD Æ¥QRS ENTQ XD@QR SN GDKO BNUDQ SGD OQDLHTL HMBQD@RD QDF@QCKDRR NE GNTRDGNKC HMBNLD @MC @MMT@K U@KTD NE GNLDR - Two in three Singaporeans will also receive ODQL@MDMS /QDLHTL 2TARHCHDR ENQ KNVDQ SN LHCCKD HMBNLD E@LHKHDR CDÆ¥MDC @R GNTRDGNKCR VGDQD SGD ODQ B@OHS@ LNMSGKX HMBNLD HR Ê&#x2122; NQ KNVDQ @MC VGN KHUD HM OQNODQSHDR VGNRD @MMT@K U@KTD HR Ê&#x2122; NQ KDRR

/HNMDDQ &DMDQ@SHNM 2HMF@ONQD@MR VHKK @KRN QDBDHUD /HNMDDQ &DMDQ@SHNM 2TARHCHDR NE SN ODQ BDMS CDODMCHMF NM SGDHQ @FD ENQ KHED

/1R VHKK MNS FDS @MX 3Q@MRHSHNM@K 2TARHCX @MC NMKX G@KE NE SGD ODQL@MDMS RTARHCHDR

October 2015

23

G RO U N DWO R K

>

B R A N CH I N G O U T

The veteran and the newbie They are a picture of contrasts but their motivation is the same: to help residents of Jalan Besar Division.

Tending to the needy

Ms Jackie Lim

â&#x20AC;˘ Declined to reveal age, assistant branch secretary â&#x20AC;˘ Year joined: 1987 â&#x20AC;˘ Profession: Fieldwork interviewer

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October 2015

Mr Johaness Chen Yihan

â&#x20AC;˘ 31, YP Chairman â&#x20AC;˘ Year joined: 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ Profession: Account manager with a multinational paper OQNCTBSR ĆĽQL

Rain or shine, Ms Jackie Lim, the assistant branch secretary, turns up religiously at the meet-the-people sessions (MPS). She has been doing it for close to 30 years. The MPS are held at the PAP Jalan Besar branch at King Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Avenue, a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from the Jalan Besar stadium.

Distance does not deter her â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she no longer resides in the area, having moved away in Í?ÍĽÍĽÍ&#x153;ÇĄ ƤÂ&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â?ÇĄ Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2018;Â&#x192; Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x160;Ǥ Ms Limâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s association with the area, however, goes way back to the 1960s. She and her seven siblings grew up in the old Singapore

Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; ĆŞÂ&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2122;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;risdale condominium now stands. She had also served at the Flanders Square residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; committee (RC) for seven years before being roped in to join the PAP as an activist in 1987. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was the RC secretary when I was asked to help out with the branch after (former Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; ĆĄÂ&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Č&#x152; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2030; dropped by for a visit,â&#x20AC;? recalled the singleton, who declined to reveal her age but added Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;ƤÂ&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2021;Â?eration card. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the RC, it was more to do with organising grassroots activities like excur-

G RO U N DWO R K

sions for the residents while with the branch, it’s about helping people and solving their ƪ ǡ migration issues (with foreign spouses), and Ƥ ƥ Ǥdz Ms Lim has since gone on to serve two MPs over the last 28 years at the branch: Dr Lee Boon Yang from 1987 to 2011, and Mr Edwin Tong from 2011 to 2015.

What keeps her going?

It is the camaraderie with fellow branch activists and helping the needy that has kept her involved all these years.

“I have to say that except during elections, there is often little talk about politics. It’s all about helping people in need,” said Ms Lim Ǧ Ƥ Ƥ Ǥ Remarking about the similarities between her profession and her PAP activism, she said: “It’s like making house-to-house visits ơ people, something which I always enjoy doing,” she quipped.

“I have to say that except during elections, there is often little talk about politics. It’s all about helping people in need.”

- Ms Jackie Lim

>

B R A N CH I N G O U T

“I was also inspired by the older and veteran volunteers like Jackie, coming in to offer their services, year after year and for decades. I really feel at home here. It’s like family – they are like my uncles and aunties – and I have learned a lot from watching how they interview and manage people in need.”

- Mr Johaness Chen Yihan

Priority for own backyard Mr Johaness Chen found the 2011 general elections “very exciting’’ and that triggered the start of his involvement with the PAP. Unlike Ms Lim, Mr Chen, 31, resides in the Whitley area. An account manager with a paper products company, he has been with the PAP Jalan Besar branch for about two and a half years after he sent an email to the PAP, stating his desire to be a volunteer.

“I found the 2011 general elections very exciting in that it generated a lot of debate between the PAP and the opposition par Ǥ ơ what I felt was that some of the views were just ‘opposing for the sake of opposing’ and being deliberately combative which got me thinking how I can help,” he recalled.

“After I sent the email, I was told to come by and observe an MPS on a Wednesday evening. After watching the number of people – on average about 30 – come in for help, I actually felt ashamed that I had never stepped into a PAP branch.

“I was also inspired by the older and veteran volunteers like Jackie coming in to

ơ ǡ decades. I really feel at home here. It’s like family – they are like my uncles and aunties – and I have learned a lot from watching how they interview and manage people in need,” said Mr Chen, who is known as Joe to his comrades.

“We provide a listening ear which means a lot to many of them and while not all appeals to the MP are successful, I feel especially happy when it goes through, like Ƥ ƪ Ƥ Ǥdz “I see or read about people travelling to other countries to do volunteer work, and I ask myself: ‘Why do you need to go so far when there are people in our own backyard, our neighbourhood who need help,’ ” pointed out Mr Chen.

He has since also joined the Geylang West Community Club Management Committee and is glad to be able to provide useful feedback to the party regarding sentiments on the ground on such issues as healthcare, CPF, transport, immigration and housing.

October 2015

25

G RO U N DWO R K

>

WO ME N ' S WI N G

Turning women into vote gatherers The PAP draws the female vote due to its focus on family, education and security, says Indranee Rajah

W

omen can be a potent force in politics, says Ms Indranee Rajah – but they need to be attracted the right way into discussion groups.

“If you put it across as ‘this is about politics’, most women won’t gravitate towards it.

But if you say, ‘this is about education’, poom!

Everybody will be there. It’s about how you frame it,” said Ms Indranee, who is Senior Minister of State for Finance and Law. “Ultimately if you talk about childcare, housing, family and education, all of which are big pieces of policy, women are front and centre. Participation is vocal and active,” she pointed out.

As the PAP Women’s Wing (WW) vice chairman for outreach, Ms Indranee sees her role as ensuring Singaporean women understand what the PAP stands for and why Ƥ Ǥ “We want to get their understanding and support on policies. That’s a minimum. At a deeper level, hopefully they will become ǡ Ƥ who can stand as candidates, become MPs, ƥ ǡdz Ǥ In the just-concluded GE2015, the PAP Ƥ ͜͞ ǡ were returned as MPs. Women activists were out in force, rallying voters to support the PAP. The WW aims to reach out to a broad range of women, including professionals, housewives and those involved in grassroots

26

October 2015

G RO U N DWO R K

Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â?Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x160; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; platforms.

Young professional women, for example, can take part in a networking initiative called the Young Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leadership Connection.

The WW is also trying to inculcate the understanding that being a woman activist goes beyond organising party activities and social work. Rather, women activists have to rally people to their views by word of mouth and social media and through it, turn them into PAP voters.

Women are quite excited about their role as vote gatherers and are raring to go. But some skills need to be developed, noted Ms Indranee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Social media is not easy. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not experienced, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be afraid of trolls and nastiness. Activists have to be focused on not being afraid when you get some nastiness on the Web. At the end, it is about who you are, what you stand for, what you support. You should not be afraid,â&#x20AC;? she said.

An event held earlier this year introduced around 200 participants to the Telegram messaging application. Telegram allows groups of up to 200 people to be created where messages, photos, videos, and even Â&#x2122;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Í&#x; Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026; ƤÂ&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020; be shared. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to help women to become more comfortable with technology. Some women, especially the older ones, who do not use technology day to day, are less comfortable,â&#x20AC;?

Ms Indranee said.

To attract potential activists, the WW conducts a handful of small discussion groups a year. Each group comprises 10 people or fewer, brought in through word

>

WO M E N ' S WI N G

Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Ǥ Dz Â&#x2013;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2021;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x192; small group. Not everyone is comfortable in a big crowd,â&#x20AC;? she observed.

Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2039;Â?ĆŞÂ&#x2014;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; policies Discussion groups and outreach events have an impact on PAP policies and eventually national policies, she pointed out. Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; ƤÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;ÇŚÂ&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â? Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; in 2004. It took in feedback from women on work life balance and the need to spend time with their families during weekends, Ms Indranee recalled. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s views also play a key role in determining policy in areas like education, security, and tackling domestic violence. The priority now is ensuring sufƤÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Ǥ â&#x20AC;&#x153;The heavier burden falls upon women.

When we do our walkabouts or outreach Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021; ƤÂ?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x203A; Â&#x2030;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; are ageing and cannot look after their grandchildren. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are looking at the issue. You see the Ministry of Social and Family Development ramping up on childcare and infant care. In schools, you can see the Ministry of Education increasing the number of student care centres.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the direction we must go,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Ultimately, the WW gives women a Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x192; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x192;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Ǥ â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a woman, you can do so because you Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192; Â&#x2030;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â?ĆŞÂ&#x2014;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;ÇĄ Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2039;Â?ĆŞÂ&#x2014;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?ÇĄ Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?ƤÂ&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; representative of half the population, and Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2039;Â?ĆŞÂ&#x2014;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x192; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;ÇĄÇł Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; out Ms Indranee.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a woman, you can do so because you KDYH D YRLFH <RX KDYH D JUHDW LQĂ XHQFH LQ WKH IDPLO\ \RX LQĂ XHQFH \RXU FKLOGUHQ \RXU KXVEDQG FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHV WR \RX <RX DUH representative of half the population, and \RX FDQ DFWXDOO\ LQĂ XHQFH WKH RWKHU KDOI You can step up and make a difference.â&#x20AC;?

Indraneeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice to women: Speak up When Indranee Rajah was in her D@QKX R RGD ENTMC HS CHƧBTKS SN understand men. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There would be these misunderstandings that I just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand, and I thought I RGNTKC ĆĽFTQD SGHR NTS Ĺ&#x161; She picked up a famous book on communication across genders: John Grayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.

2GD KD@QMS SG@S NMD JDX CHƤDQence between the two sexes is how women are hesitant to speak up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I sat back and thought about it, I realised itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite true. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have thoughts going on in my head, and I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak up because I was afraid other people would think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m stupid, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in the company of people who all seem so smart,â&#x20AC;? recalled Ms Indranee. She was then a junior O@QSMDQ @S K@V ĆĽQL #QDV -@OHDQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;I realised that if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak TO XNTĹ&#x2014;QD ĆĽQRSKX MNS BNMSQHATSHMF what may actually have been a good ideaâ&#x20AC;Śif itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a stupid idea, then too bad, but at least you know it. Once this was brought to my attention, with the book highlighting it like that, I realised I should speak up and that was it,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Ms Indranee spoke up more â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and was pleasantly pleased by the outcome. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was surprised that people thought what I said made sense. In some cases, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run with the idea due to costs or other reasons, but it was thought through and considered. Just the process of tossing it out and having people brainstorm was very interesting. Somebody can take it and say, how about this, they add something to itâ&#x20AC;Śat the end of the day, you get a great product.â&#x20AC;?

Thus in her dialogue sessions with women, Ms Indranee says she makes it a point to encourage the quieter ones to speak up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once I realised that speaking up was part of the process (of making a great product), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very empowering.

It makes you realise everybody has something to contribute.â&#x20AC;?

October 2015

27

G RO U N DWO R K

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PA P P O LI CY F O R U M

Needed: New pioneers for a better S’pore PPF celebrates its 10th anniversary with promise to continue gathering views from activists to shape policies

A

pioneering spirit that dreams of a better future, faces tough challenges squarely, and turns problems and constraints into opportunities – that is the spirit that should be nurtured within the PAP as well as among Singaporeans, said Mr Heng Swee Keat, Finance Minister and First Advisor to the PAP Policy Forum (PPF).

The PPF, he noted, has played an important role in nurturing such a spirit through the collation and generation of ideas among ǯ Ǧ ǦƤ Ǥ “What is this pioneering spirit? The pioneering spirit is to dream of a better future, and to make our own Singapore way towards it. How do we act on this pioneering spirit?

We stand for our Singapore principles and values and people, all that we hold dear,” Mr Heng told the audience of about 300, including PAP Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong, who were gathered at a dinner on June 2, 2015, to mark the PPF’s 10th anniversary.

He called for a generation of new pioneers to create a better future for Singapore amid

challenges such as accelerating global competition – much like how founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and the other founding fathers forged the way forward half a century ago. Ƥ responsibility of taking Singapore forward, it must continue to be the “champion of great ideas”.

He lauded the PPF for embodying such a spirit by pioneering a new organisation Ƥ develops specialised knowledge in certain policy areas.

PPF chairman Benjamin Tay noted in his speech that the PPF was set up 10 years ago to be the PAP’s key platform for the rank-andƤ Ǧ order to shape better policies.

He highlighted the part played by the PPF in putting together a Party Resolution in 2013 whose key ideas, such as a fair and just society and an open and compassionate meritocracy, were enshrined in the Party

First Adviser to PPF Heng Swee Keat urges members to turn big problems into big opportunities.

28

October 2015

A new logo which symbolises PPF's aim to create better understanding of government policies and policy-making process.

Ǥ Ƥ ment of the charter in more than 30 years.

Going forward, the PPF will continue to do its best, Mr Tay said. “We will gather your views with the aim of serving Singaporeans and making a better home for one and all.”

The event also saw the unveiling of the PPF’s new logo, and ended with a closeddoor dialogue during which PPF activists asked Comrade Lee about Singapore’s and the PAP’s future.

PPF chairman Benjamin Tay speaks of the importance of engagement.

Ready, launch. A new logo which symbolises PPF's aim to create better understanding of government policies and policy-making process.