Committee of Supply 2023 debate, Day 7: Tan Chuan-Jin delivers wrap-up speech

The work of many people on the ground ensures that the policies debated in Singapore’s Parliament are not mere words, but translated into deeds - and this is a significant strength that the country must never take for granted, said Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin on Monday (Mar 6) as he wrapped up the Committee of Supply 2023 debate. He noted that many Singaporeans who have lived and worked abroad will know that in other countries, that is not always the case - “things do not always get realised”. Mr Tan also made several other points. For all the sound and fury of the debate, he said there is actually more agreement and alignment than not, and it is important for members of the House to unite and support a shared agenda so that the nation can move forward decisively together. “What sort of parliamentarians and leaders do we want to be?” he also asked. Does style trump substance? How do facts fare against perceptions and emotions? Do we aim to do what is right, or what is popular? In closing, Mr Tan said that while there are things that can be improved, Singapore is in a “more than decent place” to face the many global challenges of today. He said the country has “an incredible base to build on” and that this year’s Budget is “another foundational piece to (set Singapore up) for better years ahead”.