Committee of Supply 2024 debate, Day 7: Gerald Giam on Select Committees for ministries

Parliament currently has seven standing Select Committees but none of these is specific to individual ministries, said MP Gerald Giam in Parliament on Thursday (Mar 7). He added that this is quite unlike many other legislatures around the world, citing the examples of the UK’s House of Commons and Australia’s Parliament. He added that Select Committees also provide a platform for members to better understand each others' positions and that of the Government, and is where legislation or major policy changes can be discussed before they are officially tabled. He said that this process will lead to more informed and constructive debate and better decision-making in Parliament, with the committees helping to contribute to more effective governance, build political consensus and strengthen national unity. He called for Parliament to set up standing Select Committees for each ministry or group of related ministries consisting of MPs from all political parties represented in Parliament.