PAP Flag Honors Goh Chok Tong and Tan See Leng at Everest Base Camp

In a remarkable tribute to prominent Singaporean political figures, Yusof Lateef, the Secretary of the People’s Action Party (PAP) Marine Parade Branch, ascended Mount Everest in October 2024 and left a PAP flag at its base camp. This moment was captured in a video shared on the social media platform of Petir SG, the official publication of the ruling party.

This challenging journey marked Yusof's second ascent of the world's highest peak, with his first climb occurring 25 years prior. Despite the passage of time, the 55-year-old climber demonstrated remarkable endurance, trekking for eight to nine hours each day and pushing himself to the limit on the longest day, which saw him on the trail for an astonishing 14 to 16 hours.

Yusof stated that leaving the PAP flag at Everest Base Camp served as a symbolic gesture of respect to Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and current Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, both influential figures in the Marine Parade community. He referred to this act as a "humble gift" to the party, especially significant as PAP celebrated its 70th anniversary this year.

In addition to the PAP flag, Yusof also carried the Marine Parade 50th anniversary flag, further emphasizing the connection between his climb and his political roots. His commitment to the party is evident; he has volunteered with PAP for an impressive 36 years and holds a position as the Director of Corporate Affairs and Mediation Services for Secured Global Business Consulting.

This isn't Yusof's first venture into high-altitude flag waving. Back in 1997, he made headlines by hoisting the Young PAP flag atop Mount Kilimanjaro, showcasing his dedication to promoting the party's image around the globe.

Leading up to this Everest expedition, Yusof dedicated nearly a year to prepare, incorporating vigorous training that involved frequent treks at Bukit Timah Hill and stair climbing at various housing blocks in Singapore. His efforts culminated in a Facebook post on November 15, where he reflected on the achievement, stating, "...humbly trekked to Kalapattar and Everest Base Camp. Kalapattar was an anniversary trip which my Team and I did 25 years ago. We wanted to relive it."

As Singapore continues to commemorate its rich political history, Yusof Lateef's journey stands out as both a personal challenge and a display of loyalty to the People’s Action Party, inspiring others to connect personal achievements with broader civic identities.