PAP seeks people with different experiences and views: PM Wong

Diversity is essential for the party to renew itself and continue governing well, he says

- Anjali Raguraman

The PAP is looking for people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas to help it tackle the challenges ahead, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Speaking at an event on July 4 to mark the 40th anniversary of the PAP’s youth wing, he said the party does not want everyone in its ranks to think the same way.

“This diversity is essential for the PAP to keep renewing itself and to continue governing well for the longer term,” said PM Wong, who is the party’s secretary-general.

Addressing more than 1,200 youth activists and participants at the Young PAP YP40 festival at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, he called for them to “widen the circle”.

“You do not have to agree with us on every single issue,” he said. “In fact, it’s the opposite.

“So, if you care deeply about Singapore and about our future, if you have ideas about how we can make our country better, then come and join the PAP,” he said at the event, where the party’s new logo for the youth wing was launched.

Young PAP is the youth wing of the ruling party, aimed at engaging citizens below the age of 40. Chaired by Minister of State Alvin Tan, the wing actively gathers feedback from youth, drafts position papers on issues like climate change, and champions mental health campaigns.

PM Wong also acknowledged the natural instinct for some young people to be drawn to the underdog.