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SINGAPORE – Having more opposition MPs in Parliament will mean a greater diversity of views and a stronger debate, House Leader Indranee Rajah said on Monday (Aug 31).
But Singapore should work to ensure that this diversity does not lead to the polarity of the country or the people, he added in a ministerial statement on the duties and privileges of the opposition leader.
“Experience elsewhere shows that unity in diversity is not a guaranteed outcome,” said Ms Indranee, who is a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
“Our aim should be to harness this diversity of opinion in a constructive way so that we can, as Parliament, better serve the interests of Singaporeans and Singapore.”
There are currently 12 opposition MPs in Parliament: 10 elected MPs from the Workers’ Party (WP) and two non-electoral MPs from the Progress Singapore Party.
WP chief Pritam Singh has been formally appointed as leader of the opposition (LO) and will sit opposite Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Parliament. This is similar to the practice in other countries that recognize this role, Ms Indranee said.
He added that the Government considered the conventions and practices of other Westminster-style parliamentary systems, such as Great Britain and Australia, when deciding the duties and privileges of the LO.
“What I have exposed … reflects what we have adapted to our current political and parliamentary context,” he said.
As LO, Mr. Singh will have the right to ask the main question of ministers on policies, bills and motions, subject to the existing public speaking convention and at the discretion of the Speaker of Parliament. Parliament also made a motion to give Mr. Singh more time for his speeches (40 minutes) equivalent to that given to political officials.
You will be awarded an office in Parliament, support staff and an allowance that is twice that of an elected deputy, or $ 385,000 a year. Singh has said that he is setting aside half of the salary increase he will receive as LO for donations to residents, his party and charities.
“With more opposition MPs in Parliament, we hope that the opposition will play a more important role in presenting alternative views and proposals for debate,” said Ms Indranee in setting out the duties of the LO.
Mr. Singh (Aljunied GRC) will be responsible for leading the opposition in presenting alternative views in parliamentary debates on policies, bills and motions.
It will also direct and organize the scrutiny of government positions and actions in Parliament.
In addition, you will be consulted on the appointment of opposition deputies to select committees, including permanent select committees such as the Public Accounts Committee.
You may also be required to attend official state functions, and from time to time you will receive confidential reports from the Government to ensure a better understanding from both sides of the House on issues such as national security and external relations.
“The role of the opposition leader in Singapore will evolve with our policy,” said Ms Indranee. “It should always be the ambition of this House to live up to the expectations of our people and to create a political system that is focused on serving Singapore and Singaporeans to the best of our ability.”
He added that he looks forward to working with Mr. Singh to achieve these results.
Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin said he looks forward to working with Ms. Indranee and Mr. Singh to ensure the “productive and orderly conduct” of parliamentary affairs and debates.
“I am also confident that under your capable leadership and cooperation across the aisle, the decorum, dignity and honor of the House will be upheld by all members at all times.”
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