Young PAP...

3rd October 2007,

A glimspe into the operation of the People's Action Party. Situated at an old Bedok estate, no one can imagine such an humble building actually belongs to a party which have governed Singapore for the past 42 years. When I first saw it, I thought I arrived at the wrong place. All because the PAP's building look like an old community centre back in the 90's. I were only assured that was the place when members of the Young PAP came to ask me whether I was there for the party introductory session... Gosh...This is the exact place where our MM Lee Kuan Yew helps to grow PAP into what it is today and it has such a 'humble' notation behind that little building. Most probably the party just want to portray a clean, honest and humble party image to the public and the world. Mind you, senior party members from China came for exchanges and they were totally taken aback by what they saw. It is a total contrast to what they have back home. In China, the communist party's buildings are always the grandest and most modern one at all level; provincial, county and at state level. In this case, I think PAP has succeeded.

The guest for the day was comrade Ms Josephine Teo, Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Vice- Chairman for Young PAP, Director of NTUC Youth Development Unit and Human Resource Department. The moment she entered the auditorium, she already made a lasting impression on me. Friendly, no air(at least to the party members), confident, persuasive and very mentor-like. The informal introductory session was very informative and worthwhile. She gave plenty of personal experiences and she even managed to keep the conversation on-going for two hours or so... I listened with a very open-mind, not wanting to be influenced any 'myth'. I was amused with the way she was able to address all the ministers and MPs by their names, except for MM, SM, PM and our President. Haha. In the party, the 'barrier' was broken down to the minimum to encourage camaraderie within the party...

Last but not least, I left the PAP HQ with a 'bag' of new experience...