PAP Facing Another Turning Point: PM Lee Predicts a Dramatic Shift Over the Next 35 Years

Future of the People’s Action Party

Under the steady sun of Singaporean politics, the People’s Action Party (PAP) is at a crossroads. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has just spoken to the nation, reminding everyone that the party, now led by a fourth‑generation team, is stepping into uncharted territory.

Game‑Changing Transition

Historical echo: Just as in 1985, when the party handed the reins from the founding generation to a new wave, the PAP now faces a similar handover.
Leadership shuffle: The move from third‑ to fourth‑generation leaders mirrors the earlier shift, showing a pattern of evolution instead of revolution.
50‑year mark: The book A History Of The People’s Action Party: 1985‑2021 captures that half‑century of change, courtesy of Dr. Shashi Jayakumar.

The 1984 Snapshot

Back in the 1984 general election, the PAP’s vote share slipped by 12.9 percentage points, landing at 64.8%. That was the first time the party didn’t secure a clean sweep of over 70%. A clear sign that a new generation of voters was stepping onto the scene.

The Book Launch & PM Lee’s Message

During the December 14 launch at the National University of Singapore, PM Lee famously declared:

“Our job isn’t to predict the future; it’s to make it happen.”
—a call to action for the new leadership.
“We’re carrying a heavy responsibility for Singapore’s security, stability, and success.”
—reminding the team of their duty.
“We must always work closely with Singaporeans to move the country forward.”
—the bridge between leadership and the people.

What This Means for Singapore

With new faces in power, the PAP is poised to tackle fresh challenges—be it technological innovation, global market shifts, or housing concerns—all while respecting the legacy of past leaders. The week’s speech, packed with optimism and a dash of humor, leaves Singaporeans looking forward to a future where the party remains a guiding hand, not just a historical footnote.

Singapore’s Political Pulse: A Look at the Changing Voter Landscape

During a recent post‑election briefing, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew touched on a key shift in Singapore’s electorate: the familiar faces of the old‑guard voting clubs are slipping away, replaced by a fresher, sharper crowd. These new voters, more book‑smart and less tolerant of complacency, are demanding leaders that truly match their ambitions.

From the Roots to the New Generation

Generational Gap: The original wave of voters who stuck with the PAP in those early years are quietly fading. By contrast, the party’s new supporters—born post‑independence—have a different outlook on politics.
Changing Aspirations: These younger voters grew up in a stable, booming Singapore. They witnessed steady progress first‑hand and are now looking for leaders who can keep the momentum going.
Voter Demographics: Roughly 60% of the electorate today came after the country declared its independence.

Lee’s Reflection

“It felt like the PAP was losing its political dominance,” said PM Lee during the conference. “Maybe it’s a time for introspection or even a bit of concern. What’s next for the party, and what will Singapore look like in the future?”

Interestingly, PM Lee remains the sole surviving member of the 1984 cohort of PAP MPs still in office, while the original wave of voters who’ve begun to exit the political scene in 1985 are largely no longer present.

Election Results & Implications

Last year’s general election brought a decisive win for the PAP, yet it recorded a notable dip. The party’s vote share slipped by 8.6 percentage points, landing at 61.2%. For the very first time, they lost two group‑representation constituencies (GRCs) to the opposition.

So, while the PAP still commands an overwhelming majority, the data suggests that the political landscape is sharpening. In a nutshell: a high‑definition view of Singapore’s democracy is emerging, and the PAP’s leaders need to keep up—or risk getting out‑of‑fashion in the next election.

PM Lee Hopes a Fresh Take on the PAP’s Road to Singapore’s Success

When Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the new book about the People’s Action Party’s (PAP) history, he said he really wants readers to feel the weight of those decades and understand how Singapore managed to turn that weight into triumph. The manuscript isn’t just a dry chronology—it’s a tribute to the hard work and collective spirit that built our small island into a global powerhouse.

“It Wasn’t Chosen for Us” – Why Singapore’s Journey Is a Surprise

Lee pointed out that living in Singapore for decades doesn’t make its stability, progress, and success feel extraordinary—yet, the way everything came together was hardly predicted.

Not a self‑organised miracle: “It didn’t happen on its own,” Lee said, pointing out that this rhythmic success is rare worldwide.
PAP’s pivotal role: “How did Singapore manage to achieve this? The PAP is an essential part of the answer.”

The Tale of 1985‑2021

Lee calls the PAP’s evolution over the last 36 years a “story well worth telling” because it shows the party’s resilience and long‑term vision. The book hopes to capture:

Key milestones that shaped the nation.
How the party navigated each decade’s challenges.
Lessons that still apply to today’s Singapore.

Inspiration for the Next Generation

Lee’s ultimate wish? That this book lifts the “next wave” of activists, leaders, and ordinary Singaporeans, encouraging them to keep the fire burning—in other words,

Stay committed to the nation’s future.
Be resourceful when the going gets tough.
Remain resolute in the face of uncertain times.

With warm humor and heartfelt urgency, Lee hopes the book echoes past triumphs and sets a bold vision for tomorrow.

Originally published in The Straits Times, this article is a faithful remixed version. Permission is required for reproduction.

PAP Facing Another Turning Point: PM Lee Predicts a Dramatic Shift Over the Next 35 Years