SINGAPORE - The reason Singapore has done well is due to the contributions of its pioneers, and this should not be forgotten, said Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob on Saturday (July 1).

She was speaking at the launch of a People's Action Party (PAP) initiative to encourage senior activists to stay active in the party and serve the community.

She cited several projects that have been undertaken by the PAP Seniors Group, PAP.SG, including one in Henderson-Dawson, where mattresses and beds were given to needy families.

"This kind of work really leaves a mark, people will remember and they appreciate it," said Madam Halimah in her speech at a tea for more than 300 senior activists at the One Farrer Hotel and Spa.

Other initiatives, such as a project by PAP.SG chapters in the North West District, where former MPs and senior activists gathered to share their experiences with their younger colleagues, have also been organised.

Madam Halimah, who is chair of PAP.SG, said the PAP's history and "stories of the battles fought by our founding leaders" should not be relegated to the history books.

"Our history contains many valuable insights and experiences that we can continue to learn from as we chart our future," she said, adding that the values of incorruptibility, transparency, meritocracy, multiracialism, the rule of law and compassion must continue to guide the party.

At the moment, 76 out of 89 PAP branches have PAP.SG chapters, and these chapters will launch more community initiatives in future, said the PAP.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was the guest of honour at the event, also paid tribute to the party's senior activists, noting that the PAP has come a long way since its founding, thanks to the hard work and dedication of party pioneers.

"They have given us a strong foundation to build on, and now it is our challenge, our responsibility and our calling to carry on their work," said PM Lee, who is also the PAP's secretary-general.