SINGAPORE: Speaking at the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) 2023 convention on Sunday (5 Nov), Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is also the chairman of the governing party, said the PAP must continue to win the trust of Singaporeans from different generations.
In a speech that touched on PAP’s founding secretary-general, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s name a few times, Mr Heng articulated the party’s commitment to building a harmonious, multiracial society with equal opportunities for all. He stressed that this mission is ongoing, and even in a more divided and turbulent world, it remains essential to cultivate a sense of unity among the nation’s citizens.
“The work to build a harmonious, multiracial society with opportunities for all never ceases,” he said, “As a small island state, Singapore must continuously innovate and create value to maintain our relevance to the region and the world.”
Mr Heng highlighted the Party’s responsibility to sustain and renew trust with successive generations of Singaporeans, particularly amid geopolitical tensions and a challenging economic environment. He underscored Singapore’s reputation as a safe and trusted node in the world, which provides a unique opportunity to shine.
“To seize new opportunities and capture new flows and values, we must move ahead decisively and with unity. The path we take must reflect the hopes and aspirations of Singaporeans,” he asserted.
He also highlighted the “Forward Singapore” exercise led by Deputy Secretary-General Lawrence Wong, which aims to refresh the social compact of Singapore. Through engaging citizens from all walks of life, he said the PAP seeks to build a shared understanding of the nation’s desired path and how each individual can contribute to this journey.
Mr Heng added that his party has been actively engaging different communities to collect ideas and co-create solutions for building a better Singapore.
As PAP chairman, Mr Heng expressed his honour as part of the team leading the Party and Singapore forward. He acknowledged that while Singapore may be faring well compared to other countries, complacency is not an option.
“We must never take the trust bestowed upon us by Singaporeans for granted. We must continue to work hard, serve with humility, uphold our Party values, and deliver on our agenda. Only then can we win and renew trust with Singaporeans,” he emphasized.
He added that he and his colleagues in the Central Executive Committee (CEC) would do their utmost to serve the people well as he stressed the need for unity as his comrades seek to obtain a clear mandate in the next General Election.