Committee of Supply 2023 debate, Day 7: Cheng Hsing Yao on ensuring Parliament is effective and respected
In Parliament on Monday (Mar 6), Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin dealt with the expenditure estimates for Parliament. NMP Cheng Hsing Yao then rose to speak. He said Parliament must always be an effective and respected political arena because it is where laws are passed and the country’s future is charted; moreover, the House is not only a reflection of society but also sets the tone for society. Mr Cheng noted that Singapore will have to continue to deal with all sorts of divisive issues such as wealth, foreigners, race and religion. Therefore, Parliament must be careful with the kind of ideas it promulgates so that it does not unwittingly cause fissures and erode trust and cohesion in society. While rigorous debate on policies and issues is important, as is bringing up alternative viewpoints, there is a constructive way to do it. Mr Cheng proposed four principles on how issues should be raised and debated in Parliament - be factually accurate, highlight both benefits and trade-offs, be constructive and avoid creating polarisation.
In Parliament on Monday (Mar 6), Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin dealt with the expenditure estimates for Parliament. NMP Cheng Hsing Yao then rose to speak. He said Parliament must always be an effective and respected political arena because it is where laws are passed and the country’s future is charted; moreover, the House is not only a reflection of society but also sets the tone for society. Mr Cheng noted that Singapore will have to continue to deal with all sorts of divisive issues such as wealth, foreigners, race and religion. Therefore, Parliament must be careful with the kind of ideas it promulgates so that it does not unwittingly cause fissures and erode trust and cohesion in society. While rigorous debate on policies and issues is important, as is bringing up alternative viewpoints, there is a constructive way to do it. Mr Cheng proposed four principles on how issues should be raised and debated in Parliament - be factually accurate, highlight both benefits and trade-offs, be constructive and avoid creating polarisation.
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