New PAP resolution crafted after engagement with party members

SINGAPORE: Singapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) adopted a new resolution on Sunday to take the country forward.

The PAP Resolution 2013 is the result of several rounds of engagement with party activists, Members of Parliament and members of the PAP's Central Executive Committee (CEC).

Seah Kian Peng, an MP for Marine Parade GRC and a PAP CEC member, said: "The new Resolution affirms many of the things we have always believed in, but puts it in a crisper way, to touch the hearts as well. The language that is used is clearer, it is easier to understand."

Liang Eng Hwa, an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, said: "The message is about inclusiveness, it's about Singaporeans coming together. At this stage of our development, with changes around the world, obviously we need to make changes in the party and the country as a whole.

"The Resolution gives us that clear direction and pointing out the distinct shift and emphasis, and we can move forward as a stronger society and forge a better future for ourselves."

Halimah Yacob, Speaker of Parliament and an MP for Jurong GRC, said: "In the past in terms of articulation, I think we have not been specifically clear. So now I think it's a clear articulation on the part of the party to say, 'yes, social development is very critical in Singapore, it's part of economic development'.

"We know that this is a mid-term, mid-point of the government. So the party also needs to revisit, to look at its positioning.

"So it is an opportune time, rather than immediately after the GE (general election).

"Mid-term, I think, is the most appropriate time for the party to revisit and see whether there needs to be a shift, how it is going to be directed, what it is going to be directed by for the next half of its term.

"It is not just about winning elections - that has to come across very clearly, because if you look at the resolution and you look at what we are doing, it's really long term.

"We prepare for short term, mid-term and long term, and it's also a clear indication as to where this party wants to lead Singaporeans and Singapore to, what will be our next chapter, our next lap."

"I hope that they see this clear shift in focus - that we are focusing a lot in social development, that we are aware of the needs and challenges that we face as a society, that we want to craft policy strategies to support and help Singaporeans.

"As we move ahead, we cannot expect 100 per cent everyone will immediately be able to understand...

"Then, it's the job of the party to come in and translate, not just in terms of words, in terms of explaining, but also translate in terms of our actions and the work that you do on the ground, new initiatives, enhancing existing initiatives.

"That's what I mean by translating so that the Resolution does not remain just as a Resolution but one that's something, that's alive, that it's being breathed into it at the branches.

"Every party must have a rallying call. We have to rally our troops. So it's important that at the party we are clear where we are heading, because we are leading out troops.

"Our troops must know where the party is heading, where our strategies or focus is, what our vision is, and for troops to buy into that vision and to internalise themselves."

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