Murali Pillai wraps up debate on President’s Address
All Members who spoke in the House were united in their support for the motion of thanks to President Halimah Yacob for her address at the opening of the second session of the 14th Parliament of Singapore outlining the priorities, policies and programmes of the Government for the remainder of the current term of office. MP Murali Pillai, who had moved the motion of thanks, said this at the end of five days of debate on Friday (Apr 21). He said his rough count showed 67 speeches. He shared three key observations. Firstly, the debate is significant because of the sheer breadth and depth of topics highlighted for the Government to consider. These range from ensuring that economic growth benefits Singaporeans from all backgrounds to concerns about the social compact, cost of living and inflation, as well as ensuring trust between the people and Government. Secondly, Members provided suggestions that “deserve examination”, such as ideas to link unemployment support with the willingness to upgrade skills and search for jobs, transform competencies of students and curb discrimination and unfair employment practices. He said several Members from across the aisle lamented that their suggestions have not been taken up by the Government. He noted that while they feel strongly about their ideas and are convinced that they are good for the country, there are also numerous suggestions from People’s Action Party backbenchers which have also not been taken up by the Government. He also urged Members from opposition parties to entrench the policy of acknowledging good ideas from the Government. He said this approach entrenches a shared goal of advancing the larger public interest, even though the political process naturally involves contestation. Thirdly, he noted the broad agreement on the Government’s plans outlined by President Halimah to secure Singapore’s future. He stressed the need to secure the “buy-in” of Singaporeans to make the plans work. He urged all Members to “double down” and work together to build happiness, prosperity and progress for Singaporeans. The motion of thanks was approved in the House.
All Members who spoke in the House were united in their support for the motion of thanks to President Halimah Yacob for her address at the opening of the second session of the 14th Parliament of Singapore outlining the priorities, policies and programmes of the Government for the remainder of the current term of office. MP Murali Pillai, who had moved the motion of thanks, said this at the end of five days of debate on Friday (Apr 21). He said his rough count showed 67 speeches. He shared three key observations. Firstly, the debate is significant because of the sheer breadth and depth of topics highlighted for the Government to consider. These range from ensuring that economic growth benefits Singaporeans from all backgrounds to concerns about the social compact, cost of living and inflation, as well as ensuring trust between the people and Government. Secondly, Members provided suggestions that “deserve examination”, such as ideas to link unemployment support with the willingness to upgrade skills and search for jobs, transform competencies of students and curb discrimination and unfair employment practices. He said several Members from across the aisle lamented that their suggestions have not been taken up by the Government. He noted that while they feel strongly about their ideas and are convinced that they are good for the country, there are also numerous suggestions from People’s Action Party backbenchers which have also not been taken up by the Government. He also urged Members from opposition parties to entrench the policy of acknowledging good ideas from the Government. He said this approach entrenches a shared goal of advancing the larger public interest, even though the political process naturally involves contestation. Thirdly, he noted the broad agreement on the Government’s plans outlined by President Halimah to secure Singapore’s future. He stressed the need to secure the “buy-in” of Singaporeans to make the plans work. He urged all Members to “double down” and work together to build happiness, prosperity and progress for Singaporeans. The motion of thanks was approved in the House.
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