MPs’ feedback, forward planning key to Govt policies
Dr Ng Eng Hen at the walkabout at Bishan Junction 8 on Sept 2, 2015. Photo: Koh Mui Fong
SINGAPORE — In formulating policies, the Government’s two key considerations are feedback from the People’s Action Party (PAP) Members of Parliament and the need to plan 10 to 15 years ahead, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen today (Sept 2), refuting the Workers’ Party’s claim that it is the stronger Opposition presence in Parliament since 2011 that has led to changes in government policies.
“The realities, when we are thinking of policies, the feedback mainly is from our MPs. Prior to the dissolution of Parliament, most of the seats were PAP MPs, so the feedback from our MPs is, I would say, the most critical factor,” he told the media this morning near Bishan MRT Station after distributing flyers with other PAP candidates contesting in Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
He said that while some of the Opposition MPs’ feedback is important, the PAP MPs are “quite vigorous” in their views because they meet their residents and know their residents depend on them, so the Government gives “a lot more weight” to the feedback from PAP MPs.
“The second consideration is most of our planning norms are 10 to 15 years ahead,” said Dr Ng, who is PAP’s organising secretary, citing policies such as Workfare and MediShield that take into account Singapore’s long-term needs.
He added that similarly, the main driver for change in policies such as the Silver Support Scheme and Pioneer Generation Scheme was Singapore’s ageing population and changing demography.
“So, in all the policies that we have seen changed, it really has been the own Government’s thinking over the 10-, 15-year horizon, and our PAP MPs that have made a difference.”
Dr Ng said the PAP has always put Singaporeans’ interests at the centre of its policies. “If we don’t put residents at the centre of what we do, we will lose their support,” he said.
“So the key consideration for us, whether it is ruling or making policies, is does it benefit Singaporeans, does it benefit Singapore? Because if it doesn’t keep Singapore strong, our Singaporeans will lose out. That’s the key consideration, that’s always been the case.”
Dr Ng is the PAP’s anchor minister for the five-member GRC, where the party won 56.93 per cent of the votes in the previous election against a team led by veteran opposition politician Chiam See Tong of the Singapore People’s Party (SPP).
In the upcoming Sept 11 poll, the PAP slate of Dr Ng, Senior Minister of State (Finance and Transport) Josephine Teo, Mr Chee Hong Tat, Mr Chong Kee Hiong and Mr Saktiandi Supaat, will face a joint SPP-Democratic Progressive Party team.
Dr Ng said that the support for the PAP on the ground has been “quite good”, with more people compared with 2011 going up to him to express their support.
But he declined to predict the percentage of votes the PAP will win this time in the GRC, saying such predictions are not productive.
“If you get a mandate and win, and you’re an elected representative, even if you win it by like Sitoh did in the last election, you’re elected and you must deliver. I think that is the attitude you should take,” he said, referring to Mr Sitoh Yih Pin’s win in Potong Pasir Single Member Constituency in the last election by a mere 114 votes.
“Obviously, each of us wish for greater support… whenever somebody gives you a pat on your shoulder and you’re working hard, it motivates you to work even more, whatever percentage. I think the focus is just working hard,” added Dr Ng.
