IN ITS extensive search for candidates to field in the coming polls, the People's Action Party looks for four essential qualities to be a good MP and government leader.
Education Minister Ng Eng Hen, who is also the party's Organising Secretary (Special Duties), said the candidates must:
Be an activist.
They must be committed to serve and are grounded in reality. They must also have the ability to put plans into actions to serve the people.
Have a heart for Singapore
While the candidates do not have to agree with the party's policies, they must believe that Singapore can improve, and are able to connect with the hopes and difficulties of Singaporeans
Have guts for Singapore
Candidates must be committed and stay the course, not wilt under pressure and succumb to populist sentiments. They must be able to think long-term.
Be trustworthy
As MPs and office holders, as people in positions of power and influence, candidates must be trusted to always make the right decision for the good of Singapore and never for personal gain.
Dr Ng, who introduced three more new PAP candidates to the media on Wednesday afternoon at the party headquarters, said the PAP held nearly 200 tea sessions with over 260 individuals over the last four years.
He said the candidates were assessed over a period of time, some for years, which saw them changing jobs, getting married, pregnant and through deliveries, said Dr Ng.
After thousands of man-hours spent on these exhaustive efforts, just over 20 candidates were selected.
Using these 4 criteria, not a single PAP MP qualifies save for my fav the one and only good-hearted MP Dr Lily Neo! All of them scrambling to outdo; outlast and out-earn each other!
