Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat recently shared more details on his time recovering from his stroke, and also touched on the importance of Singapore's older generation.

Speaking at a People's Action Party (PAP) event commemorating the International Day of Older Persons on Sunday (Oct. 13) afternoon, DPM Heng told two stories — one about the late Lee Kuan Yew and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, and another about his predecessor Members of Parliament (MPs) who handed the reins of Tampines GRC to him — in an address that gave a little more insight into his motivations as he prepares to take the reins of the country in the coming years.

'Always have in mind the interests of the older generation': LKY, ESM Goh

Heng commented on the impression he was left with when the late Lee Kuan Yew and ESM Goh stepped down from the Cabinet in 2011, the same year Heng entered politics as a rookie MP.

Quoting from the joint statement they issued back then, DPM Heng said:

"The younger team must always have in mind the interests of the older generation. This generation who has contributed to Singapore must be well-looked after."

He went on to add that this line in particular had moved him, and remains a principle he continues to be guided by.

The senior MP who stepped in when he was down and recovering from his stroke

Heng also expressed his gratitude towards former Tampines GRC MPs Irene Ng, Mah Bow Tan, whom he served with in his first term as an MP and in political office, but in particular mentioned his predecessor, senior lawyer Sin Boon Ann.

He related his experience learning the ropes from Sin, who handed over the Tampines Central ward within the constituency to him. He said he would accompany the former Tampines representative on his walkabouts, describing how Sin would discuss with Heng the characteristics of his ward, as well as "the concerns and hopes of Tampines residents."

He also shared his account of how his mentor had helped him out in 2016, during the period he was recovering from stroke. Despite having already retired from politics, Sin took turns with Heng's teammates to assist with Heng's weekly Meet-the-People sessions.

"When I was taken ill in 2016, Boon Ann immediately reached out to Masagos (Zulkifli) to offer his assistance, even though he had already retired... this was a great relief to me during my recovery, to know that my residents were in good hands with Boon Ann around."

These experiences, Heng said, compounded his appreciation for his senior activists.

"To Boon Ann, and the many other activists who have gone the extra mile to nurture the next generation — thank you.

This spirit of mentorship that you embody, and your sense of commitment, are inspiring. I hope that other senior activists can make similar efforts to guide and assist younger members.

You are living proof that even as one generation hands over to another, the contribution of the previous generation remains invaluable."

Making Singapore one of the best places in the world for seniors: Tan Chuan-Jin

In line with recognising the value of those contributions, Heng also emphasised the importance of providing for the elderly, saying, "We must honour our seniors with our care for them, just as they took care of us."

One aspect of this care is ensuring senior citizens have a stable, secure and comfortable retirement.

Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin, who was also present and spoke at the event, elaborated on this. In his speech, Tan brought up several examples of policies and plans meant to assist the elderly and address issues they may face, including developing a dementia-friendly community in Fengshan and raising the retirement age from 62 to 65 by 2030.

Tan also expressed his hope that helpful programmes like these could be scaled and replicated to better support an ageing population.

"If we can really empower ourselves, we will be free and independent to live our lives fully. We will all truly become the Merdeka generation... free and independent. Let's come together, work hard and make this happen. Let us make Singapore one of the best places in the world for seniors."

Top photo by Ilene Fong