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 broad strokes of PM Wong’s letter remained similar to the 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 the debate on the President’s Address at the opening of Parliament. He did not specify when Parliament would reopen.
Other opportunities include the Budget debate and subsequent debates on each ministry’s budget.
“Make every opportunity count. Prepare your speeches carefully and deliver them clearly. This will help your audience and 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.
The party’s MPs should be prepared to engage the opposition, but must exercise good judgment when putting points across and 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”.
The Straits Times
