The People’s Action Party (PAP) has always focused on shared purpose and collective responsibility, said member Ramesh Selvaraj at the party convention on Sunday (Nov 9). He noted that when Singaporeans put “we” before “me”, no challenge can divide them.
“When each of us truly puts ‘we’ before ‘me’ in our branches, in our workplaces and in our daily lives, no challenge will divide us, and no change will defeat us.”
The 46-year-old lawyer, who manages the legal clinic at Punggol Shore branch and serves at Chong Pang branch, reflected that as a minority Singaporean, he has been able to view issues through multiple perspectives. At the same time, he has never felt like his voice had been excluded.
“Because this country has always made space for voices like mine — not as token, but as trust,” Mr Ramesh explained.
In his speech, Mr Ramesh shared that, at the opening of Parliament, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam called on Singaporeans to place the collective good above individual interests, putting “we” before “me” in their actions.
This “we first” mindset guides his own actions.
He co-founded Thaarumaaru Runners, a diverse running group with 1,800 Facebook members. They run for health benefits and meaningful causes—raising funds and supporting charities.
As Vice-Chair of Singapore Indian Education Trust, he helps disadvantaged students access tertiary education through interest-free loans and bursaries. He noted how former recipients often return as donors, with one even joining the Management Committee.
Mr Ramesh also sits on the boards of Hindu Endowments Board Ashram, a halfway house, and AGAM Theatre Lab, an IPC charity and theatre company that uses arts as a medium for dialogue and inclusion.
He said that “we first” manifests in small, everyday choices, and these simple acts of kindness are what “hold the country together.”
Mr Ramesh was one of the four activists addressing the 1,800 audience at the Singapore Expo.
The others include PAP Punggol North division branch vice-chairman Ahmad Firdaus Daud, 42, PAP Ulu Pandan division’s Women’s Wing vice-chair and PAP HQ executive committee’s northwest district representative Ong Jing Jing, 43, and unionist Andy Ang, 40.
Ahmad Firdaus Daud: Overcoming tribal instinct with a “kita” spirit
Mr Ahmad, a technology lawyer and father of two, urged activists to embrace the “kita” spirit—an inclusive Malay term meaning “all of us”—to overcome tribal instincts.
He emphasised that Singaporeans’ strength lies in the “kita” spirit, which unites everyone regardless of background. This contrasts with the Malay word “kami,” which creates separation between “I” and “they.”
“In our national anthem, we sing ‘mari kita’ not “mari kami”. So, the next time you sing it, remember in our DNA, we have the recipe to overcome tribal instinct – a “kita” spirit,” he said.
Mr Ahmad clarified that inclusion does not mean ignoring our identities or downplaying differences, especially religious ones, as they form our lived experiences.
“A society that denies [our religious identities] becomes brittle, one that embraces it with respect becomes resilient,” he said. “What we must reject are those who use identity or faith for political gain; to stoke tribal instinct; or dominate, or to dehumanise others.”
He affirmed that every faith teaches the same moral principle—”to care beyond ourselves”—which embodies the “kita” spirit. “It will not be easy, but we need deeper unity to anchor us in these uncertain times.”
Mr Ahmad sees this same spirit in the Party, one with a broad tent with a common purpose to serve all Singaporeans.
“Different races and religions coming together and working together to help others. This is who we are. This is what our Party stands for,” he added. “A Party that acts for the people—all the people.”
“And as long as that remains true, as long as we keep faith with one another, Singapore will not only endure, but it will also inspire.”
Ong Jing Jing: PAP’s strength lies in its people
Ms Ong, an entrepreneur and mother of two, first connected with the Party when she sought help from her then-MP Ang Mong Seng during a family crisis twenty years ago. Despite her appeal being unsuccessful, the interaction left her feeling comforted. “His empathy in handling my case lit a spark in me,” she recalled.
Through the years, various PAP MPs have consistently supported Ms Ong’s family. Though they could not immediately resolve every issue, their understanding and compassion made a profound impact on her. “They showed me, at our lowest point, that we were not alone.”
She remembered what her branch chair Christopher De Souza said: it is easy to be a people’s party, but being a party of action for the people is what makes the difference. Ms Ong believes the Party’s strength lies not just in competent policymaking but in its people.
“It’s in us. People matter. You matter. Every Singaporean who we meet knows they will be served by the strength of our conviction: a promise that you will be cared for, you will be listened to. We are not alone.”
In her speech, Ms Ong also highlighted the importance of Parliament reflecting diverse voices, particularly women’s perspectives. She hopes for Parliament to achieve 50 percent female Members of Parliament by 2030, noting that “a Parliament with diverse perspectives is better at understanding the full picture of modern life.”
“More women in parliament means more balanced debates and more balanced policies,” she said, urging women to volunteer and step forward.
“We need to dismantle old ideas about what women can or cannot do. Women bring more than just ‘women’s issues’ to the table—we bring varied perspectives needed to solve our complex, shared worries.”
PAP and NTUC must strengthen partnership and keep faith with workers: Andy Ang
Mr Ang, who serves as an assistant director at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said that a shared commitment to service has built the foundation of the PAP-NTUC symbiotic relationship. He stressed that this belief must continue to guide Singaporeans as they confront new challenges.
However, Mr Ang pointed out that this symbiotic relationship must produce tangible results.
He outlined the complementary strengths of both organisations: unions voice workers’ concerns, while the PAP government listens and develops policies that deliver meaningful improvements to citizens’ lives and livelihoods.
He stressed that both parties must continue to work closely together to shape policies that benefit Singaporeans.
“This spirit of partnership and shared purpose is what anchors us. The world may be changing rapidly but the values that bind us remain constant: Putting workers at the heart of progress, advancing together through tripartite collaborations, ensuring that growth is inclusive and no one is left behind.”
As a fresh generation takes the helm, Mr Ang urged everyone to “renew this compact, to make the relationship relevant, relatable, and real” because when they share the same beliefs, actions become second nature.
He outlined two ways to strengthen the partnership and keep faith with workers. First, in shaping the future of work. NTUC will continue to anticipate workers’ evolving needs, champion their causes, and prepare the workforce to adapt. Complementing this, the PAP government creates the right environment by investing in innovation, setting fair rules, and ensuring good jobs remain accessible.
“The PAP MPs serve as advisors to our unions. We can do more to facilitate industry-specific conversations with workers. This ground insights can in turn help shape national workgroups and new policies.”
Second, he proposed that NTUC Youth and Young PAP deepen their collaboration through joint community projects, mentorship programmes, and youth-led initiatives to connect members and engage more Singaporeans.
“When PAP and NTUC move as one, workers benefit, businesses grow, and Singapore remains strong.”
