The People’s Action Party (PAP) has begun searching for potential candidates ahead of the next general election, PAP Secretary-General Lawrence Wong revealed at an appreciation dinner for MPs who retired at the recent General Elections.
Sec-Gen Wong stressed that renewing the party’s ranks is a continuous effort, seeking good people to join its cause.
“We are seeking people with the right values, who care deeply about Singapore, and who can shoulder the heavy responsibility of public service,” Mr Wong, who is also Prime Minister, said on July 4. “It has never been easy to find such people, and it won’t get any easier.”
The party fielded 32 new candidates at the May 3 polls, its largest slate in recent memory. Mr Wong has made party renewal a key priority after becoming PM and leader of the party.
Acknowledging that he cannot undertake this renewal alone, Sec-Gen Wong urged fellow MPs to help scout for and surface names, mentor promising individuals and support their growth.
The party has learnt over the years that it cannot “just rely on a few tea sessions or interviews” to recruit and bring in candidates, he noted.
Bringing candidates in earlier will allow them to gain experience and exposure on the ground, while being assessed by the party and the public on whether they are truly ready to serve as MPs, said Sec-Gen Wong.
At the recent election, the party had deployed several new candidates early, although some were introduced “quite late” in the process, he pointed out.
“This is an area where we can and will do better.”
The party has started work for the next general election, which must be held by 2030, he revealed. It is resuming tea sessions where potential candidates typically meet with senior party members.
“We are casting the net wide – across all background and communities. It doesn’t matter that someone disagrees with us or voted against us before,” he said. “As long as they have the heart to serve, and are prepared to make common cause with the PAP, we will gladly welcome them on board to build a better Singapore together.”
20 retired MPs helped successors prepare for new role
Sec-Gen Wong noted that the 20 MPs who retired at the recent elections had served a combined total of over 280 years in parliament, describing it as a “tremendous legacy”.
Former Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who first entered politics in 1992 and served seven terms, was the longest-serving MP among this batch of retirees. Mr Teo, aged 70, has agreed to contribute as a senior adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office, according to Sec-Gen Wong.
As a testament to former SM Teo’s long and illustrious political career, Ms Cassandra Lee, the youngest PAP MP to be elected in GE2025, was born the same year Mr Teo began his political career.
Sec-Gen Wong also paid tribute to former DPM Heng Swee Keat ‘s contributions. Mr Heng will continue in his role as chairman of the National Research Foundation, a department under the Prime Minister’s Office that looks at the nation’s research and development efforts.
He commended the retired MPs for their significant contribution. They spoke up on a wide range of issues in parliament and responded to the needs of residents on the ground.
He thanked the six political officeholders among the retired group: Mr Heng, Mr Teo, Dr Ng Eng Hen, Dr Maliki Osman, Mr Heng Chee How and Dr Amy Khor.
“I’ve worked closely with all of you, and I’ve learnt a great deal from each of you,” he said.
He acknowledged the retired MPs for their efforts in helping to prepare the new candidates ahead of GE2025, so they could hit the ground running from day one.
“This is the PAP way – always thinking beyond ourselves, and investing in the next generation.
He also thanked their families and spouses for standing by them during their time in office.
“Being an MP is an all-consuming job. It requires sacrifices by the MP, as well as their families…Thank you for standing by your loved ones and supporting their service.”
Assistant Sec-Gen Chan Chun Sing oversees the after-action review for the GE
Assistant Sec-Gen Chan Chun Sing will be overseeing the after-action review for the GE, Sec-Gen Wong said.
“We will identify areas where we have done well, and areas where we can do better, and improve on the next time.”
PAP won 65.6 per cent of the vote at the recent general election.
With Parliament reopening in September, Sec-Gen Wong highlighted the full agenda and challenges ahead. These encompass the uncertain external environment, economic concerns, cost of living and jobs, and longer-term challenges like ageing and climate change.
“I am confident that we will rise to the occasion. Because we are not just a collection of individuals. We are one team, we are the PAP Team – united by a shared mission, bound by a common purpose.”
Representing the class of 2025 to thank the retiring MPs, Ms Lee said the new MPs will do their utmost to honour the legacy of the RMPs. “The credibility we inherit was forged by your consistency, your sacrifices and your belief in this country.”
On behalf of the retiring MPs, former MP for Potong Pasir, Sitoh Yih Pin, thanked the party and the leadership for giving them the opportunity to serve Singapore and their constituents.
“The PAP has been a significant part of my entire adult life. I wear my badge with pride and honour and as long as I live, nobody is going to take it away from me,” he told the audience.
He commended the Branch Chairs who contested in opposition wards for their courage. He then offered an “unsolicited suggestion”: “In case you are thinking of moving out and going to a safer ward, you may want to think again. Because my journey in Potong Pasir, for all the 25 years, has been exciting and exhilarating, whether they were in moments of defeat or in moments of victory. It’s worthwhile.”
