What they say

The Straits Times, April 23, 2007


THE BIG PICTURE

'It was quite heartening to see him being open and up to date. I thought the questions raised, whether about values being eroded or foreigners in the country, reflected concerns people on the ground are feeling. MM gave the broader view and the larger context behind policies.'

NTU HUMANITIES UNDERGRADUATE AZRINA HUSAIN, 23, an activist at the Nee Soon South branch



PAYING FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP

'Many of us were struck by the recent pay hike: How do we justify it on the ground?

I am more convinced of the reasons for it now. We do have difficulty explaining to residents why they cannot get more in social assistance, for instance, while ministers' salaries go up. MM put the issue in context: We do have to pay for good governance and leadership. He was frank and open about it.'

CIVIL SERVANT ELAMAARAN BALAKRISHNAN, 33, an activist at the Admiralty branch



FOREIGN TALENT NEEDED

'MM Lee spoke about the need to have more foreigners coming to Singapore to add to the country's dynamism. I believe this is the only way Singapore can grow. Now, it's only the matter of convincing people that this is the correct way.'

MR WAI MUN HOON, 32, an engineer and Pioneer Branch YP member



NEW INSIGHTS

'I came out of curiosity and MM Lee gave me insights on what he's thinking. I find that MM Lee is acutely aware of what's going on here and in the world.

On paying ministers well, certainly, it is important to get good people to run the country. No question about it. The Government is worthy of its pay.'

DR LING LI MIN, a doctor, 35, not a YP member but invited guest



FACE TO FACE

'The dialogue allowed young activists to hear from MM about nation-building and the issues that we will face. It's the first time he is having a dialogue with Young PAP and I thought it went very well.'

MR FREDERICK HO, 36, NTUC principal executive and an activist at the Mountbatten branch



UNIQUELY SINGAPORE

'Most Singaporeans don't fully appreciate the type of government we have here and that it is really quite unique, as MM said.

It's unfair to compare it to other countries as we are in a category of our own.'

MR NICHOLAS LAZARUS, 34, lawyer and an activist at the Woodlands branch