[PAP information session]
Some 400 people comprising PAP members, people curious about the PAP and even opposition members gathered yesterday for an information session about the PAP.

Among the panelists was Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.

Some of the topics discussed were the core values of the PAP and what sort of people the PAP is looking for.

The Minister pointed out that what new recruits can expect to do are to be in touch with reality - to see and hear the ground as well as to assist in weekly meet-the-people sessions to be the voice of the people. He also mentioned the various sessions with regard to the PAP Policy Forum. And the last point he made - to stand as a leader when approached.

The PAP, he said, is an ordinary party, not a mass party.



He also explained some of the core values in detail - a multi-racial party, one that is based on meritocracy, with members having equality of opportunity.

He believes that Singapore has to be a self-reliant population in contrast to the WP's push for a permanent safety net for Singapore.