The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has pledged to enhance its engagement with Singaporeans, introducing new channels for dialogue that focus on mental health and climate change.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the formation of two new groups within the party to tackle these key issues, speaking at the #RefreshPAP event that concluded a six-month initiative to revitalize the PAP.
Addressing around 400 party activists and stakeholders at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, PM Wong emphasized the need for broader engagement. “We need to ensure that we are representing Singaporeans’ views adequately in Parliament. It’s about having more effective discussions and debates,” he stated.
The new mental health group will be chaired by Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Health, while the climate action group will be led by Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Sustainability and the Environment.
PM Wong highlighted the importance of these groups: “These happen to be, amongst other things, two key national issues and also priorities for the PAP Government,” he explained.
The newly appointed PM encouraged broad participation in these new initiatives. “As a party, we want to use these groups to better engage our activists and also all stakeholders, be it healthcare professionals, environmental groups, community organisations or individuals,” he said.
The PAP’s outreach will also be bolstered through its government parliamentary committees (GPCs), which are aligned with various ministry functions.
PM Wong stressed the significance of this approach: “Our MPs will step up their engagements through the GPCs – we want to engage not just our own activists, but also wider community groups and stakeholders.”
“Because our party seeks to be a party that serves all Singaporeans. And the PAP strives to be a national movement, not just a political party, but a national movement for Singapore and Singaporeans,” PM Wong added.
“Whether you are a corporate organisation, a social service organisation or individual, if you have new ideas, or just want to lend a hand, or make common cause for a better Singapore, we welcome you to join us.”
In his speech, PM Wong also committed to improving communication. “We get a lot of feedback about the need to communicate better,” he noted. “As a political party, we too need to have our own effective communication channels – we cannot just rely on the civil service or Government to communicate policies.”
PM Wong outlined plans for more frequent media briefings and greater use of social media platforms to ensure broader outreach.
“I will meet the media more regularly to address issues of the day and the thinking behind certain policies,” he promised, adding that more on-the-ground visits are planned to directly engage with Singaporeans and gather their feedback.
Concluding his address, PM Wong reiterated the PAP’s commitment to being a responsive and proactive force in Singaporean politics. “We are always a party that serves the people, that puts the interests of Singaporeans first,” he affirmed. “We are also a party of action. It’s not just about words, but deeds, and we are a party that will always strive to make life better for all Singaporeans.”
This initiative comes amid growing speculation over an earlier election to be held in September this year, although the next general election is not due until November 2025.
However, PAP assistant secretary-general Desmond Lee said in response to queries from the media that the Refresh PAP exercise was driven by the need to adapt to a fast-changing environment and not sparked by the upcoming general election.
