PAP strives to be a friend you look for in uncertain times: PAP new face Hamid Razak

In uncertain times, people look for a friend, and this is what the People's Action Party (PAP) strives to be, said PAP new face Hamid Razak on Apr. 17.

The orthopaedic surgeon, who is one of PAP's candidates for the new West Coast-Jurong West GRC, was speaking at the unveiling of the People's Action Party (PAP) manifesto on Apr. 17.

In uncertain times, people look for a friend

In his speech, Hamid alluded to the "uncertain times" Singapore is facing, with an example from his own experience doing swabbing duties during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hamid said he recalled a fearful patient telling him that he was not afraid of the swabbing procedure, but of what the "unknown disease" would do to him, his loved ones and others around him.

Hamid said those words stayed with him.

"It's a reminder that in uncertain times, what people look for is a friend—a friend that stands with them, a friend that walks with them, a friend that gives them strength. And this friend is what the PAP strives to be."

Hopes to raise health literacy of residents

Hamid also spoke about the PAP government's healthcare initiatives, including Grow Well SG, Age Well SG and Healthier SG.

He noted that Singapore's healthcare system is robust but "can only be as good as the people assessing it"—a gap he has identified.

Hamid also promised to raise the health literacy among residents in the wider West Coast area, building on what he has been doing in Jurong West.

"Healthcare is best served when we have not fallen ill, and this is what we were pledged to do," said Hamid.

"Let's move together, not just in terms of progress, but also in terms of kindness, care and community."

The event was capped by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's speech, where he spoke about the PAP's manifesto to navigate a troubled world.

PM Wong also announced that the PAP is fielding 32 new faces in GE2025 as part of the PAP's aim to present a fresh team to serve Singaporeans with new resolve.

Background

According to his LinkedIn profile, Hamid is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who serves as the second adviser to the Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisation (Jurong Spring).

He has been volunteering in Jurong for 17 years, said PM Wong.

In 2023, Razak gave the opening speech for PAP's convention, calling for the party to constantly reinvent itself and invest in its future by appreciating diversity, building inclusivity, and collaborative decision-making.

On Apr. 15, Razak was announced as part of the PAP's line-up for West Coast-Jurong West GRC, along with Desmond Lee, Shawn Huang, Ang Wei Neng, and Cassandra Lee.

Hamid will contest the Jurong Spring-Gek Poh ward in the upcoming GE.

Top image by Fasiha Nazren/Mothership