Petir has a long tradition of publishing the personal views of party leaders and members. Youth activist Danish Mirza, a member of the PAP Policy Forum, explains what attracted him to volunteering for the party.
By Danish Mirza
Being a young party activist means more than just supporting a political party, it means representing the hopes, concerns, and aspirations of my generation.
As a young Singaporean, issues like jobs, housing, and the cost of living weigh heavily on friends my age. Many have expressed to me their frustration with policies like the GST increase or BTO waiting times.
For example, the increase in GST is naturally frustrating for everyone, including myself. Yet when one looks at the bigger picture, we see increased public spending in the areas of healthcare, transport and security. In today’s world where costs have spiked due to global conflicts and trade wars, balancing public expenditure requires trade offs that some find difficult to accept.
I believe my role as a young activist is to bridge this gap. I have had the privilege of serving on the PAP Policy Forum (PPF) Council, where I help organise dialogues and discussions that provide deeper insights into how and why policies are crafted. These opportunities have not only expanded my understanding but also allowed me to explain these policies to my friends, family, and peers. By breaking down complex policies and contextualizing them, I hope to foster greater understanding and trust in the policymaking process.
To me, being a young activist also means bringing a fresh perspective to the table. We are uniquely positioned to highlight the challenges and aspirations of our generation, ensuring that policies remain forward-looking and inclusive. It’s about shaping a Singapore where everyone, especially the younger generation, feels heard, supported, and optimistic about the future.
What drew you to the party?
The 2020 General Election was the turning point that drew me to the People’s Action Party (PAP). There was a shift to online campaigning during the pandemic. As a first-time voter, I delved deeply into the manifestos of each political party. What stood out to me was PAP’s focus on unity and resilience.
These were qualities necessary for leading Singapore out of the COVID-19 crisis. The party’s proven track record, especially in managing past challenges like SARS, convinced me that the PAP was the right party to guide us through this difficult period.
Beyond the election, my prior experience in grassroots activities reinforced my decision to join the party. I have always found joy in creating community programs, engaging residents, and uplifting their spirits. However, the pandemic restrictions significantly disrupted these efforts.
This led me to explore other ways to contribute, and in 2021, I started attending Meet-the-People sessions at Fengshan Branch. Listening to residents’ concerns and finding solutions to their issues deepened my understanding of community needs and strengthened my commitment to service.
One of the most rewarding moments was seeing residents return to thank branch activists and volunteers for the help they received. These moments remind me why I joined the PAP. Some might cringe at the earnestness, but we serve with compassion. We serve to help build a united, resilient Singapore
What happens when you disagree with a party’s political stance/policies?
Disagreeing with policies on occasion, is a natural part of being involved in any organization.
No party, including the PAP, is perfect. That is why the party has numerous channels, both formal and informal, where feedback isn’t just given, it is actively sought by the leadership.
Feedback is always being sought from party groups like the Young PAP, Malay Affairs Bureau and PAP Policy Forum.
Many MPs also do regular debriefing sessions after their MPS, to get feedback from activists. These informal channels allow activists and citizens to voice their concerns to Members of Parliament and political office holders, who then bring these view points up for debate and consideration in policymaking.
Personally, I see disagreement not as a sign of disloyalty but as an opportunity to contribute diverse perspectives to the party’s decision-making process.
It shows that the PAP values collective wisdom and inclusivity, representing the voices of Singaporeans from all walks of life. Being able to share my views openly with my fellow party activists and leadership reaffirms my belief that the strength of our party lies in open dialogue and continuous improvement.
