PAP will always do its best for Singapore: PM Lee

SINGAPORE: The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has a duty and responsibility to provide good leadership for Singapore. If it fails, the country is in 'deep trouble', said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a gathering of party leaders and activists on Friday (Nov 7) to mark 60 years of the PAP.

He spoke in Malay, Mandarin and English. The event also saw the launch of a commemorative book - PAP60, Forward Together - which chronicles defining moments in the party's history.

It was at the Victoria Concert Hall that the PAP was launched 60 years ago. Those were very different times, and the Prime Minister related the early struggles of the very party which brought Singapore from Third World to First.PRE-INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLES

Pre-independence, there was the struggle with pro-Communist members within the Party. It was a fight to decide Singapore's future - 'a fight for life and death' said Mr Lee. 'Many people thought the Communist tide was unstoppable. It took brave people with fire in their bellies to stand up to them. Fortunately, the non-Communists in the PAP had that fire in their bellies and they stood and they fought, not only fought the Communists, but also fought to win the hearts and minds of the people.'

Singapore then joined Malaysia in 1963. But there were deep differences between the PAP's multi-racial ideals and the Federal government's race-based politics. The tensions led to racial riots in Singapore instigated by racial extremists.

'At that moment, if the PAP leaders had faltered, we would have been finished. Instead we fought back, fought for our multi-racial vision of our society and the people of all races supported us, in Geylang, in the Southern Islands, in the heartlands, in Hong Lim,' said Mr Lee.

'In July 1965, a crucial by-election was held in Hong Lim. Today in Hong Lim Green, Speaker's Corner, people make all kinds of speeches. The world will not change. But in those days in Hong Lim Green, you have a rally, the place is filled and everybody knew that Singapore's future depended on that and in July 1965 the voters of Hong Lim supported the PAP and the PAP candidate won and the Tunku decided better kick Singapore out of Malaysia.'

NATION-BUILDING CHALLENGES

The PAP then entered a different phase - from fighting for independence to nation-building, while facing the lack of a hinterland and the withdrawal of British forces.

Mr Lee said the PAP shifted gears and again delivered for Singapore. 'The PAP led Singapore through 50 years of nation-building. We built up the SAF to defend ourselves. We housed our nation with the HDB, we educated our people, schools, polytechnics, universities, everyone, all the way. We industrialised our economy. Modernised. Created jobs and better lives for all Singaporeans and we led the country through crisis because from time to time crisis came to us,' he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted the many challenges Singapore had aced through the years. 'In 1973 when oil prices went up suddenly and the world went into a recession. In 1985, when we went into a deep recession because we had lost our competitiveness and had to turn around quickly, In 1997 during the Asian Financial Crisis when all around us, countries were running into trouble and we were the safe harbour in a very troubled region. With SARS in 2003, when you are fighting an enemy you can't see, and you don't know where it is, and you have to maintain confidence, and calm and react rationally as one people. Or during the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, already six years ago, but a very serious storm, which came and would have hit us with full force had we not responded in the right way, taken cover, protected ourselves and come through safely with the people's support.'

Mr Lee said the party also renewed itself - bringing in new leaders, with ability, commitment and integrity. He said it won the trust of voters and the mandate to serve Singaporeans in every General Election since. '1959, 1963, 68 and so on, until 2011, most recently and we will win the next one too.'PAYING TRIBUTE TO PIONEERS, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Looking ahead, he noted, Singapore's path will be different. Society has changed, people's aspirations have risen, and the world is changing faster than ever. But he said one thing will not change - Singapore needs good leadership and that, the PAP will deliver.

'The PAP cannot decline this responsibility, must less can it shirk this responsibility. If we fail, Singapore is in deep trouble. We must not fail,' he said. 'That has been so until now, and will continue to be so for a long time to come. So we must continue to hold fast to the PAP's ideals and vision. We must develop new leaders. Keep the party vigorous and strong. Close to the people, continuing to win their support and enjoying their trust. Then we can act on behalf of the people. Serve with humility, conscious of our duty to Singaporeans, both this and future generations. Lead Singapore to greater successes. No matter what the odds may be and what circumstances we find ourselves in. The PAP will always be on the side of Singapore and of Singaporeans' and we will always do its best for Singapore and for Singaporeans.'

Mr Lee also paid tribute to past party leaders who steered the country during its tumultuous years - including the man who founded the party and Singapore's first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

'Most of all, we are grateful to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our first Secretary-General who founded the PAP, made it a national movement, led it to build Singapore, and to continue building beyond him and his colleagues - to his sucessor Mr Goh Chok Tong and his team, and to his successsor's sucessor, me and my team. I am particularly happy that he is able to join us today, 60 years after launching the party here in the Victoria Memorial Hall,' said the Prime Minister. His speech ended with a standing ovation for the elder Mr Lee.