IN THIS ISSUE

December 2015

Chan Chun Sing on HQ’s roadmap pg16

Singapore’s future challenges pg10

Updated list of PAP MPs and Branch Chairs pg14

A Q U A R T E R LY P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E P E O P L E ' S A C T I O N P A R T Y

PAP THINKING AHEAD FOR SG100

PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEELawrence Wong (Chairman) Desmond Lee Chee Hong TatSeah Kian Peng Lim Wee Kiak Baey Yam Keng Zaqy Mohamad Janil Puthucheary Chiang Heng Liang Diana Pang Hamidah Aidillah Benjamin Tay Teo Lin Lee Adrian Liew

EditorChee Li Foong Editorial and DesignFocus Publishing Limited(Tel: 6319-2392) Printer KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Photos Singapore Press Holdings, istockphoto.com

MCI(P) 144/02/2015 Petir is published by the People’s Action Party Central Executive Committee. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine are not neces-sarily those of the PAP or the Government. All rights reserved.

PAP HeadquartersBlock 57B, New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057 Telephone: 6244-4600Telefax: 6243-0114Internet: www.pap.org.sg

04

04 ul lling our ro ises Party Secretary General Lee Hsien Loong emphasises the importance of starting work now for the next general election.

09 Unconventional Convention Ground-up engagement of activists and the novel use of technology made this year s party convention di erent.

10 SGFuture: Our Challenges Petir presents an easy-to-read infographic on the challenges facing Singapore.

12 In recognition of dedicated, loyal activists Special Letters of Appreciation were given to 183 activists for their exceptional e orts during G 1 . Another 3 3 were honoured for their commitment to the party.

14 PAP MPs and Branch Chairs An updated list of PAP MPs and Branch Chairpersons.

16 FEATURE H E co s road a Strengthening the training of activists outreach e orts and feed ack mechanism are the key priorities for new H xco chairman Chan Chun Sing.

18 SHORTIES A summary of major new policies and news in numbers.

19 FEATURE Out in force Veteran MP Charles Chong hits the ground running in his new ward Punggol ast. So did the defeated candidates of Aljunied G C and Hougang who continued their groundwork.

* Also in Chinese, Malay and Tamil

PAP CONVENTION

December 20152

ContentsDecember 2015

22 CONVERSATION Ordinary life, e traordinary eco syste Always give of your best is Amrin Amin’s mantra. The Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Home A airs shares about his growing up years in an exceptional Singapore.

GROUNDWORK26 WOMEN'S WING Ma ing u for lost ti e

In valedictory interviews, three retired MPs talk about their lives after stepping back from politics.

27 YOUNG PAP Forging stronger ties via SG 0 A a ing Race Through the SG Ama ing ace, oung PAP fosters closer ties with oung T C.

28 BACKBENCHER’S BITE Before and After Cheng Li Hui tells Petir the di erences between being a volunteer and now, the newly-minted MP for Tampines ast.

Please send feedback, suggestions and comments to paphq@pap.org.sg.

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2827

December 2015 3

COVER STORY

As the dust settles on G 1 , it is timely for the PAP to look forward and prepare Singapore for the future.

“Voters will judge the PAP not only by what we have done before, but what we will be doing this term, and what we can do,” said PAP Secretary Gen-eral and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, when he addressed about 1, party members during the PAP Convention on December 6 titled “Forward with Passion, Together in Action”.

In a 3 -minute speech delivered at the Singapore xpo, Mr Lee talked about what the PAP needs to

do in future to “continue to be a national party that represents the broad majority of Singaporeans and works for the interest of all Singaporeans.”

MPs and activists must continue working hard while staying humble, to connect with residents.

“It’s not just knocking on doors and going through the motions, but thinking hard how we can make the most di erence to our residents,” he said.

It also takes courage and conviction. “ ltimately, Singaporeans back ghters. If you say yes to every-thing, you will not win votes. ou must stand up for what you believe in and persuade people ‘this is the right way, go forward’. ”

Indeed, it was hard work which helped PAP to win the recent general election decisively, not just during the campaign period but over the last four years. Warm applause and cheers erupted as PM Lee mentioned several MPs by name.

Strong connections with the groundMinister for Manpower and ast Coast G C MP

Lim Swee Say conducted over 1 dialogues with his residents on the Pioneer Generation Package and MediShield Life South ast CDC Mayor and

ast Coast G C MP Maliki sman aimed to reach out to every HDB and private estate resident ee Soon South MP Lee Bee Wah is “famously hands on” and organised programmes with her residents to keep the area clean and green, while Holland-Bukit Timah G C MP Christopher De Sou a built up a young and energetic team.

Singaporeans trust that the PAP they voted in does not just stand for its stellar track record, but also how it can better their lives in future.

Ful lling our ro ises

December 20154

Some MPs and their teams had tougher ghts than others, pointed out Secretary General Lee. This included Sitoh ih Pin, who won back Potong Pasir on his third try in 11 and Tin Pei Ling who had a rough time in her rst campaign in 11. Both had resounding wins this time in 1 . The Aljunied, Hougang and Punggol ast PAP teams, he said, had the hardest mission but kept at it with the right attitude.

Said Mr Lee: “Whatever the government policies and national mood, the MP and his team doing groundwork, connecting with residents, makes a great di erence. motionally, people can see that we care for them, that we are on their side, that we want to improve their lives by working with them.

“I especially thank the activists who support our MPs on the ground. The MPs work hard, but they can only succeed with their full team working alongside them,” he said.

The PAP also has to continue coming up with policies which will improve Singaporeans’ lives.

While it has done well in addressing issues like housing, transport, immigration and healthcare, there is a need to plan ahead.

“We are also looking ahead beyond SG , towards our next milestone, SG1 ,” said PM Lee. “Singapore will not just be exceptional for a one -o period, and then turn ordinary and fade away.”

Work -in- progress items include improving the public transport system, implementing MediShield Life and building new hospitals and polyclinics, and ne-tuning population policies.

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat is chairing the Committee on our Future conomy to develop a plan to restructure the economy and ensure that Singaporeans will continue to have good jobs and opportunities, while Minister in the Prime Minister’s ce, Chan Chun Sing and Minister for Culture, Community and outh, Grace Fu will lead discussions on SGFuture.

choing the theme of change for the better, the PAP Convention for the rst time deviated from prepared speeches. Instead, a PAP panel presented their ndings on three key issues critical to Singa-pore’s future.

South West CDC Mayor Low en Ling took charge of a team doing research on the Future of Lifelong Learning, orth ast CDC Mayor Teo Ser Luck looked into the Future of Sustainable Living, while Central CDC Mayor Denise Phua looked into the Future of Caring. They answered questions sent in by the activists on mobile phones via the pigeonhole Q&A app.

The engaging session led to some lively discus-sion. A question which garnered over votes and

“Every generation will have to earn their own right to lead. The result in GE2015 is a good base. But GE2021 will be a new ght. Let’s start now, so that by 2021 the PAP can say what we promised, we have delivered; what we stand for, we continue to uphold.”

- PAP Secretary General Lee Hsien Loong

which led to some debate was one submitted by Mr Heng Swee Keat who used to head the education portfolio – Should we get our children to clean toilets and go for adventure training to be more rugged?

Earning the right to leade ecting back on 1 , Mr Lee said Singaporeans

gained a stronger sense of identity which will strength-en the nation going forward.

“This emotional year has left a permanent mark on all of us, individually and as a society,” he said. ot only was it Singapore’s Jubilee year, it was also when founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan ew passed on both were one -o events which will never again occur in Singapore’s history.

“We all shared the national moment of grief when Mr Lee died, and the moment of celebration when we sang Majulah Singapura and recited the pledge on ational Day. For all of us who were here, a new consciousness was created. We were changed, we will remember.”

In conclusion, he said: “ very generation will have to earn their own right to lead. The result in G 1 is a good base. But G 1 will be a new ght. Let’s start now, so that by 1 the PAP can say what we promised, we have delivered; what we stand for, we continue to uphold.”

December 2015 5

COVER STORY

December 20156

Me enuhi an i a iRakyat Singapura percaya bahawa PAP yang mereka undi bukan hanya bersandarkan kepada rekod cemerlang parti, tetapi juga bagaimana ia dapat memperbaiki kehidupan mereka pada masa depan.

Setelah keadaan kembali tenang selepas pilihan raya umum 1 G 1 , kini adalah masanya untuk PAP memandang ke

depan dan mempersiapkan Singapura untuk masa depan. “Pengundi akan menilai PAP bukan hanya atas apa yang telah

dilakukannya sebelum ini, tetapi apakah yang akan mereka laku-kan pada penggal ini, dan apakah yang boleh mereka lakukan,” kata Setiausaha Agung PAP dan Perdana Menteri Lee Hsien Loong, semasa berucap di depan 1, anggota parti semasa konvensyen tahunan PAP pada 6 Disember lalu bertajuk “Maju dengan Semangat, Bersama dalam Tindakan”.

Dalam ucapan 3 minit beliau, ncik Lee bercakap tentang apa yang perlu dilakukan PAP pada hari muka untuk “terus menjadi sebuah parti nasional yang mewakili majoriti rakyat Singapura dan bekerja untuk kepentingan seluruh warganya.”

AP dan penggiat parti mesti terus bekerja keras tetapi kekal ren-dah diri, dalam mendampingi penduduk,” katanya.

Sememangnya, ia adalah kerja keras yang membantu PAP me-menangi G 1 dengan penuh yakin, bukan hanya semasa tempoh berkempen tetapi sepanjang empat tahun lalu. Tepukan dan sorakan gemuruh bergema setiap kali PM Lee menyebut nama para AP.

Hubungan kukuh dengan rakyatBeberapa AP dan pasukan mereka menghadapi saingan lebih sen-

git berbanding yang lain, ujarnya. Ini termasuklah Sitoh ih Pin, yang berjaya menawan semula Potong Pasir pada percubaan ketiganya tahun 11 dan Tin Pei Ling yang menghadapi masa sukar sewaktu kali pertama berkempen tahun 11. Kedua-dua mereka mencatat ke-menangan besar dalam pilihan raya umum kali ini. Pasukan PAP bagi Aljunied, Hougang dan Punggol ast, tambah beliau lagi, mengha-

dapi misi paling sukar tetapi tetap cekal dengan menunjukkan sikap yang betul.

Kata ncik Lee: “Saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih terutama sekali kepada penggiat parti yang memberi sokongan kepada AP kita di lapangan. AP bekerja keras, tetapi mereka hanya boleh berjaya apabila sepenuh anggota pasukan bekerja bersama-sama mereka.”

Sedang PAP telah melakukan dengan baik dalam menangani isu-isu seperti perumahan, pengangkutan, imigresen dan penjagaan kesihatan, masih terdapat keperluan untuk merancang bagi masa depan.

“Kami juga berpandangan jauh melampaui SG , ke arah penca-paian selanjutnya, SG1 ,” kata PM Lee. “Singapura tidak akan hanya menjadi sebuah negara yang luar biasa pada suatu ketika, yang kemu-diannya kembali seperti biasa dan setelah itu menghilang.”

Antara kerja-kerja yang sedang dilakukan termasuklah memper-baiki sistem pengangkutan awam, melaksanakan MediShield Hayat dan membina beberapa hospital baru dan poliklinik, dan memperha-lusi dasar penduduk.

Menteri Kewangan Heng Swee Keat kini mempengerusikan Jawa-tankuasa bagi konomi Masa Depan demi membangunkan sebuah perancangan untuk membangunkan semula ekonomi agar rakyat Singapura akan terus menikmati peluang dan pekerjaan yang baik. Menteri di Pejabat Perdana Menteri Chan Chun Sing dan Menteri Kebudayaan, Masyarakat dan Belia Grace Fu akan memimpin perbin-cangan berkenaan SGFuture.

Mendapat mandat untuk memimpinMengimbas 1 , ncik Lee berkata rakyat Singapura menikmati

perasaan jati diri yang lebih kukuh yang akan mengukuhkan lagi negara ini sedang ia melangkah ke depan.

“Tahun yang emosi ini telah meninggalkan bekas yang kekal kepada kita semua, baik secara perseorangan atau sebagai sebuah masyarakat,” katanya. Bukan hanya ia disebabkan Singapura menikmati Tahun Jubli mas tahun ini, tetapi juga disebabkan pemergian perdana menteri pertama negara, ncik Lee Kuan ew; yang mana kedua-duanya adalah peristiwa yang tidak boleh diulangi dalam sejarah Singapura.

“Kita semua mengongsi kesedihan di peringkat nasional apabila ncik Lee meninggal, dan menikmati keceriaan dan bersama-sama

menyanyikan Majulah Singapura semasa Hari Kebangsaan. Bagi anda semua yang berada di sini, satu kesedaran baru telah diwujudkan. Kami telah berubah, kami akan mengingatinya.”

Mengakhiri ucapannya, beliau berkata: “Setiap generasi harus me-raih hak untuk memimpin. Keputusan G 1 adalah satu asas yang baik. Tetapi G 1 akan menjadi satu pertarungan baharu. Marilah mulakan persiapan dari sekarang, agar nanti bila tiba 1 PAP boleh katakan apa yang telah dijanjikan; telah ditepati. Apa yang kita dukung, kita akan terus tegakkan.”

December 2015 7

COVER STORY

December 20158

Unconventional ConventionPetir went behind-the-scenes to find out from the organisers the PPF Council on the preparations that made this year’s convention different

As party conventions go, the 2015 convention as one ith a i er-ence or a start, this as the rst

convention which had its very own logo and theme. The “Forward with Passion, Together in Action” theme was intended to engage and spur activists to continue the momentum of working hard for party and nation. The logo was to deepen impressions from the conven-tion and inspire continued diligence by party activists.

Speaking to Petir before the convention, Mr Benjamin Tay, Chairman of the PPF Council, explained: “Through the conven-tion, we hope to nurture a new pioneering spirit among activists who dream of a better future for Singapore, and turn problems and constraints into opportunities.”

Another di erence in this year s conven-tion was the engagement with participants well before it took place on December 6. The estimated 1,500 participants were asked to vote on polls generated by the districts a good three weeks before the convention.

This was possible through the novel harnessing of technology, the pigeonhole application. Participants whipped out their smartphones to vote on preferred solutions to challenges posed by panel discussions.

Using the same pigeonhole app, partici-

pants also submitted their questions electron-ically for the Q&A segment. These questions were voted on by the attendees (again using technology), with the most popular ones moving up democratically to the top of a chart to help the panels respond to them.

At breakfast and break time, attendees used the pigeonhole app to submit pledges on the type of action they would take to build a stronger party and nation.

And instead of the typical series of speeches from top party leaders, the pro-gramme featured panels from the districts which gave presentations and responded to the audience’s questions.

The presentations were also the subject of deeper and wider engagement as they were in uenced by voting preferences from the poll results.

Engaged audienceThe PPF started work on bringing about a

convention with a di erence over a year ago. A core team focused on the nitty-gritty, with guidance on broad directions from the PPF Council Advisors.

Event organising co-chairs Edward See and Zizie Zuzantie said: “We wanted to create opportunities for our fellow activists to do more than just listen, to participate in

something bigger than just an event.’’ In keeping with the theme “Forward

with Passion, Together in Action” as well as Secretary eneral ee sien oong s call for Singaporeans to script our future together at his swearing-in speech in October, topics for the panel discussions telescoped into the future of Singapore. The three panel discus-sions, each led by a District Chair, covered the “Future of Caring’’, “Future of Lifelong Learning’’ and “Future of Sustainable Living’’.

By using the pigeonhole app, the PPF Council hoped to start activists thinking of those areas before they even stepped into the convention hall. It empowered and engaged the activists by allowing them to in uence the presentations which were to be given at the convention.

Loke Choon Wai, a member of the organ-ising team, pointed out: “Technology allows wider and deeper engagement with the ground to the point of even in uencing the presentations made at the convention.”

For those who wanted a keepsake of the occasion, mementoes with the convention logo were given out. To deepen memories, pledge booths with inspirational photo walls, mock letter boxes and trees were also set up where participants could physically write and hang pledges and take photos.

Contribute ideas and honest feedback to top leaders, regard-less of positive or negative comments

Pledge by: Teo Lin Lee (Queenstown)

Recruit new MPS members

Pledge by: Jonathan Hoe Jun Xian (Tampines North)

Support meaningful activities in the branchPledge by: M S Chua (Toa Payoh West - Balestier)

Commit my time to assist MPS team members whenever I can

Pledge by: Seow Soo Huan (Toa Payoh West - Balestier)

Serve and contribute to the Party and nation

Pledge by: Prabha Chandran Seth (Thomson)

Specially commissioned logo to deepen impressions from the Convention

December 2015 9

Prior to the PAP Convention, the Districts brainstormed various challenges and tossed up several proposed ideas. During these sessions, the participants also had the chance to vote for their favourite ideas.

INFOGRAPHIC: PATRIC HONG

Future of Lifelong Learning1

CHALLENGE1 How do we promote a national culture of lifelong learning?

Promote a continued mindset of learning for all ages beyond grades

54.6%

Pro ide more a ordable education and training for workforce

22.8%

Encourage pursuit of passions and courses to uplift skills

22.6%

CHALLENGE2 How do we encourage our ageing and diverse population to embrace lifelong learning?

Empower seniors and highlight role models to motivate peers

33.7%

More inter-generational mentorship tapping on seniors' experience

40.8%

Engage stakeholders and educational providers to raise awareness

25.5%

CHALLENGE3 How do we provide quality trainers and training providers?

Identify and encourage experts in each eld to become trainers

44.6%

kills certi cation by professional bodies and standards-setting

23.8%

Introduce a robust system to accredit and validate trainers

31.6%

Future of Caring2

CHALLENGE1 How do we address manpow-er shortage in caregiving jobs due to foreign manpower curbs while Singaporeans shun these jobs?

Professionalise caregiving jobs with competency and pay scales

37.0%

Train paid caregivers in each precinct to support seniors at home

31.2%

Provide a ordable technology to promote self-reliance among seniors

31.8%

Proudly organised by the

2015 PAP Convention

SGFuture: Our ChallengesSGFuture: Our Challenges

December 201510

CHALLENGE2 How do we ensure there are adequate and a ordable eldercare facilities?

Build retirement villages with onsite healthcare and social support

26.1%

et aside oors in HDB blocks with supervised care for senior residents

37.8%

Embed eldercare centres in the community, eg. CCs, schools

36.1%

CHALLENGE3 How do we implement a whole-society approach to help seniors age with dignity?

Schools & institutes of higher learning to adopt groups of seniors on a longer-term basis

17.5%

Easy access to jobs for seniors in di erent age groups and skills

52.8%

Customised service at senior activity centres and more peer support

29.7%

CHALLENGE1 How can we shift to a car-light society?

Promote alternatives like waterways, car-pooling and e-scooters

13.5%

Improve public transport coverage, a ordability and comfort

71.7%

Improve last-mile connectivity with more walkways and cycling paths

14.8%

CHALLENGE2 How do we become self-su -cient with our energy needs?

Subsidise smart technologies to reduce energy consumption

46.2%

National push to change air-conditioning temperature levels

6.4%

Build more sustainable power plants using eg. solar or other clean fuels

47.5%

adopt groups of seniors on a longer term basis

CHALLENGE3 How do we promote and educate a green mentality?

Heightened nationwide public education to raise awareness

71.4%

Better placement of recycling bins at high tra c locations

13.9%

Promote food waste recycling with recycling bins at F&B outlets

14.7%

Future of Sustainable Living3

December 2015 11

COVER STORY

In recognition of dedicated, loyal activistsA total of 393 activists from various branches were honoured for their dedicated and loyal service to the Party at the PAP Dinner and Awards Ceremony held on December 5, 2015 at Singapore Expo. In conferring these awards, the Party recognised their leadership on the ground, tireless efforts and invaluable contributions to the Party. Another 183 received Special Letters of Appreciation for their significant efforts during GE2015.

Petir finds out from some of them what continues to keep them motivated and inspired all these years.

BY KHUSHWANT SINGH

Commendation MedalMr Benny Yeo Cheng San

Branch: Tampines East (Tampines GRC)

As chief coordinator for Tampines GRC and chairman of the GRC Secretariat, Mr Benny Yeo Cheng San was very busy supporting the PAP candidates for Tampines in GE2015.

The hard wor paid o and the Party retained the GRC.Mr Yeo, a general manager of a family centre, is also known for go-

ing out of his way to help residents. When his appeals on behalf of a resident to marry an ex-work permit holder were continuously reject-ed by the authorities in 1995, he encouraged the resident to upgrade himself from NTC 3 to NTC 2, with the hope of a promotion and pay

rise which would enhance the chances of gaining approval for the marriage. With perseverance, the appeal was eventually ap-proved. The step-daughter also got a student’s pass.

A party member since 1995, Mr Yeo, 51, said: “It gives me a sense of satisfac-tion when I see them as a family unit, even till today.”

Dedicated Service MedalMr Khew Nee Khwek

Branch: Ulu Pandan (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC)

During the recent election, Mr Khew Nee Khwek, 64, took annual leave not for a holiday but to play his part in making sure PAP won. He was active every day of the campaign

period and also acted as a counting agent on Polling Day.He said that joining the Party in 1978 was a natural transition. He

had been part of the PAP Youth Group in Queenstown and he had liked what the PAP was doing for the country.

He started helping out at MPS. Mr Khew, who works as an auto-mobile technician, added: “These meet-the-people sessions are very busy periods and there are always so many things to do so I helped out

in any way I could.”Both his son, 31, an insurance

consultant, and his daughter, 34, an investment adviser, are also PAP members. Only his wife is not, he said with a sigh.

Dedicated Service Star AwardMr Tan Kim Hock

Branch: Changi Simei (East Coast GRC)

A party member since 1964, Mr Tan Kim Hock has been active in every general election since then. He recalls wearing out a pair of shoes during each general election in the early years

visiting kampungs as there were no pavements then.Now 77 years old, he accompanied the PAP team during GE2015 as

they canvassed for votes. However, he could not join the block visits because of his bad knee condition.

The retired teacher even volunteered to be a counting agent at Victoria JC counting centre and was on his feet from 8pm to 1am. The good trooper that he is, he then adjourned to Bedok Stadium till 3am to hear the results from the other constituencies.

Mr Tan was assistant secretary of the PAP Changi branch from 1968 to 1975, and its secretary from 1976 till 2005. He was its vice chairman until three years ago when he requested the branch chairman to allow him to step down.

He said: “I will continue to serve because I believe the PAP is still the party that cares for the people and the nation.

December 201512

Youth MedalMs Hamidah Aidillah MustafaBranch: Keat Hong (Chua Chu Kang GRC)

Currently the deputy organising secretary of Young PAP, Ms Hamidah Aidillah Mustafa rst started as a olunteer riting letters for residents on MP e enings

She told Petir: “I had to handle some of the most heartbreaking and tragic cases but I en oyed connecting ith the residents and fell in lo e ith helping others

A party member since 2008, she added: “Some of the resi-dents may ha e come across as emotional, but ultimately, they needed someone to listen and come up ith possible solutions to resol e their problems

In 200 , she as part of the Steering Committee helping the party utilise social media to spread its message

G 20 as the rst election she as in ol ed in here she isited homes and markets ith the PAP candidates during the campaign

he 0-year-old communications e ecuti e also said that she lo ed orking beside the “ olunteer aunties and uncles and praised their

commitment and loyalty“ hey ere also ery supporti e of my e orts, she added

Women’s MedalMs Angeline Ang Gek Lan

Branch: Bedok Reser oir-Punggol (Al unied GRC)

Like many olunteers, Ms Angeline Ang Gek Lan started o by helping in

the MPS and then became a party member in Along the

ay, she as appointed chair-man of the Women’s Wing of her branch

She had orked hard in 2015 to support the PAP in its unsuccessful bid to in back the Aljunied GRC from the op-position She accompanied the arious branch chairmen on their isits to markets in the unos,

Kaki Bukit and Paya Lebar di isions She as also one of the counting agents

Ms Ang as recently appointed a Pioneer Generation Ambassador Her husband and her 26-year old son and 24-year old daughter, are all ery supporti e of her PAP ork, she said

he 54-year-old house ife added: “I like being able to help the community

She particularly relished the experience of bringing the residents of Cheshire Home to Orchard Road to admire the Christmas lights last year

GOLD SILVER BRONZE

Long Service Medal (Gold)Mr Cheng Wai KeungBranch: Bishan East Thomson (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC)

A member since 1990, the 65-year-old company director said:

“We must be able to serve the people and help them attain their aspirations, not with populist polices, but with our vision of the society and country that Singapore can be.”

Long Service Medal (Silver)Mr Gopal KanapattyBranch: Queenstown (Tanjong Pagar GRC)

A member since 2000, the 69-year-old tra el agency partner, said:

“On some occasions, I have to explain government policies to residents. I believe grassroots leaders act as connectors between the government and the people.”

Long Service Medal (Bronze)Mr Mohamed Said AliBranch: Changi Simei (East Coast GRC)

A member since 2004, the 56-year-old duty manager of a cargo ser ices company, said:

“I work in shifts and when-ever I’m free, I will volun-teer to record the problems of residents during MPS. I really appreciate receiving this award.”

December 2015 13

Lee Hsien Loong(Teck Ghee)

Gan Thiam Poh(Sengkang South)

Ang Hin Kee(Cheng San-Seletar)

Darryl David(Ang Mo Kio-Hougang)

Intan Azura(Jalan Kayu)

Koh Poh Koon(Yio Chu Kang)

Ang Mo Kio GRC

Chee Hong Tat(Toa Payoh West – Balestier)

Saktiandi Supaat(Toa Payoh East – Novena)

Chong Kee Hiong(Bishan East – Thomson)

Ng Eng Hen(Toa Payoh Central)

Josephine Teo(Bishan North)

Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

Heng Chee How(Whampoa)

Yaacob Ibrahim(Kolam Ayer)

Lily Neo(Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng)

Denise Phua Lay Peng(Kampong Glam)

Jalan Besar GRC

PAP MPs and Branch Chairs

Ang Wei Neng(Jurong Central)

Tharman Shanmugaratnam(Taman Jurong)

Desmond Lee(Jurong Spring)

Rahayu Binte Mahzam(Bukit Batok East)

Tan Wu Meng(Clementi)

Jurong GRC

Amrin Amin(Woodlands)

Ong Ye Kung(Gambas)

Khaw Boon Wan(Sembawang)

Lim Wee Kiak(Canberra)

Vikram Nair(Admiralty)

Sembawang GRC

Shamsul Kamar (Kaki Bukit Branch Chairman)

K Muralidharan Pillai(Paya Lebar Branch Chairman)

Victor Lye(Bedok Reservoir-Punggol Branch Chairman)

Chua Eng Leong(Eunos Branch Chairman)

Chan Hui Yuh(Serangoon Branch Chairman)

Aljunied GRC

Tan Chuan-Jin(Kembangan-Chai Chee)

Fatimah Binte Abdul Lateef(Geylang Serai)

Goh Chok Tong(Marine Parade)

Seah Kian Peng(Braddell Heights)

Edwin Tong Chun Fai(Joo Chiat)

Marine Parade GRC

Baey Yam Keng(Tampines North)

Heng Swee Keat(Tampines Central)

Cheng Li Hui(Tampines East)

Desmond Choo Pey Ching(Tampines Changkat)

Masagos ulki i(Tampines West)

Tampines GRC

Chan Chun Sing(Buona Vista)

Joan Pereira(Henderson Dawson)

Chia Shi-Lu(Queenstown)

Indranee Rajah(Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru)

Melvin Yong Yik Chye(Moulmein-Cairnhill)

Tanjong Pagar GRC

December 201514

Gan Kim Yong(Chua Chu Kang)

Zaqy Mohamad(Keat Hong)

Low Yen Ling(Bukit Gombak)

Yee Chia Hsing(Nanyang)

Chua Chu Kang GRC

Mohamad Maliki (Siglap)

Lee Yi Shyan(Kampong Chai Chee)

Jessica Tan Soon Neo(Changi-Simei)

Lim Swee Say(Bedok)

East Coast GRC

Sim Ann(Bukit Timah)

Liang Eng Hwa(Zhenghua)

Christopher De Souza(Ulu Pandan)

Vivian Balakrishnan(Cashew)

Holland-Bukit Timah GRC

Lee Hong Chuang(Branch Chairman)

HougangSMC

David Ong Kim Huat

Bukit BatokSMC

Teo Ho Pin

Bukit PanjangSMC

Cheryl Chan Wei Ling

FengshanSMC

Amy Khor Lean Suan

Hong KahNorth SMC

Tin Pei Ling

MacphersonSMC

Lim Biow Chuan

MountbattenSMC

Cedric Foo Chee Keng

PioneerSMC

Sitoh Yih Pin

Potong PasirSMC

Charles Chong You Fook

Punggol East SMC

Tan Chin Siong

Radin Mas SMC

Lam Pin Min

Sengkang West SMC

Grace Fu Hai Yien

YuhuaSMC

K Shanmugam(Chong Pang)

Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim(Nee Soon Central)

Kwek Hian Chuan(Kebun Baru)

Lee Bee Wah(Nee Soon South)

Louis Ng Kok Kwang(Nee Soon East)

Nee Soon GRC

Halimah Yacob(Marsiling)

Alex Yam Ziming(Yew Tee)

Ong Teng Koon(Woodgrove)

Lawrence Wong(Limbang)

Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC

Foo Mee Har(Ayer Rajah)

Patrick Tay Teck Guan(Boon Lay)

Lim Hng Kiang(Telok Blangah)

S Iswaran(West Coast)

West Coast GRC

Janil Puthucheary(Punggol Coast)

Teo Chee Hean(Pasir Ris West)

Ng Chee Meng(Punggol North)

Sun Xueling(Punggol West)

Teo Ser Luck(Sengkang Central)

Zainal Bin Sapari(Pasir Ris East)

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC

Petir produces an updated list of our MPs and branch chairs.

December 2015 15

FEATURE

Labour chief Chan Chun Sing is heading the executive committee of the party's headquarters (HQ Exco), having taken over from Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. He tells Petir his new responsibilities.

Q: How do you see the GE2015 results – PAP won 69.9 per cent of the popular vote and 83 out of 89 seats? What are some of the key learnings for the party? Chan Chun Sing (CCS): Singaporeans are fair-minded. Things may not be perfect, and there are problems yet to be solved, but if you are hardworking, people can see it for themselves. They know you have tried your best. Our philosophy in Tanjong Pagar GRC (where he is a MP) is always to do our work conscientiously, take care of our residents properly, then we leave it to the residents to take care of the results.

The key takeaways for us is to always maintain focus in two areas: one, take care of Singaporeans, make sure they live well; and two, never jeopardise the long term interests of the country.

Q: What does the HQ Exco do? CCS: Take the analogy of running a company. The party’s Central Executive Committee is like the board of the company. The HQ Exco is like the management. The board provides broad directions to the management which executes the directions. The HQ Exco oversees the administration and coordination of party activities across all its 89 branches. We have sub-committees in the HQ Exco handling vari-ous things, such as feedback and communications, outreach, training and administration.

There are formal meetings at least once every two months to dis-cuss our tasks ahead, like how to strengthen the training modules for our activists to keep pace with the times; facilitate more best practices sharing across di erent branches, also to share some of the mistakes

roadmap Exco’s

December 201516

made so that others can avoid them.Besides the formal meetings, as and when the sub

groups have issues to discuss, we'll meet.

Q: The term, which began recently, is for two years. What are your directions and plans?CCS: We hope to strengthen in three areas: • Strengthen the training of our activists to ensure

that they are well versed in groundwork, under-stand our policies as well as the concerns and aspirations of our people,

• Strengthen our outreach. This is to ensure that we continue to reach out to groups that we previously may not have reached, and

• Strengthen our feedback mechanism. This is to ensure that the voices of our people are heard and conveyed, so that the government can be more nim-ble in making policies and addressing those issues closest to the heart of the people.

Q: Will Q sta be beefed up to handle increased workload? CCS: PAP's system is always very lean, we don’t have a very large HQ. It always depended on our network of activists and volunteers. The strength of our party has always lied in the strength of the branches, which is our ground network. The aim is to nd ways to mobilise the strength, to leverage on the network of the branches.

Q: You are the HQ Exco chair and YP chair, in addition to being a Cabinet minister. How do you manage your time? CCS: I must manage it carefully. Everybody has only 24 hours. Nobody can do everything by themselves, team-work is very important. Also, it is not only how we man-age our time, we must bear in mind that the time of our people is very precious too. As leaders, we must set our priorities right. It is our job to make sure that the time and resources we have are wisely applied to the areas which are most important and our people's energy are applied most e ectively.

Amidst my tight schedule, I will set aside time for my family, at least have a meal with them during week-ends and try my best to spend one or two week nights with them. Otherwise I will only know how old my kids are and not how tall they have grown.

“The strength of our party has always lied in the strength of the branches, which is our ground network. The aim is to nd ways to mobilise the strength, to leverage on the network of the branches.”

PAP HQ Executive Committee

Advisors:Khaw Boon WanTeo Chee Hean

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Chairman: Chan Chun Sing

(Chairman, Young PAP)

Alt Chairman: Heng Swee Keat

Denise PhuaTeo Ser Luck

Teo Ho PinMaliki Osman

Low Yen LingDistrict Chairs:

Amrin AminAmy Khor

Baey Yam KengChee Hong Tat

David OngGrace Fu

(Chairperson, Women’s Wing)Halimah Yacob

(Chairperson, PAP.SG)

Janil PuthuchearyJosephine TeoK ShanmugamKoh Poh KoonLam Pin Min

Lawrence Wong (Advisor, PPF)

Masagos ulki iNg Chee Meng

Ong Ye KungSam TanSim Ann

Tan Chuan-JinVivian Balakrishnan

Yaacob IbrahimZaqy Mohamad

Members:

*Two-year term began in 2015

Work begins for next GEPreparations for the next general election have already started.

r eng Swee eat will ta e charge of the PAP’s e orts to ana-lyse its performance in the 2015 general elections while Mr Gan Kim Yong will handle the process of identifying candidates for GE2021. It had been a landslide win that saw the PAP winning nearly 70 per cent of the vote, and garnering 83 of the 89 seats in Parlia-ment. Mr Heng’s appointment was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the PAP's Secretary-General, on his Facebook page in October 2015, barely weeks after GE2015. In his own Facebook post, Mr Heng, who is an MP for Tampines GRC and Finance Minister, said his team to analyse the poll re-sults would comprise party members with a wide range of experi-ence. He will also seek views from a broad spectrum and “discuss deeply” with the chairmen and activists of all the PAP branches. Mr Gan’s task was also announced by Mr Lee at a dinner in early December for past and present PAP MPs. Mr Gan, who is an MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC and Health Minister, takes over the task from Dr g Eng Hen. The rst tea session with potential candi-dates is likely to take place in December 2015, said Mr Gan. “We are now going through referrals and nominations from the grass-roots, ground activists, MPs and di erent sources,” he said.

December 2015 17

SHORTIES

F

F

New policies for HDB buyers kick in

$500 NEWS IN NUMBERS

450President Tony Tan gave out National Day awards to 450 people at the National Day Investiture on November 8, 2015. Recipients included former Cabinet Minister S. Dhanabalan, who received Singapore's highest civilian honour, the Order of Temasek (First Class), for his contribution to the country.

900A new Youth-At-Risk Engagement Framework will be launched in April 2016 and is expected to serve up to 900 at-risk youths. The $2-million pilot initiative will develop standardised assessment tools to better assess the risk levels and needs of such youths.

50Women above the age of 50 who hold a blue or orange Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) card can now get free breast cancer screenings. It would encourage more women from the lower and middle-income groups to go for early checks.

From January 1, 2016, every Singaporean aged 25 and above will receive this amount in the SkillsFuture Credit scheme. The credits do not expire and can be used to take courses to upgrade a person's skills. The government will top up the credit at regular intervals.

AF

F

Dialogues on Singapore's future

December 201518

Win or lose, PAP teams hit the ground running immediately after GE2015. Petir speaks to veteran MP Charles Chong about his work since winning back Punggol East. We also hear from the candidates who contested in Aljunied GRC and Hougang on their unabated engagement with residents.

Out in force

FEATURE

Punggol East

Punggol East’s new champion

MPs should speak out and not just toe the party line when the interests of residents have not been met, said Mr Charles Chong.

Well-known for his outspokenness, he said: “It is impossible to make perfect laws and regulations. There could be people who fall through the cracks. MPs should speak out about these instances with conviction and work for the policy to be changed or get exceptions to be made in these particular cases.”

The veteran politician he entered Parliament in - prefers to rst try to resolve the issue behind

closed doors. “If that doesn’t work, I’ve no hesitation in bringing it up in Parliament or speaking up in public. I’ve a commitment to my voters,” he said.

Mr Chong, 62, has walked the talk. Between 2003 and 2006, the then Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP headed a campaign to get Buangkok MRT station opened. He recalled: “They did not open the station because it was not nancially feasible. ou can’t think of feasibility the interests of the residents take precedence.”

The station nally opened in anuary 2006.

Winning attributes The former MP of oo Chiat MC, which was ab-

sorbed into Marine Parade GRC in GE2015, won Pung-gol East MC from the Workers’ Party in the recent GE.

He attributed his success to a combination of fac-tors party activists had remained active and meet-the-people sessions by the PAP had continued even after its defeat in the 2013 by-election. Mr Chong was also not new to the area, having served as an MP for Paris Ris-Punggol GRC between 2001 and 2011.

Another reason was the general swing towards the PAP nationwide, he said.

As Punggol East is a new estate with many young families, he plans for more pre-school and childcare facilities. The estates also need sprucing up.

Punggol East now has a proven champion at its helm.

Mr Charles Chong

“If that doesn’t work, I’ve no hesitation in bringing it up in Parliament or speaking up in public. I’ve a commitment to my voters.”- Mr Charles Chong

Making exceptionsIn the late 1980s, there was a resident in his

e awan who su ered fro idne failure ial sis achines were in short su l and the an

wanted to use his funds to u his own dial sis achine turned hi down, aintainin that the one was for his old a e r hon s o e out for

hi and ot to allow it “This incident convinced me that no matter how

well intentioned and well crafted olicies ma e, invaria l there will e circumstances that ma warrant e ce tions, he ointed out

BY KHUSHWANT SINGH

December 2015 19

AljunieFEATURE

“Young Singaporeans are our future and I believe in investing in and building up their poten-tial, and encouraging them to be active citizens.”- Mr Shamsul Kamar

Even before GE2015, the PAP team for Aljunied GRC decided that regardless of the outcome, they would continue house visits and meet-the-people sessions in their respective wards.

Mr Chua Eng Leong, who was unsuccessful in his bid to be the MP for Eunos, ex-plained: “Politics should be about serving the community and the nation faithfully. We are not once-in-a-blue-moon candidates, only appearing during elections.”

He said: “It was painful to lose by such a slim margin but I was heart-ened that the party’s performance improved in GE2015.”

Almost immediately after Polling Day, the 44-year-old was distributing masks to residents as the haze had worsened. He said: “Many residents were clearly touched and told me not to forget them.”

He was also surprised at the animosity generated during the elec-tion. Said the chairman of PAP Eunos branch: “I remember this incident. As I was handing out lea ets to com-muters at a bus stop, a Workers’ Party activist shouted at me. I paid him no heed. Some residents stared at him and he soon stopped and rode o on his bicycle.”

Mr Chua, an executive director at Standard Chartered Private Bank, said: “I saw it with my own eyes that most Singaporeans are decent folk and do not tolerate such behaviour.”

Mr Chua Eng Leong

“We hope the GE2015 results will motivate more PAP activists to step up and volunteer in opposition wards.”- Mr Murali Pillai

“We will never lose unless we give up. It matters not what we say, but what we do.”- Mr Victor Lye

“It was painful to lose by such a slim margin but I was heartened that the party’s performance improved in GE2015.”- Mr Chua Eng Leong

Know the ground

Just days after the GE2015 results were announced, the Aljunied GRC team cancelled its “Thank you” parade. Instead, they and their branch activists were out in full force distributing masks to combat the haze and pack and distribute

groceries to the needy in the opposition ward.The action was to assure residents that the PAP will continue to serve despite los-

ing “by a whisker”, said Mr Murali Pillai, chairman of the Paya Lebar branch.“Our activists are encouraged by the stronger than predicted results. They will

soldier on, listening actively, engaging and helping all our residents, regardless of which political party they supported, always focussing on what is good for our com-munity and Singapore as a whole,” he emphasised.

“We are always on the ground to look out for and deal with issues a ecting a number of our residents,” observed Mr Murali. “For instance, after the GE, a group of residents approached us for advice in a serious case of nuisance allegedly committed by their neighbour. It is a good sign that they continue to look us up for help.”

“We hope the GE2015 results will motivate more PAP activists to step up and volunteer in opposition wards. It is here where we will feel the closest resemblance to the pioneering spirit of our party, by ghting hard to gain our people’s trust and con dence despite the daunting odds,” he said.

Mr Murali Pillai

Mr Shamsul Kamar

December 201520

ed

Getting up close and personal in Hougang

Mr Lee Hong Chuang believes that the per-sonal approach is the way to win the hearts and minds of more Hougang residents.

He said: “I sit with the residents and they get to know me as a friend and tell me their problems. They realise that not every problem can be resolved but they know I will try my best.”

A grassroots leader at Ang Mo Kio GRC for 26 years before spending about a year at Hougang prior to GE2015, the chairman of the PAP Hougang branch, said: “Hougang residents put personality before poli-tics so I think I am in the right constituency as I am rather down-to-earth myself.”

In 2011, 35.2 per cent of Hougang residents voted PAP. This increased to 42.34 per cent when Mr Lee contested the SMC in GE2015.

Mr Lee, a senior IT manager at IBM, said of this year’s GE: “It was an uphill task so the outcome was very encouraging.”

At the ‘Thank you’ parade the morning after Polling Day on September 11, many residents came forward to acknowledge his hard work.

Mr Lee, 45, added: “I am also grateful for the sup-port of my family members at the rallies.” He and his wife have a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son.

Mr Lee Hong Chuang

People, not politics

When his children were young, they hid his shoes to prevent him from stepping

out to do his community work, recalled Mr Victor Lye who has been doing grassroots and party activities for more than 15 years.

These days, his children, now in their late teens and early 20s, occasion-ally accompany him on his community service.

During the Aljunied vote recount, his son sent him an Instagram message: “Win or lose, I’m incredibly, immensely, absolutely proud of you, daddy.’’

His response: “We will never lose un-less we give up. It matters not what we say, but what we do.’’

It is the same perseverance that sees Mr Lye continue his work in the GRC, post GE2015. “We are not in Parliament but we still have to do the groundwork. Our actions have been about protecting the interests of our people. We focus on people, not the politics,” said Mr Lye who chairs the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol branch under Aljunied GRC.

Expressing appreciation of the electorate’s support, he pointed out: “If we had over 1,300 more votes, we would have won. So, I am grateful to Aljunied voters for giving us a chance. They have seen how the PAP had responded and was willing to listen and change after the swing against it in GE2011. They appreciate the sincerity and honesty after the government undertook policy adjustments in housing, trans-port and health.”

Mr Victor Lye

“Hougang residents put personality before politics so I think I am in the right constituency as I am rather down-to-earth myself.”- Mr Lee Hong Chuang

a ing t e di erence

Mr Shamsul Kamar reached home at 4.45am after receiving the election results. He had lost but at 9am, he was with his grassroots leaders at a co ee shop planning visits to Kaki Bukit the same ward that he wanted

to serve as an MP.Said the chairman of PAP Kaki Bukit branch under Aljunied GRC: “We had put

up a good ght against the incumbents, who are regarded as the face of the opposi-tion in Parliament.

“The election was over but I wanted to carry on and help the community. There is about 14 per cent of rental ats here so there are many lower-income households. About 40 per cent of residents are aged 55 years and above. I want to make a dif-ference in their lives with the social assistance programmes implemented by the government. We can do better for those who fall through the cracks.”

A former teacher, he is now the deputy director of industrial relations with the NTUC. The 43-year-old, who is married with no children, is encouraged by the willingness of many young people who came forward to help in his outreach activi-ties, especially after the elections. He said: “Young Singaporeans are our future and I believe in investing in and building up their potential, and encouraging them to be active citizens.”

Hou

gang

December 2015 21

CONVERSATION

Since his youth, Amrin Amin has had a sense of mission to help the less fortunate and that is perhaps the main

reason why he readily gave up a promising law career in the private sector to serve in the public arena as Parliamentary Secretary in the inistry of ome A airs

“What guides me is giving back to society, making use of our limited time on earth to help the less privileged and doing my best,” said the second child of a technician father who drove a taxi to supplement his income, in an interview with Petir

“Mine is a story of an ordinary life blessed

with extraordinary people in an excep-tional country hat s also the story of many Singaporean lives,” he once wrote, adding that apart from hard work and luck, it’s “the Singapore eco-system that has made all the di erence ”

e started life in a three-room at in

AMRINAMINParliamentary Secretary, Mini try me A airAge: 37Family: Parents and three siblingsHobby: Walking and movies

Ordinary life, extraordinary eco-systemTime may be limited but always give of your best, says Amrin Amin, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs BY CONRAD RAJ

December 201522

Bedok with three other siblings. “We were not poor, neither were we rich, your average working class Singaporean family. I went to in in and ri ths rimary Schools, he recalled. His mother supplemented the family nances by taking on di erent obs babysitting, holding yre and upperware parties, tailoring and baking and later, as a production operator.

It was then that he learnt a ma or lesson that continues to shape his life. “One day, I asked my mum how come, unlike the other kids in my primary school, I did not have a regular recess allowance? She replied that my recess money depended on the nightly earn-ings of my father driving his ta i. She told me not to compare with others and make the best of what I have. I was not to have a sense of entitlement.

Even as a youth, at Dunman Secondary School and ampines unior ollege, r Amrin had a knack for organising events and

bringing people together. At , he was active in the students council and as aw lass

resident at the aw aculty of the ational University of Singapore, he even organised a “peaceful petition for more time to nish assignments.

And like the lawyer he is, he used a Latin phrase to emphasise his life’s mission, “carpe diem or “sei e the day . “I believe in putting my heart and soul in what I do, give my all and best, the results will take care of itself, he added.

Giving his best “ hroughout my secondary, unior college

and university days I was never at the top of class. But I always gave my best, he said modestly and matter-of-factly. He has a Mas-ters in Law from olumbia University where he was a Harlan iske Stone Scholar. ollow-ing his Masters, he worked as a corporate lawyer with a leading international law rm

“What guides me is giving back to society, making use of our limited time on earth to help the less privileged and doing my best.”

One of Mr Amrin Amin's aims is to attract more young people to join his Woodlands constituency's activities. “These days there are many activities competing for precious, limited time,” he pointed out.

“Young people are busy building up their careers and families. As a result, volunteer work may take a backseat. The challenge is to come up with something that really appeals to them. We have to develop a pipeline of activities that appeals to their sense of purpose. Even if it means organising ourselves and our activities such that our youths are with us for at least once a month for two hours, that is also okay. What’s important is we keep in touch,’’ he added.

Another challenge he relishes is picking up Mandarin. “I speak a little Mandarin. I notice that when I smatter my speech with a few

Singapore’s multi-racial and religious harmo-ny is another area of concern for Mr Amrin. In the wake of the November 2015 Paris attacks by terrorists, he pointed out that Singapore must be extra vigilant and cannot take our har-mony for granted. He was an exchange student in New York during the September 2001 terror-ist attacks and recalled how the national mood in the US changed overnight. In the midst of fear and crisis, he also witnessed the solidarity and camaraderie of ordinary Americans.

“I saw some of that remarkable spirit of solidarity in Singapore during our SG50 celebrations and the passing of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew with Singaporeans com-ing together as one, vendors giving away drinks and orists owers for free to mourners. It is comforting to know that the Singapore spirit is very alive and strong,” he said.

The Singapore spiritMandarin phrases, eyes lit up and the smiles are warmer,” observed Mr Amrin. “We live in a multi-racial Singapore, it is important for MPs and activists to reach out to all Singaporeans.”

On his walkabouts and home visits, he pays par-ticular attention to children, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. Mr Amrin shared: “I started a “Bring-Your-Report-Book-to-MPS” re-cently where I invited children from rental ats to show me their report books. MPS is not just a place where people complain or get rations, but also a place to celebrate life’s little joys. It was nice to see children proudly showing me their report cards and sharing what they excelled in. With this small initiative, I hope to send a message of hope and to let them know that we are rooting for them!”

He rewarded those who do well with small gifts like book vouchers to spur them to do better and suggested tuition to those who did not do as well.

December 2015 23

CONVERSATION

in New York from 2007 to 2010. Mr Amrin had also represented NUS in the prestigious Jessup International Law Moot Court Com-petition in Washington DC.

His passion for law, initially criminal law, was in uenced y lms such as John Grisham's The Client and the Matlock TV series.

He en oys meeting people from di er-ent ackgrounds. In politics too, you get to interact with all kinds of people, from poor to rich, from the co eeshop aunties to

usinessmen. It is his mantra of gi ing ack to the

people that got him into community ser ice in 200 , soon after he ecame a lawyer. He started with meet-the-people sessions (MPS) at Chong Pang, helping its MP, K Shan-mugam and remem ered eing inspired

y how Mr Shanmugam alanced an acti e court practice and community work. It was ery satisfying. At MPS, I met people who

need help. I felt happy that I could help in a ery small way, said Mr Amrin whose swearing-in as Parliamentary Secretary coin-cided with his 7th irthday.

Another coincidence his two rothers work in the same Home A airs Ministry. ne of them is in the Police Force and the other at Immigration. We are all now part of the Home Team, he said with some delight.

“It was very satisfying. At MPS, I met people who need help. I felt happy that I could help in a very small way.”

Mr Amrin is in his element when he interacts with his constituents and is able to give back to society.

Education and social causes play a key part in Amrin Amin's mind, again as part of his giving back to society. He has served on various boards, including Nanyang Polytechnic, National Council of Problem Gambling, feedback unit Reach, Prophet Muhammad's Birthday Memorial Scholarship Fund Board and the Association of Muslim Professionals 'Ready for School' Programme.

Mr Amrin believes that the PAP’s success in GE2015 was largely due to its responsiveness to a changing Singapore and at the same

time, staying true to its ideals of a Singapore for all Singaporeans.

Despite his busy schedule, Mr Amrin has his social moments. He enjoys regular chats with his close friends over a cup or two of teh tarik at a neighbourhood co ee shop. And of late he has a woman in his life a doctor working at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, across from his work place at New Phoeni Park. Their di erent schedules, however, do not allow them to have regular lunch dates. He is trying to get her to attend more grassroots events.

Teh tarik moments

December 201524

December 2015 25

GROUNDWORK > WOMEN'S WING

For Ms Irene Ng, who served three terms as MP for the Changkat ward in Tampines GRC, it's now mainly family

time. She said: “My parents who live in Pen-ang are in their s, and s er from vario s health ailments. I sometimes could not help feeling guilty when I attended our senior activities in the constituency I spent more time with our Changkat seniors and taking care of them than my own parents. Now, it is time to make up for that.”

She also intends to spend more time with her husband, Graham. He had left Scotland and his career in 2007 to marry her, but never got to see much of her because of her hectic MP schedule.

A former journalist, she also plans to return to writing, which she describes as “my

rst love”. It had taken a backseat when she was active in politics.

Serial entrepreneur Ms Penny Low is another three-term MP, at Punggol North in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. Originally she had intended to give the 10 best years of her prime life to Singapore. Ms Low ended up putting aside her growing business and life plans to serve the people for 14 years. After stepping back from politics, she has been busy with what she described as “un nished business”, as well as ongoing philanthropy work and international engagements.

She said her not-for-pro t organisation the Social Innovation Park had just held

a “hackathon”, a competition to create apps for the social sector to foster collaboration, and enhance market place and volunteer management systems, while preparing for its upcoming 10th anniversary events. She also endeavours to spend more time with her family.

A former two-term MP for Woodlands in the Sembawang GRC, Ms Ellen Lee, has resumed full-time practice as a lawyer and is also spending more time with her family. She has four step-children and 10 grandchil-dren.

She said: “Life is a tad more leisurely now that I don’t have back-to-back events to at-

Making up for lost timeAfter stepping back from politics just before GE2015, former MPs Irene Ng, Penny Low and Ellen Lee are now devoting themselves to matters they had to sideline during their political careers

BY KHUSHWANT SINGH

tend. Although I miss the exciting life of an MP, I am contented to have some peace and quiet for a change as I slow down to enjoy life more than before.”

In the years ahead, she will focus on her family, career and to continue with commu-nity services that she enjoys.

PAP in their DNA Despite retiring from politics, all three

women helped tirelessly in the last GE in planning strategy, attending rallies or joining in the house visits by PAP candidates, espe-cially in their respective wards.

As former MPs, they had come to know many of the residents personally. Ms Ng, 52, said: “I felt it was imperative that the political capital that I have built up over the years be passed on to the new candidate.”

The trio hope to contribute to PAP’s continued success. Ms Low said it best: “Our party is part of my DNA; hence I will always be ready to contribute to the best of my ability.”

Asked what advice they would give to new PAP women MPs, Ms Low, 48 and Ms Lee, 58, said that while the new politicians go about helping their constituents, they should not neglect their own health and their family members as well.

Ms Ng’s advice: “Trust in what you think. Act on what you believe in. You can’t please everyone.”

All three women left on a high note judg-ing from the response from their constitu-ents. Without doubt, they will be making their mark again, this time in another phase of their lives.

A resident bids a teary farewell to Ms Ng on hearing news about her retirement as her MP.

Ms Low on the stump for her PAP comrades.

Ms Lee enjoying an outing with grandson Nicholas Toh.

Despite retiring from politics, all three women helped tirelessly in the last GE in planning strategy, attending rallies or joining in the house visits by PAP candidates, especially in their respective wards.

December 201526

Ever traversed the whole of Singapore with only $7 for trans-port? Five Young PAP (YP) members did that recently when they took part in the SG50 Amazing Race organised by Young

NTUC. The YP team comprised members from the Jurong, Nee Soon and Holland-Bukit Timah YP Regions.

Not only did they accomplish the feat, they also fostered a closer relationship with their counterparts from Young NTUC.

The Amazing Race, on October 3, was held in conjunction with Young NTUC’s 10th anniversary and the nation’s 50th birthday. It at-tracted some 300 youth union members from 14 unions.

Despite some initial concerns about the haze on race day, it kicked o at am with all 0 teams going through a series of checkpoints to complete challenges which could be either physical or a speci c task such as solving a quiz or puzzle. And through it all, each team mem-ber could travel only by public transport using a $7-EZ-LINK card.

Mr William Chow, Region Chairman of YP Jurong, Yuhua Branch who took part, said: “It was a challenge. We had to be creative to stretch our dollar. The team pooled together our local knowledge and innovative ideas to achieve an optimisation between our race objec-tives and our very limited transport budget.

“For instance, we cleared checkpoints that were clustered together to save transport cost, instead of criss-crossing the island in a budget-busting manner. Where feasible, we walked or sometimes even opted to take a slightly longer bus journey to save some money.”

History lessonsIconic landmarks such as the Padang, former Supreme Court,

Marina Floating Platform, Merlion Park, NTUC Building@OMB and union o ces such as UWPI (United Workers of Petroleum Industry), BATU (Building Construction & Timber Industries Employees Union) and AUPE (Amalgamated Union of Public Employees) were among

GROUNDWORK > YOUNG PAP

Forging stronger ties viaSG50 Amazing Race

YP team members used their local knowledge and creativity to stretch the $7-per person transport budget to clear 10 checkpoints which were located across the island.

Pre-race at Orchid Country Club: All raring to go.

Undeterred by the haze, YP members took part in Young NTUC’s SG50 Amazing Race and in the process, discovered how affordable public transport is in Singapore

the 10 checkpoints completed by the teams. “We learnt many insights into why unions were formed, their his-

tory and contributions to the development of Singapore. Most of the answers to the quizzes could not be found on Google!,” said Mr Chow with a chuckle.

“We also did many interesting things together, such as running the length of the Padang to get its length which we managed to ac-complish using GPS and taking a ‘jumping-in-the-air’ photo with the Merlion as the backdrop,” he added.

“We had great fun planning our routes; our minds were constantly stretched to complete the race within the tight travel budget,’’ Mr Chow said, noting the fact that the YP team was able to complete the race with only $7 per person was testament of the country’s “very af-fordable public transport system.”

Forging closer ties with Young NTUC was another outcome of the outing. Mr Chow said the two groups already knew each other but the race has enhanced their friendship. “Going forward, YP, which has a pipeline of activities in 01 , will de nitely invite Young NTUC to participate in our activities,’’ he said.Camaraderie between YP and Young NTUC members.

December 2015 27

Ms Cheng Li Hui was a volunteer-turned-MP after GE2015. Petir caught up with her recently on her

new role.

TOPICS DISCUSSED P I’ve been a volunteer in the grassroots for

over a decade. As an MP, you could say my role is the same yet di erent. or e ample, as a volunteer, I drafted letters for people seek-ing help. I still draft letters but as an MP, I’m responsible in seeing that these letters get appropriately managed, and that they get the correct advice and assistance.

As an MP, I have to adjust my schedule as I attend many more events. It is important for me to be there to show support to the community, the VWOs, schools and other organisations that invite me. Today is a week-day, and I have already attended three events.

The funny thing is, when I was a volun-teer, I would come early for an event. Now, I have to make sure that I arrive e actly on time and not too early, which is surprisingly not easy for me, as I’ve always turned up early for years.

P Over the years, I’ve learnt a lot from the

MPs I worked with. When I volunteered

in Bukit Panjang, I saw how Dr Teo Ho Pin steadily and relentlessly built up programmes like brisk walking for the elderly over the years. What impressed me was the dedica-tion and belief, because many programmes take years before they mature and bear fruit.

Now I step into Mr Mah Bow Tan’s shoes at Tampines East and they are big shoes to

ll He has great rapport with his activists and residents. He would walk into a house-hold and say – “Hey how’s your brother?” remembering the fact from his last visit. He is especially close to the senior citizens and has implemented many new programmes for them in Tampines, for e ample, the -in-1 amily Day Care Centre and enior Citizens itness Parks.

My father was a rojak hawker turned busi-

nessman. His was the classic rags to riches story. With little education and through the sweat of his brow, he made a life for himself and all of us. He impressed on us his values of giving back to the community and volun-teerism. As a young teenager in secondary school, I remember helping to pack goodie bags.

When I was a girl guide, I visited old folks’ homes, cleaned homes, mobilised my school mates in community work. As I matured, I

understood what a privilege it is to help peo-ple and it’s now a big part of who I am.

Like many other ingaporeans, my

grandparents took care of me as my parents were working. And so I was very close to them. This made me naturally more compassionate to the issues and concerns of the elderly. I’m also great with young children. rom young, I took care of my younger siblings, nieces and nephews. Till today, young children always ock to me when I visit them. It brings me so much joy to share that time with them.

Tampines has many young families as well as elderly, many of whom were resettled farmers from the old Tampines Village. I hope to continue connecting our seniors and our children through interactive activities because I’ve personally seen how both groups bene t.

Recently, senior citizens from the eldercare centre and kids from the childcare and student care centres made tang yuan

our balls together. The young enjoyed spending time with the elderly, and you should see the smiles on the faces of the elderly when the kids said ‘Xie xie, Ah Gong or Ah Ma!’ (Thank you, grandfather or grandmother in Mandarin ”

BACKBENCHER'S BITE

WHO: Cheng Li Hui, Tampines GRC MP who entered politics in 2015 and is Deputy CEO of engineering

rm ai ec oldings

WHERE: l har Tampines loc 201D, Tampines Street 21, #01-1105

ON THE MENU: Roti ong ohn 50 , cheese naan 50 ,

mutton dum riyani 50

Before and AfterBY WONG SHER MAINE

December 201528