PAP must keep representing all S'poreans, earn strong mandate in GE: DPM Heng

Challenges ahead mean party needs to strengthen country's cohesion, he says

- Wong Pei Ting

The People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to represent all Singaporeans, even as it deepens its connection with a new generation of voters, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.

While the party has continued to make good progress in uplifting Singaporeans and advancing the nation's interests, the challenges ahead mean it needs to strengthen the country's cohesion and bring all Singaporeans together, DPM Heng said on Nov 23, the opening evening of the two-day biennial PAP Awards and Conference.

DPM Heng, who is PAP chairman, also urged party members to rally the people's support in order to earn a strong mandate in the coming general election, due by November 2025.

Speaking to more than 3,000 party activists and guests gathered at Singapore Expo, DPM Heng said the PAP is proud to celebrate its 70th anniversary this year.

"Against the odds facing a small, fledging nation, we secured water, food, jobs, housing and quality education for our people," he said. "In the crucible of nation-building, we forged a deep trust with fellow Singaporeans."

He also paid tribute to the outgoing party secretary-general, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who handed over the premiership to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in May.

SM Lee's contributions include leading Singapore's development into a smart nation and a global city that connects Asia with the rest of the world, said DPM Heng.