On June 8, 2024, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that the People’s Action Party (PAP) will enhance its efforts to engage Singaporeans more broadly. The party plans to establish two new groups to address critical issues: mental health and climate change. These groups will aim to foster greater two-way communication between the government and the public.

Speaking at an event attended by 400 party activists and partners, PM Wong emphasized the importance of engaging not only within the party but also with wider community groups and stakeholders. The initiative comes as part of a broader effort to refresh and strengthen the party’s engagement strategies after a six-month exercise.

Wong highlighted that the PAP currently has multiple active groups, such as the Women’s Wing, Young PAP, and the PAP Seniors Group, which are actively involved with their respective communities. However, he noted that key challenges facing Singapore, such as mental health and climate change, transcend traditional demographic lines.

To address these issues, the PAP will create a mental health group led by Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Health Janil Puthucheary, and a climate action group under Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon.

“These are two key national issues and priorities for the PAP government,” Wong stated, adding that these groups will engage with healthcare professionals, environmental groups, community organisations, and individuals who have an interest in these matters. He encouraged citizens, even those who are not party activists, to participate in these discussions.

Wong also mentioned that the party’s Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) will play a stronger role in engaging Singaporeans. GPCs, which are organized along ministry lines, will be used to give a greater voice to Singaporeans on specific topics and to facilitate discussions in Parliament.

Wong’s announcement underlines the PAP’s efforts to ensure that policies in critical areas such as mental health and climate change are better informed by the views of the public, including non-activist citizens who have an interest in these issues.