20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong

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SINGAPORE – The 20 PAP MPs who retired at the recent general election made special efforts to show new candidates the ropes, after years of speaking up in Parliament and helping to improve policies.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged the contributions of the retired MPs at an appreciation dinner on July 4 at Parliament House – a PAP tradition to thank its outgoing comrades – and presented them with valedictory letters.
With their help, the rookies did not have to start from scratch and could hit the ground running, he said.
'That is the PAP way – always thinking beyond ourselves, and investing in the next generation,' he added.
The 20 MPs collectively served more than 280 years in Parliament – 'a tremendous legacy', he said.
PM Wong said the decision to retire was not easy for everyone, although some who had served for several terms 'were more eager to pass the baton'.
'You know who you are – when you came to see me, you never failed to remind me that it was time to identify your successor,' he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
Others asked to step down due to personal reasons, and he respected their decisions, he added.
And a third group willingly stepped aside, putting the PAP's and Singapore's interests ahead of their own, he noted.
'A number of you could have easily continued for another term, but I had to ask you to make way for renewal and new blood,' said PM Wong.
The PAP usually retires about a quarter to a third of its slate each election. A total of 32 new candidates were among those fielded in the 97 seats at the May 3 polls.
'You understood the party's decision and agreed to step aside with grace,' he added.
The longest-serving MP in this batch of retirees is former senior minister Teo Chee Hean, who entered politics in 1992 and served seven terms. Mr Teo, 70, has agreed to contribute as senior adviser in the Prime Minister's Office, said PM Wong.
Another example of a retiring PAP MP who became a senior adviser is former trade and industry minister Lim Hng Kiang, who took on the role after he stepped down from the Cabinet in 2018. He remains in the role despite having retired from politics in 2020.
Seven retired MPs entered politics in the 2001 and 2006 elections – Dr Ng Eng Hen, Dr Maliki Osman, Mr Heng Chee How, Dr Amy Khor, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin and Dr Lim Wee Kiak.
'Special mention to Sitoh who worked hard over three elections to win the trust of our Potong Pasir residents,' said PM Wong. Mr Sitoh entered politics in 2001 to contest in the single seat, then held by opposition politician Chiam See Tong. He eventually won in his third contest in 2011, against Mr Chiam's wife Lina.
Other retiring MPs – among them former deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat – came in later and served two to three terms. They include Ms Cheryl Chan, Mr Chong Kee Hiong, Mr Louis Ng, Ms Foo Mee Har, Mr Gan Thiam Poh and Dr Tan Wu Meng.
Five MPs stepped down after one term: Ms Carrie Tan, Mr Derrick Goh, Mr Don Wee, Mr Fahmi Aliman and Ms Ng Ling Ling.
Dr Khor, Ms Tan, Ms Chan, Mr Fahmi, Mr Gan and Ms Ng did not attend the dinner.
Mr Heng Swee Keat will continue in his role as chairman of the National Research Foundation, a department under the Prime Minister's Office that looks at the nation's research and development efforts.
'We will continue to benefit from your counsel and wisdom,' said PM Wong of Mr Teo and Mr Heng.
The retired MPs spoke up on a wide range of national issues in Parliament and for different segments of Singaporeans, such as caregivers, lower-wage workers, businesses and arts and cultural groups, he said.
They participated actively in government parliamentary committees (GPCs) and gave feedback that helped to improve policies. These include the setting up of the Rare Disease Fund and the adoption of more flexible work arrangements, he added.
GPCs, comprising PAP MPs, are meant to scrutinise legislation and programmes of the various ministries. The outgoing GPC chairs are Mr Sitoh for culture, community and youth, Dr Tan for health, Ms Chan for national development and Mr Ng for sustainability and the environment.
PM Wong also cited several outgoing MPs for their memorable contributions – such as Dr Tan who always spoke up for his Clementi residents, and Mr Ng who tabled two Private Member's Bills on food donation and wild animals and birds.
Outside of Parliament, the MPs were attentive and responsive to the needs of their residents, said PM Wong.
They can look back with satisfaction on what they have done, including the improvements in their constituencies, he added.
For example, Sembawang GRC – where Dr Lim was an MP – has a hot spring park, while Brickland in Chua Chu Kang GRC – formerly helmed by Mr Wee – has Singapore's only BMX cycling facility.
PM Wong also specifically thanked the six office-holders – former DPM Heng, Mr Teo, Dr Ng, the former defence minister; Dr Maliki, former minister in the Prime Minister's Office; Mr Heng Chee How and Dr Khor, both former senior ministers of state.
'I've worked closely with all of you, and I've learnt a great deal from each of you,' he said.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
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