38th CEC takes Singapore Forward Together

The People’s Action Party celebrated its 70th anniversary with a new chapter of leadership by its newly elected 38^th Central Executive Committee (CEC) at the two-day PAP Conference.

Addressing attendees on the second day of the biennial conference, themed ‘Forward Together’, Deputy Secretary-General Lawrence Wong said, “Above all, we must remain united as one united people. Singaporeans are bound to have different views on global developments – whether it be the actions of the US or China, or the wars in Europe or Middle East. But we cannot let our differences pull us apart. It is already tough for a small country to be heard. It will be even tougher if our voice is diffused and incoherent. At the end of the day, we must consider the larger national interest and take a united position. This way, we speak in one united voice on the world stage. And be valued as a safe and secure, stable and reliable country in a troubled and uncertain world.”

The newly elected 38^th CEC will work closely with PAP Members of Parliament and activists to address emerging challenges, to meet the needs and aspirations of Singaporeans, and to convince Singaporeans that PAP remains the right choice to lead this country.

The 12 CEC members are as follows (in alphabetical order): Chan Chun Sing, Desmond Lee, Edwin Tong, Grace Fu Hai Yien, Heng Swee Keat, Indranee Thurai Rajah, K. Shanmugan, Lawrence Wong, Lee Hsien Loong, Masagos Zulkifli, Ong Ye Kung, Vivian Balakrishnan. Chee Hong Tat and Tan See Leng were co-opted into the CEC.

PAP 38th CEC will take Singapore forward together

At the conference, Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong also shared his plans to handover the party leadership to Deputy Secretary-General Lawrence Wong and the 38^th CEC, “When the new CEC meets, I intend to propose to it to elect Deputy Secretary General Lawrence Wong to take over from me as the next Secretary-General. This will complete the leadership transition from me to my successor.” Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong will take on a supporting and advisory role within the 38^th CEC.

Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong to handover the party leadership to Deputy Secretary-General Lawrence Wong

In his final address in the role, Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong also reflected on the transition, “Leadership transition – its planning, preparation, and execution – is one of the most important responsibilities for a party lead and political leader. We are here to serve, and to lead to the best of our ability while we are in office. But we also have a duty to ensure that Singapore has good leadership, not just during our term in office, but also beyond.”

Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong delivering his last address as Sec-Gen

Forward Together with all Singaporeans

Members of the 38th CEC singing the National Anthem

Deputy Secretary-General Lawrence Wong also elaborated on the key focus of the 38^th CEC, “The PAP can no longer operate from the back. We must come out to the front – to mobilise citizens for the causes that we believe in, to engage Singaporeans on the issues they care about, and show them why they can trust and depend on the PAP to provide leadership for Singapore.”

Deputy Secretary-General Lawrence Wong addressing activists and guests at the PAP Awards and Conference 2024

He also addressed the unique political challenge in Singapore. “Given the desire for more opposition voices, the bigger risk we face is the loss of a stable and good Government…We will end up with a much weaker government; with far less ability to solve the problems facing our people and our country , and all this at a time when the world is becoming more uncertain and troubled.”

He added, “As your Secretary-General, I will renew and strengthen our Party. I will put together the best team to serve our people and nation. I will deepen the symbiotic ties between the PAP and NTUC. Together, we will fight to win the hearts and minds of our fellow citizens, and earn their support and trust through our actions. For we are the People’s Action Party. We will always be a People’s Party; a Party of Action; a Party that builds a better Singapore, with Singaporeans, for all Singaporeans.”

The PAP will continue to foster strong partnerships with its activists and the community, to take Singapore forward together. The PAP mobile application was also launched at the conference to strengthen communications with all party activists and invite members of the public to serve alongside the party as Friends of PAP to have a stake in Singapore’s journey.