For Singapore to continue to be prosperous, strong and united, the People’s Action Party (PAP) has to remain a strong and national party and strive to improve the lives of Singaporeans. And to be able to do so, PAP should endeavour to be close to all segments of society and faithfully continue to serve the people of Singapore with a leadership that unites the people as one.
Making this call at the People’s Action Party (PAP) Conference and Awards Ceremony on 4 December 2016, PAP Secretary-General (SG) and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told the activists present, numbering about 2,500, to be inspired by the indefatigable Potong Pasir Spirit, which enthuses one to be more determined and to work harder to achieve success. “We must prepare ourselves and work hard to keep Singapore progressing and improve people’s lives.”
The Party, he said, has served Singapore and Singaporeans well for the past fifty years. Activists were reminded to be altruistic and not to misplace the trust of the people and never to take voters for granted. SG Lee reiterated that activists should be aware of the major changes happening in the world and to never be complacent, arrogant or neglect their duty or ideals.
Giving an update on the present uncertain geopolitical situation and its impact on Singapore, SG Lee said Singapore is fortunate compared to other developed countries. Despite slow growth and a restructuring economy, Singapore enjoys low unemployment and an increase in household incomes, he said. There are more jobs being created for the present and the future, and he added its social safety nets have been strengthened. He also called upon Singaporeans to be resilient by equipping themselves with relevant future-ready skills.
Talking about self-renewal, SG Lee noted that a younger team of PAP leaders have taken on more responsibilities in the Party and various ministries.
SG Lee Hsien Loong also thanked PAP activists for their faithful and tireless efforts. This year, a total of 373 party members were honoured for their outstanding efforts and contributions to the Party and nation. The volunteers received accolades in the following categories:
1. Commendation Medal Recipients: 4
2. Dedicated Service Star* Award Recipients: 5
3. Dedicated Service Medal Recipients: 16
4. Long Service Medal (Gold) Recipients: 49
5. Long Service Medal (Silver) Recipients: 124
6. Long Service Medal (Bronze) Recipients: 165
7. Youth Medal Recipients: 5
8. Women’s Medal Recipients: 5
SG Lee also made special mention of the team that fought alongside Comrade Murali Pillai in the Bukit Batok by-election earlier this year. It was all the more significant as it was PAP’s first win in a single member constituency in 37 years.
Its Branch Secretary, Comrade Leow Boon Swee, received the Commendation Medal at this year’s Awards Ceremony. SG Lee also praised the efforts and contributions of senior activists like Comrades Chua Kian Meng and Miranda Oscar Catherine, Gina Ong and younger activists like Daniel Mohd Herwan and Pan Zhengxiang.
During the PAP Conference and Awards Ceremony, PAP cadre members voted in Comrades Lee Hsien Loong, Khaw Boon Wan, Teo Chee Hean, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Yaacob Ibrahim, Gan Kim Yong, K Shanmugam, Lim Swee Say, Chan Chun Sing, Grace Fu, Halimah Yacob, Heng Swee Keat to the new Central Executive Committee (CEC) for 2017/2018. Comrades Vivian Balakrishnan and Tan Chuan-Jin were co-opted as members to the new CEC.
Click here for a transcript of PAP Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong’s Mandarin speech.
Click here for a transcript of PAP Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong’s English speech.
