This book provides an account of the experiences of former politicians and ministers of the People's Action Party who served Singapore from the 1960s to 1980s. It provides an insider's view of Singapore's political landscape and the challenges faced by early leaders. The unique feature of this book is that it presents a balanced and objective view of the past, highlighting both successes and setbacks. A good read for anyone interested in political history and policy-making.

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For the first time, 25 People’s Action Party former MPs tell how they became involved in politics, what they did as politicians, what they felt and wished for Singapore. They are former ministers and other office holders to backbenchers. Some served five terms, totalling over two decades, and some one term of four or five years. These are stories of ordinary people who served in unusual times and achieved extraordinary results for Singapore. Some are of very humble origin or have little formal education. Some served in the crucial decade, 1955 to 1965, during the birthing of the new nation, when the political outcome of their struggle could have gone against them, and they would have paid a heavy price for their convictions. Most served when that new nation started out on the long road to nation-building, during the decades of rapid social and economic change, when they had to convince their fellow citizens to make the necessary changes for independent Singapore to survive and progress. Most were not prepared for the tasks they had to undertake.

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