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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1131908/1/.html PM Lee addresses PAP criticisms SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has again spoken of the need for Members of Parliament (MPs) to stay connected with the people and enhance efforts at bonding with residents. This was after he revealed there had been criticisms of the shortcomings of grassroots activists both in the People's Action Party (PAP) and People's Association, in the aftermath of the recent General Election. Speaking at a dinner to thank volunteers of Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), PM Lee acknowledged some of the criticisms were about MPs being shielded from residents, not being responsive enough to the needs of residents, and not candid enough in giving feedback. Mr Lee's reiteration of the importance of engaging residents came just after his release on Friday of the Rules of Prudence to all PAP members where he said "the elections have shown that voters have concerns which need to be addressed. "The government will have to significantly improve our outreach to voters, our approach to formulating policies, and our policies themselves. "As MPs, you play key roles in all these areas. You have to listen hard to voter concerns, help them to tackle pressing needs, reflect their worries and aspirations to the government and persuade them to support policies which are in their own long-term benefit". Mr Lee, who is also Secretary-General of the PAP, said clearly there were problems which were missed and areas where the party can and must improve. These include strengthening the party's presence on the ground, improving the way MPs and the grassroots network operate with more effective ways to bond with residents, and reaching out to groups which the party needs to better connect with, including young adults, and residents who live in private estates. Mr Lee vowed to remedy the shortcomings and work hard to consolidate the PAP's support and strive to do better next time. He stressed he would not blame the activists as the majority have committed enormous time and energy to community work, and have done their best to serve the residents. He said volunteers and activists have given their honest feedback, which unfortunately the party sometimes failed to interpret correctly. He said he hopes they will not be discouraged, but continue to work for the good of their residents. -CNA/wk

You are a highly paid minister, u are expected to know budget stuff, not to do fire fighting. If you are not trained to balance the budget, fm start you shud have asked an expert to do it. MCYS minister addresses YOG budget at rally By Ewen Boey | SingaporeScene

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