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Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full time

Papsmearer

Alfrescian (InfP) - Comp
Generous Asset
Bukit Batok voters, consider the following recent comments from the PAP Candidate Mr. Murali.

There is no need for Members of Parliament (MP) to serve residents on a full-time basis and give up their day jobs, said Murali Pillai, who is contesting in the Bukit Batok by-election.

First, this Indian fork tongue says that he will unswervingly serve BB residents and that he will be a great MP, and do everything he can for them. In the same breath, he says he will only discharge his MP duties part time, as there is no need for a full time MP. So what is he really saying?

He is saying that BB residents don’t deserve to get him for his full time service even though he is paid $17K by them per month. He is not a Minister or some important figure in the Govt. He is merely a lawyer. No doubt, a highly paid lawyer. He law practice is so lucrative and profitable that basically $17k a month gets a only a few hours with him. Is this what BB voters really want, a part time very expensive MP? In this case, Chee is a much better bet, as he has promised to make this his full time job.

I personally think that when a politician is paid this huge amount of money ($204,000 per year), he does not need another job. Even in ultra expensive Singapore, $204,000 is more than enough to live on. The fact he cannot even be bothered to make himself available full time to the voters of BB is a big fat slap on the face for them. He is telling them that his rich millionaire clients that come to him for legal work are more important then the voters. What a bloody hypocrite. What is he afraid of? Being poor? Even after he leaves politics, he will be easily in demand by top law firms and will be paid handsomely for his name to be on their door.

It just boils down to greed. BB Voters need to ask themselves whether they want another greedy, money grubbing PAP candidate, or someone who will be in his office all the time, and will Do nothing else but work in BB with the residents? On top of that, this ungrateful son has the audacity to insult his late father’s memory by claiming his father would approve such a part time MP arrangement.

Remember, the PAP dropped the ball in Bukit Batok already by putting in a candidate that resigned after only a few months due to an affair. The PAP need to make it up to the people of BB by putting in a candidate that will be with them all the time and compensate for the copulating ex-MP. But the PAP is so arrogant that they not only did not put forth the best possible candidate, they have actually put forth a Part Time Candidate!! How is this in anyway making it up to the people of Bukit Batok? If our friend Murali only shows up at his constituency 10 hours a week, and makes 40 hours worth of appearances a month, that works out to $425 per hour. I supposed he is offering a discount to the BB residents as his hourly billing rate at Rajah and Tann should be more? What a joke. Of course, all the PAP porlumpars will say that he does not need to be there full time because everything is run smoothly by his PAP office. If that is the case, why do we need a MP for BB? And if that is the case, why don’t we make the office manager the MP? Chee should use this latest information to whack Murali. Not much time left.
 

Papsmearer

Alfrescian (InfP) - Comp
Generous Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

No need to be a full-time MP to serve residents: Murali Pillai

There is no need for Members of Parliament (MP) to serve residents on a full-time basis and give up their day jobs, said Murali Pillai, who is contesting in the Bukit Batok by-election.

Murali, the People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate for the 7 May by-election, told reporters at a doorstop interview on Thursday (28 April) that MPs from the ruling party have been doing so for years and have not faced any problems going about their duties.

The lawyer was responding to a comment by Chee Soon Juan, the Singapore Democratic Party chief, who said on Wednesday (27 April) that he would be a full-time MP if he were to win the by-election.

Serving the residents of Bukit Batok will be his top priority, said Murali, who was speaking at Blk 104, Bukit Batok Central.

“They (the PAP MPs) would prioritise the needs of the residents ahead of their own. If I get elected into parliament and if ever the needs of the residents compete with my own, I’ll always put their needs above mine,” he said.

This value, Murali added, was taught to him by his late father, P. K. Pillai, who was a trade unionist.

If he were to win the by-election, Murali said that Bukit Batok will continue to be part of the Jurong family. This is important because the Jurong-Clementi Town Council will have the resources to help the Bukit Batok Town Council, he added.

When asked about Chee’s comment on Wednesday about the $24 million masterplan for Bukit Batok that was proposed by ex-MP for the constituency David Ong last year, Murali pointed out that the exact figure was $23.6 million, which was to be allocated over a period of five years.

“I would like to invite SDP to walk around the estate and look at the improvements that have been made,” said Murali.

Responding to Murali’s comments, Chee, who was speaking to reporters at the Bukit Batok MRT Station on Thursday, said that it is good if some of the works for the constituency are already in the pipeline and that he will continue to make sure the projects are completed should he win the by-election.

“We will make sure that we give this top priority when we take over the town council. This is something that we have already pledged.

"Whoever comes in will continue with the projects that are already underway and we will not in any way give it any less priority,” said Chee.

He added that the SDP would want to involve residents and let them have a say on how the town council will be run.

“If you really want the kind of transparent and accountable system, I think it’s important to involve residents,” said Chee.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/no-need-to-be-a-full-time-mp-to-serve-residents-142546919.html
 

OverTheCounter

Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

The issue for voters is not about greed. It boils down to the fact that PAP MPs regard their role in the constituency as just a stepping stone to better places in life, and hence, their commitment to the welfare of residents is suspect. Take for instance philanderer David Ong's grandiose million dollar plans for BB - if not for the By Election, we would not know that not much has came out of those plans thus far.

With Murali's statement, it is clear that he wants to be no different from the hordes of PAP MPs who are doing the same thing - having a full time career and moonlighting as an MP at night for $14,500 per month. He wants to be nothing more than average. Why should BB residents accept that?
 

scroobal

Alfrescian
Loyal
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Full-time MPs is not something I would agree with especially under the Westminster model. We need representation from a wide range of recognised and proven professionals and achievers. In an ideal parliament the would come from practising doctors, lawyers, academics unionists, entrepreneurs, small business owners, corporate captains, NGOS, cultural and sports identities. What we do not need is full time politicians except for political appointees to run government such as Ministers and political secretaries.

If it was meant to be a full-time positions, the qualified pool that you are able to tap would be small as many are not prepared to abandon their career and we certainly do not need a whole bunch of retirees. A member of Parliament is not a care giver for the constituency.

Look at PAP MPs Baey Yam Keng and Foo Mee Har. They are the first full time PAP MPs and they are not renowned for their professional background. Every one knows that Standard Chartered Bank could no longer carry her. She has reached her competency level. Baey is selfie king and thinks that he is fashion icon and have you heard anything wise this guy has ever said.

Look at Low Thia Kiang, JBJ, Marshall, Gerald Giam, Png Eng Hat, Chiam etc. They are all effective and they have their own business or are employed. The Parliament here is only 5 years and no one is assured of a full time career in parliament. So anyone with common sense is not going to be putting all his eggs in one basket unless he is wealthy, does not need to work or cannot be employed gainfully. I am sure that we do not need such people in numbers.

MPs and their party members provide the resources to man meet the people sessions which is vitally important but these come from party funds primarily membership fees, donations and the volunteers elbow grease. There is also the allowance provided by law to engage legislative assistants to help in parliamentary work and research.

Take the example from PAP camp of Dr Lily Neo and Dr Tan Cheng Bock. Both ran clinics and knew the ground very well due to their work. I would dread the day when we have useless people who cannot find work or too rich to work. No professional or an achiever is going to spend 5 years of his life being an MP and doing nothing else. Local municipal govts such a town councils and he government at large serve the residents and the voters. We need the MPs for their minds, skills and their ability to represent their voters in parliament and not do grunt work. That is done by someone else.

I do however suggest dropping the pay of an MP which is too high and attract the wrong sort of people rather than someone genuinely concerned about the people and country and does not do it for money.
 
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Leongsam

High Order Twit / Low SES subject
Admin
Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Being an MP is not job. An MP is there to represent the constituents and he/she therefore needs to be part and parcel of the community they are representing.

A full time MP is detached from the realities of life because they don't have real jobs. It was never the intention of the Westminster model for an MP to be an occupation. That is why they are only paid an allowance and not a salary.
 

Papsmearer

Alfrescian (InfP) - Comp
Generous Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

The issue for voters is not about greed. It boils down to the fact that PAP MPs regard their role in the constituency as just a stepping stone to better places in life, and hence, their commitment to the welfare of residents is suspect. Take for instance philanderer David Ong's grandiose million dollar plans for BB - if not for the By Election, we would not know that not much has came out of those plans thus far.

With Murali's statement, it is clear that he wants to be no different from the hordes of PAP MPs who are doing the same thing - having a full time career and moonlighting as an MP at night for $14,500 per month. He wants to be nothing more than average. Why should BB residents accept that?

Only in singapore can politicians have the arrogance and audacity to tell voters they will only work part time for them for, even for the Princely sum of $17000 p Its er month. Its time BB voters tell them where to go.
 

kiwibird7

Alfrescian
Loyal
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

PAP will win anywhere now in Singapore, given the kiasi, daft and moronic mentality of the 70% population. It is only a matter of time that AHTC under the WP will be similarly wiped out like Potong Pasir.
 

Leongsam

High Order Twit / Low SES subject
Admin
Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Only in singapore can politicians have the arrogance and audacity to tell voters they will only work part time for them for, even for the Princely sum of $17000 p Its er month. Its time BB voters tell them where to go.

$17,000 is hardly a princely sum. It's what an MD of a small company will get for running an outfit of 50 people or less.

The $17,000 is an allowance to enable the MP to do his job of REPRESENTING his constituents in Parliament.
 

Papsmearer

Alfrescian (InfP) - Comp
Generous Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Being an MP is not job. An MP is there to represent the constituents and he/she therefore needs to be part and parcel of the community they are representing.

A full time MP is detached from the realities of life because they don't have real jobs. It was never the intention of the Westminster model for an MP to be an occupation. That is why they are only paid an allowance and not a salary.

Well, you stupid sheep fucker, your hero Lee Con You himselff has said it is a job. That is why all Minister salaries are peg to the top wage earners by sector in singapore. He has said that he needs to pay them high salaries or they will seek a job in the private sector. In other words, he is comparing their job to any other job in the private sector.
 

Leongsam

High Order Twit / Low SES subject
Admin
Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Well, you stupid sheep fucker, your hero Lee Con You himselff has said it is a job. That is why all Minister salaries are peg to the top wage earners by sector in singapore. He has said that he needs to pay them high salaries or they will seek a job in the private sector. In other words, he is comparing their job to any other job in the private sector.

LKY was referring to salaries for Ministerial positions not MP allowances. Many MPs already have jobs in the private sector as doctors, lawyers, businessmen, bankers etc.
 

scroobal

Alfrescian
Loyal
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Actually the PAP introduced the high amount to tax its own MPs which controls the majority seats to pay for their HQ stuff. People like ex MP Lau Ping Sum. Theses are different from party workers who normally do party related work as volunteers. The Workers party also requires its own MPs to forgo a part of the allowance to cover party costs.
 

iamhere

Alfrescian
Loyal
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

having more than one appointment does not give one more than 24hrs a day...

so who did they neglect?
the taxpayers?
their own companies?
or the companies which they collecting directorship fees from?
it's a FUNDAMENTAL BREACH of their claim that they should be paid obscenely high packages as they might be getting it in private sector.
now they claim it as allowances, work as "PART-TIME MP" and still collecting $$$ all over the place...

UNIQUELY SINGAPORE???
 

Leongsam

High Order Twit / Low SES subject
Admin
Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

having more than one appointment does not give one more than 24hrs a day...

so who did they neglect?
the taxpayers?
their own companies?
or the companies which they collecting directorship fees from?
it's a FUNDAMENTAL BREACH of their claim that they should be paid obscenely high packages as they might be getting it in private sector.
now they claim it as allowances, work as "PART-TIME MP" and still collecting $$$ all over the place...

UNIQUELY SINGAPORE???

There is no such thing as "part time MP" because it's not a job in the first place. An MP represents his constituency 24 hours a day. It's like being a parent. You don't accuse your father of being a part time parent just because he has a day job. He's always your dad and if anything happens any good father will be there for his children.
 

Papsmearer

Alfrescian (InfP) - Comp
Generous Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Full-time MPs is not something I would agree with especially under the Westminster model. We need representation from a wide range of recognised and proven professionals and achievers. In an ideal parliament the would come from practising doctors, lawyers, academics unionists, entrepreneurs, small business owners, corporate captains, NGOS, cultural and sports identities. What we do not need is full time politicians except for political appointees to run government such as Ministers and political secretaries.

If it was meant to be a full-time positions, the qualified pool that you are able to tap would be small as many are not prepared to abandon their career and we certainly do not need a whole bunch of retirees. A member of Parliament is not a care giver for the constituency.

Look at PAP MPs Baey Yam Keng and Foo Mee Har. They are the first full time PAP MPs and they are not renowned for their professional background. Every one knows that Standard Chartered Bank could no longer carry her. She has reached her competency level. Baey is selfie king and thinks that he is fashion icon and have you heard anything wise this guy has ever said.

Look at Low Thia Kiang, JBJ, Marshall, Gerald Giam, Png Eng Hat, Chiam etc. They are all effective and they have their own business or are employed. The Parliament here is only 5 years and no one is assured of a full time career in parliament. So anyone with common sense is not going to be putting all his eggs in one basket unless he is wealthy, does not need to work or cannot be employed gainfully. I am sure that we do not need such people in numbers.

MPs and their party members provide the resources to man meet the people sessions which is vitally important but these come from party funds primarily membership fees, donations and the volunteers elbow grease. There is also the allowance provided by law to engage legislative assistants to help in parliamentary work and research.

Take the example from PAP camp of Dr Lily Neo and Dr Tan Cheng Bock. Both ran clinics and knew the ground very well due to their work. I would dread the day when we have useless people who cannot find work or too rich to work. No professional or an achiever is going to spend 5 years of his life being an MP and doing nothing else. Local municipal govts such a town councils and he government at large serve the residents and the voters. We need the MPs for their minds, skills and their ability to represent their voters in parliament and not do grunt work. That is done by someone else.

I do however suggest dropping the pay of an MP which is too high and attract the wrong sort of people rather than someone genuinely concerned about the people and country and does not do it for money.

Just because you are a full time MP does not mean you have stopped being a lawyer, doctor, etc. A wide range of professions represented in the Parliament is desirable. But this is increasingly becoming extinct as more and more politicians in singapore are coming from just one profession. i.e. Soldiering. In many countries, MPs that are professionals in their respective fields before joining politics, continue to use their private practice know how in the politics. For example, a MP who was an accountant or financial planner in private life can be assigned or nominated for Parliamentary finance or budget committee. Do you see this happening in the Parliament? You don't see it at all. Therefore, your comments about how its good to have a diverse profession in Parliament means didily shit as their collective knowledge is not being utilized at all. Once in Parliament, they toe the party line, and they are not consulted on govt policies that concern their areas of expertise. In other words, they vote the way they are told. So, you theory is nice, but flawed in singapore.

In many countries, MPs and other politicians are paid only a small allowance. maybe a couple of thousands $ a month. And they are usually councilors or mayors running a town. these clowns are running a country. They have to vote on matters of national concern like laws and national budgets. They are equivalent to a US Senator or Representative in the US. Kindly point out to me which one in the US Senate is doing it on a part time basis. In any case, if they are paid a small stipend, then its totally understandable that they retain their other jobs. this is not the case here. An MP is paid well enough never to work at another job. If they want to know what is wrong in their ward, and what is going on, they can't be in an aircon office on the 30th floor meeting millionaire clients. that is not the reality of their constituents.
 

Papsmearer

Alfrescian (InfP) - Comp
Generous Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

There is no such thing as "part time MP" because it's not a job in the first place. An MP represents his constituency 24 hours a day. It's like being a parent. You don't accuse your father of being a part time parent just because he has a day job. He's always your dad and if anything happens any good father will be there for his children.

Ummm............. He already said he will be a part time MP. That is in the article. Are you calling him a liar?
 

scroobal

Alfrescian
Loyal
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Serving in Parliament and in Government is a calling and a social responsibility. The PAP however has monetised it and look at the quality that we are getting from there. It does not mean that good calibre people who are in Opposition need to follow the poor example of the PAP. As pointed out by Sam, there is very good reason why it is called an allowance and not a salary.

If you serve in Parliament it means that you are able to look after your actual job, the company that you are from and able to manage your time effectively. It also means inevitably that there will be huge sacrifices to be made from the home front and their families do feel the impact. Representation in Parliament essentially means that you are successful in your own personal career and have spare capacity to contribute to society. Though it may not apply to PAP or even some MPs from the opposition.
 

Papsmearer

Alfrescian (InfP) - Comp
Generous Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Serving in Parliament and in Government is a calling and a social responsibility. The PAP however has monetised it and look at the quality that we are getting from there. It does not mean that good calibre people who are in Opposition need to follow the poor example of the PAP. As pointed out by Sam, there is very good reason why it is called an allowance and not a salary.

If you serve in Parliament it means that you are able to look after your actual job, the company that you are from and able to manage your time effectively. It also means inevitably that there will be huge sacrifices to be made from the home front and their families do feel the impact. Representation in Parliament essentially means that you are successful in your own personal career and have spare capacity to contribute to society. Though it may not apply to PAP or even some MPs from the opposition.

Do not detract from real issue, and throw smoke here. By your logic, other then cabinet ministers, all of the remaining 89 MPs can have full time careers and do their MP duties part time while collecting $17K a month. In this case, its better to just eliminate 64 MPs and have just 25 represent the people on a full time basis. People can have access to their elected officials freely as it should be. Instead of meeting them at their convenience during MPS, and they are not even sure if the same MP will come to the next MPS especially in a GRC. If they want to work part time, they should just get $2500 a month. that's all they deserve.
 

Leongsam

High Order Twit / Low SES subject
Admin
Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

Ummm............. He already said he will be a part time MP. That is in the article. Are you calling him a liar?

He's dumb to use that term. What do you expect from an Ah Neh.
 

Papsmearer

Alfrescian (InfP) - Comp
Generous Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

He's dumb to use that term. What do you expect from an Ah Neh.

I see. So, by your own admission, you are supporting a PAP candidate that is dumb? And also planning to work part time only?
 

Papsmearer

Alfrescian (InfP) - Comp
Generous Asset
Re: Muralli: I will only be a Part Time MP, BB Voters for $17K you don't get me full

PAP has already dropped the ball in BB with a adulterer David Ong and his cut shot term. They could not even be bothered to dig up an MP that will make it up by beng a stay at home MP? what arrogance.
 
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