PAP to set up climate action, mental health groups to address issues that ‘cut across’ demographics: PM Wong

SINGAPORE: Two new groups focusing on climate action and mental health issues will be set up within the People’s Action Party (PAP) to face “key challenges” that “cut across traditional demographic lines”, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday (Jun 8). 

“Why are we doing this? Because these happened to be, among other things, two key national issues and also priorities for the PAP government,” he said. 

He was speaking in his first public address to the party since taking the top role last month, at a thank-you event at Marina Bay Sands organised for and attended by about 400 PAP activists and partners.

The creation of the two new groups were part of a “Refresh PAP” exercise that took place over the last six months, led by Minister for National Development Desmond Lee and other 4G leaders. 

Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary will lead the Mental Health Group while Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon will lead the Climate Action Group, said Mr Wong, who is PAP's Deputy Secretary-General. 

Mr Wong added that the party wants to use these groups to “better engage our activists and also all stakeholders, be it healthcare professionals, environmental groups, community organisations, or individuals”. 

“If you have views or ideas around these issues, join the Groups,” said Mr Wong. 

“We will engage you, involve you in our deliberations and discussions, and through these interactions, the groups will seek to better inform and shape the PAP government’s policies and plans in these two areas.”

The party regularly engages various groups to hear their views, and initiates discussions on how to address their concerns, said Mr Wong. 

One way is through the PAP Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs), which are formed by PAP Members of Parliament (MPs) who examine the policies, programmes and proposed legislation of government ministries.

“Our MPs will step up their engagement through the GPCs” said Mr Wong. 

The PAP also has various existing groups within the party such as the Women’s Wing, Young PAP and the PAP Seniors Group. 

While these groups have been engaging their own communities, there are challenges that “cut across traditional demographic lines”, said Mr Wong. 

Therefore, the two new groups will be set up, he added. 

Speaking to the media at the event, Mr Lee, Minister for National Development, said that the two topics were picked based on conversations with activists and Singaporeans. "The existential threat of climate change to Singapore and the many things that need to be done immediately and the long term was what resonated during the party refresh" he said. 

He added that mental health is also an issue that many Singaporeans, including younger ones, are concerned about "in a fast-paced environment with the impact of social media". 

MPs Rachel Ong (West Coast GRC) and Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar GRC), who are co-chairs of the mental health group, also spoke to the media about what they hope the group can achieve. 

Ms Ong said that key changes the group will advocate for are lowering the age of consent to 18 for those who need mental health services, enhancing mental health support for those aged between 14 and 16, as well as enhancing insurance coverage for adults regarding mental health. 

Dr Wan Rizal said that he will continue to push for mental health literacy and accessibility, through advocating mental health screenings, and also in giving mental health timeouts at workplaces. 

BETTER COMMUNICATION, KEEPING DOORS OPEN

Other than engaging the public on a wider suite of issues, Mr Wong said that the PAP will also aim to communicate better with Singaporeans. 

He said that as a political party, the PAP needs to have effective communication channels, and “we must do better”. 

“Obviously, people think we can do better in communications,” he said. 

Some of the communications must be done face-to-face such as through regular walkabouts. 

“This has been the party’s traditional way of outreach and communication, and we must continue with this and retain this strength,” he added. 

But more needs to be done over digital channels, to amplify outreach, he said. The party has updated our existing channels like Facebook and Instagram, as well as launching new channels like YouTube, TikTok and WhatsApp. 

The party newsletter, Petir, has also been updated so it can be accessed through digital means, and not just hardcopy.

“Through these efforts, I hope Singaporeans gain a better understanding of the PAP, as well as our ministers and MPs, what they stand for, what we stand for, and why we do what we do for Singaporeans,” he said. 

He added that he also wants to hear directly from Singaporeans on how the party can serve them better. 

“I, too, will strive to do more and do it better,” he said.

To that end, he pledged to meet the media more regularly to explain certain policies, make use of more social media platforms, and conduct more visits on the ground.

"POLARISING" ISSUES

On engaging better with the public, Mr Desmond Lee was also asked by the media about how PAP will deal with "polarising" issues.

For instance, the Science Centre recently had to cancel an event discussing sex and gender following public feedback. The Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East has also sparked protests across many countries.

"Different groups of Singaporeans may actually come into conflict because they see different sides of the issue and actually may have polar opposite perspectives on what Singapore should be doing," said Mr Lee. 

He added that action has been taken to address sensitive topics, such as the repeal of Section 377A, and the “tudung issue” - on whether Muslim women can wear the tudung in professional settings. 

"This is not a brand new approach that we are embarking on," he said.

He added that ultimately, some decisions on polarising issues "will not make everyone happy", but the ability for Singaporeans to have a sense of understanding and "give-and-take" will be crucial. 

GROWING THE PAP NETWORK

Mr Lawrence Wong said that the PAP will keep its doors open to those who want to join. 

Beyond the core group of party activists, there is a wider network called the Friends of PAP network. 

“We want to grow this network of PAP friends and partners,” he said. “Whether you are a corporate organisation, a social service organisation, or as an individual, if you have new ideas, or just want to lend a hand … we welcome you to join us.” 

Mr Wong added that the political environment in Singapore is changing, and he does not assume that the PAP will automatically form the next government. 

“But for now we are the government of the day,” he said.

“So it is our responsibility as a party to chart out how we can take Singapore forward, how we can forge a strong partnership with Singaporeans, and convince them that PAP remains the right choice to lead this country.”