PM Lee Hsien Loong hosts Chap Goh Mei lunch with PAP MPs at Istana

On February 19 (Tuesday), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong celebrated the 15^th day of  Chinese New Year known as Chap Goh Mei by hosting a lunch at the Istana with several generations of Members of Parliament from the People’s Action Party (PAP).

This is an annual event held by Mr. Lee with MPs, community leaders and guests with a signature photo huddled around the table taking a scoop of Lo Hei with chopsticks.

Also  at the lunch were former senior parliamentary secretaries Mohamad Maidin Packer and Hawazi Daipi, including MPs Hong Hai, P. Selvadurai and Ho Geok Choo. From the first PAP generation was Ong Pang Book along with former Speaker of Parliament Tan Soo Khoon and Cabinet ministers S. Dhanabalan, Ahmad Mattar and Lim Hwee Hua, who was the first woman to serve in Singapore’s Cabinet when she was made an MP in 2009.

Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing and Education Minister Ong Ye Kung were among those from the present administration.

The Prime Minister shared a few photos in his Facebook profile of the event which he captioned: “Today is Chap Goh Mei, the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Met former PAP MPs at our annual reunion lunch and lo hei. They have served for many years, and many continue to be active in the community. Grateful for their friendship and camaraderie.

Wishing everyone a warm gathering with family and friends, and hoping we get a good view of the full moon tonight. Happy Chap Goh Mei to all! 祝大家元宵节快乐, 幸福“元元”而来，生活“元元”满满! – LHL”

Mr. Hawazi Daipi shared in his Facebook profile a few more photos of the event and added that at his table, there were seven retired MPs who collectively served the country for more than 130 years. “We share fond memories serving Singapore as MPs and future challenges facing Singapore,” added the former secretary of Parliament.