SINGAPORE – The 20 PAP MPs who retired at the recent general election made special efforts to show new candidates the ropes, after years of speaking up in Parliament and helping to improve policies.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged the contributions of the retired MPs at an appreciation dinner on July 4 at Parliament House – a PAP tradition to thank its outgoing comrades – and presented them with valedictory letters.

With their help, the rookies did not have to start from scratch and could hit the ground running, he said.

“That is the PAP way – always thinking beyond ourselves, and investing in the next generation,” he added.

The 20 MPs collectively served more than 280 years in Parliament – “a tremendous legacy”, he said.

PM Wong said the decision to retire was not easy for everyone, although some who had served for several terms “were more eager to pass the baton”.

“You know who you are – when you came to see me, you never failed to remind me that it was time to identify your successor,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Others asked to step down due to personal reasons, and he respected their decisions, he added.

And a third group willingly stepped aside, putting the PAP’s and Singapore’s interests ahead of their own, he noted.

“A number of you could have easily continued for another term, but I had to ask you to make way for renewal and new blood,” said PM Wong.

The PAP usually retires about a quarter to a third of its slate each election.

A total of 32 new candidates