Parliament sat for one week starting from 25 May 2009. Ministers and Members of Parliament debated what we should do in the coming years so that we can emerge from the global economic crisis stronger. A few key priorities were set – enhancing our economic competitiveness, strengthening social cohesion, upgrading our education system, safeguarding our security, enlarging our external space and creating a first class home. In the last 44 years since Independence, we created a strong foundation to pursue these objectives. We can achieve so much because our politics is sound. We must now strengthen it further.
One factor that sets Singapore apart from many countries is that the political leaders in power consciously plan for succession. This has produced a strong, stable and competent government that implemented policies that worked.
But as the world and our society change, our political system must evolve too, so that it remains relevant to our societal context. It should also enable our leaders to stay in close touch with the expectations of our people.
With this as the backdrop, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced three significant changes to the political system in Parliament.
First, there will be fewer six-MP GRCs and more Single Member Constituencies at the next General Elections. The average size of the GRCs will also be smaller. Second, the Constitution will be amended to provide for at least nine opposition MPs – either Elected or Non-Constituency MPs. So, if at the next general election, fewer than nine opposition MPs are elected, then the remainder will come from opposition MPs who are among the losers with the highest votes, subject to a limit of two NCMP from each GRC. This will ensure a wider representation of such Non-Constituency MPs. Third, the Nominated MP Scheme will be made permanent.
The changes will bring more diverse voices to Parliament. There will be at least 18 MPs (nine opposition members and nine NMPs) who are not from the ruling party, about one-fifth of Parliament.
Singaporeans want national issues to be more fully debated, and want to participate in this discussion. These are valid expectations. The changes will improve our political system to enable a wider range of views to be debated in Parliament, including opposition and non-government views.
What do these changes mean to you?
These changes are significant, but it also places the responsibility on the people to make decisions which will affect them and their families. What is the significance of these changes? Let me share my thoughts with you.
First, despite the changes, we should bear in mind the importance of and need for a strong government and committed leaders. These remain the most important factors behind our success. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of having a strong government with capable leaders willing to lead and serve the country. Looking at the world today, it is not difficult to see examples of how weak political leadership can drive a country to disorder and bring hardship to the people.
The quality and commitment of leaders is also felt in our community. Every constituency is served by MPs elected by the voters there. MPs have three responsibilities: look after their constituencies, represent voters in Parliament, and form a government to run the country if their Party has the majority of MPs. MPs have to do their best in these three areas and work hard to serve their residents and so as win their support.
Secondly, whatever the political system we have or how we improve it, it will only work well if the people choose their leaders wisely. There are enough examples in other countries to show how a wrong choice of MPs and government make life quite tough for the people. Indeed if we do not have a competent MP and dedicated volunteers looking after our community, our living environment will deteriorate.
So, the upshot of the political changes is this: Notwithstanding the changes, your role and responsibility as a voter have not changed. Your decision plays a direct role in shaping the community and building Singapore’s future.
WONG KAN SENG
31 May 2009
Our community, Our future