[Tee tiong huat]

PM Wong tells PAP MPs to take ownership of issues, as effective advocacy goes beyond speaking up.

SINGAPORE – People’s Action Party MPs should take ownership of causes or issues that they feel strongly about and champion them with conviction, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 29. In an eight-page “rules of prudence” letter traditionally issued to PAP MPs after each general election, he said effective advocacy of causes – whether they reflect constituents’ aspirations or broader national concerns – goes beyond speaking up. “You have to research the issues thoroughly, engage diverse stakeholders, understand the trade-offs, and present well-reasoned arguments for improving policies,” he said in the letter on how the ruling party MPs should conduct themselves.

This was PM Wong’s first such letter, as the recent general election was his first as Prime Minister and secretary-general of the PAP. The PAP won 87 out of 97 seats and 65.57 per cent of the vote. The
broad strokes of PM Wong’s letter remained similar to previous letter issued by then PM Lee Hsien Loong in 2020, with both emphasising the importance of integrity, honesty and incorruptibility as core to the PAP. PM Wong said PAP MPs would have their first opportunity to speak in Parliament during debate on the President’s Address at opening of Parliament. He did not specify when Parliament would reopen.

Other opportunities include Budget debate & subsequent debates on each ministry’s budget. “Make every opportunity count. Prepare your speeches carefully & deliver them clearly. This will help your audience & the media to grasp your points effectively,” he said. PM Wong also repeated the call for PAP MPs to be ready for sharper questioning and debate in Parliament. Party’s MPs should be prepared to engage opposition, must exercise good judgment when putting points across & should not get carried away playing to the gallery, he said. He also stressed that PAP MPs should put across their points with clarity and purpose, and should “address the issues and not the person”.

There will be 12 Workers’ Party opposition MPs in the new 15th term of Parliament, including two Non-Constituency MPs. PM Wong also addressed the use of social media by MPs, a section that Senior Minister Lee had added in his 2020 letter. He noted that social media has become a key channel for communication, and a primary source of news for many.
“You should embrace social media, and make full use of the different platforms, to let the public know about your work, share your views, and engage residents directly,” PM Wong said, adding that MPs should not use the platforms to attack or disparage others. In the rest of the letter, PM Wong reiterated points been made in previous years, including need for PAP MPs to uphold the party’s reputation for clean govt. He also added that MPs need to engage public servants respectfully at all times. “Never pressure them or seek to bypass proper processes.”

He reminded MPs of the “social lubricants” that individuals may use to ingratiate themselves with MPs, adding concert tickets to the list that included gift hampers on festive occasions, dinners and entertainment as well as personal favours. “You must be shrewd in assessing the motives of people who seek to get close to you. Both in conduct and perception, you must stand above any hint of favour or influence,” other reminders he included in his letter covered separating business & politics, conduct in Parliament, gifts and fund raising, as well as financial prudence and directorships. PAP MPs must always conduct themselves with modesty, decorum and dignity, he emphasised.
“In this internet age, you will always be in the public eye,”“yes must win respect, not popularity, to stay the course.”