Pritam Singh on electoral boundary review process

The People’s Action Party (PAP) can continue with things as they are or amend the law to entrench fairness into the electoral boundaries system to protect future generations, said Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh. Speaking in support of the motion in Parliament on Wednesday (Aug 7), he said it is the PAP’s choice on whether to continue to "accrue political advantage" from the redrawing of electoral boundaries. “This coming election is a chance for a new start, a refreshing of the social compact as the new Prime Minister has promised,” he said. The Workers’ Party urged the Government to consider legislating and implementing a system that has several features - a Commission that is truly independent and whose decisions cannot be rejected by the party in power, a Supreme Court judge selected by the Chief Justice to be appointed as a member of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee, the publication of proposed changes well in advance of elections and outside the election cycle, the opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the proposed changes and a minimum period during which revised boundaries cannot be used for elections. Mr Singh stressed the need for a “truly democratic” political system that would enhance Singapore’s world standing even further and promote democratic participation that would give the public greater confidence and pride in the political system. “We in the opposition and I dare say ordinary Singaporeans are asking Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to do the right thing. As Forward Singapore notes, Singapore is at a prime moment for change, and a functioning and robust social compact creates trust. Keep your promise to Singaporeans to create a new and refreshed social compact. Follow through with the Government’s Forward Singapore exercise. Bring Singapore forward with a fair electoral boundaries system. That is nothing more than aligning Singapore with international best practices,” he said.