Apart from front row seats to a Taylor Swift concert, there is nothing quite like the National Day Parade (NDP) to lift our spirits. Red Lions descending stylishly 10,000 feet from the skies, an aerial display of our mighty air force and an electrifying performance of dance, songs and short films evoking nostalgia and optimism. As our MPs gathered at the Padang to mark Singapore’s 58th year of independence, here is a quick look at what went on behind the scenes that day.
A time for unity
“One of the nicest things about NDP is the chance for all MPs and NMPs to get together, away from Parliament,” shared MP Ms Mariam Jaafar (Sembawang GRC). Indeed, National Day is also a time when politicians put aside their ideological differences and come together in celebration of a nation who have defied all odds to thrive and prosper.
Feeling the same way, MP Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland–Bukit Timah GRC) and Leader of the Opposition Mr Pritam Singh were beaming away as they waited for the parade to kick off. Somewhere in the background, MP Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten SMC) smiles, revealing a rarely seen playful side as he succeeds in the photobomb.
#OOTD for Politicians
Gone are the days when anything red and white constitutes the perfect National Day ensemble. Instead, MPs have raised the sartorial stakes with specially designed outfits highlighting social clauses close to their hearts.
In particular, we are drawn to MP Ms Ng Ling Ling’s (Ang Mo Kio GRC) Teh Tarik and Roti Prata jumpsuit. “May Singapore always be an inclusive country where everyone can contribute and express their love for the country,” she said of her partnership with special needs youth to design the unique outfit.
Not to be outdone, MP Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tampines GRC) rocked an avant-garde look while championing sustainability with a deconstructed shirt made from recycled clothing. As for MP Ang Wei Neng (West Coast GRC), why buy a new shirt when you can upcycle an old one? “This year, my wife has designed and painted my shirt for the occasion,” he said.
Moving onward as one
Taking the NDP theme literally, our MPs decided to move onward together, queueing neatly behind MP Ms Rahayu Mahzam (Jurong GRC) as they wait for their turn to enter the viewing area at the Padang.
A celebration of friendships
It is heart-warming to see genuine camaraderie and friendship among our MPs. “One of my best buddies from the MP Class of 2006,” declared MP Ms Denise Phua (Jalan Besar GRC) in her BFF shoutout to MP Ms Jessica Tan (East Coast GRC).
Meanwhile, friendship runs deep between Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat and MPs Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC) and Mr Heng Chee How (Jalan Besar GRC), blossoming at a time when they were turning from ah boys to men. From classmates in the 1970s to parliamentary colleagues now, the most important connection is that we will be friends for life, mused MP Seah.
Appreciating the people that made it happen
How do we ensure that an event as monumental as the NDP runs without a glitch? Besides meticulous planning, volunteers play a big part in making the event a success. Taking a selfie with a group of young volunteers at the National Gallery, MP Mr Chong Kee Hiong (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) shared, “Thank you for taking time out to volunteer!”
Similarly, Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong spoke to the leaders who planned the NDP and creative director Royston Tan who masterminded the visual extravagance after the parade. “This was a massive undertaking…and I thanked them for putting up a great show!” added PM Lee.
Photo Source: Ng Ling Ling/ Ang Wei Neng/ Chong Kee Hiong/ Mariam Jaafar/ Christopher de Souza/ Heng Swee Keat/ Seah Kian Peng/ Denise Phua/ Lee Hsien Loong/ Alvin Tan