Let us all read the statements of these MPs in a positive way, for if they (elected and un-elected (walkover cases) truly meant what they say, then we are on the right path to a better Singapore.
Indranee is thanked for saying, "We have to work together as a team. That has always been a Singapore trait and we must keep that. But now, how dialogue takes place, how the government handles feedback, how reactive the government should be... it must be a participative process."
She is very right in saying that how the government handles feedback and how reactive it will be must be the way it goes forward in order to pave the way for our Nation to progress and for its citizens to have a better life. I further agree that the way to approach this is through a participative manner. Definitely not a confrontational one.
She further went on to say, "Singaporeans appreciate good and efficient government. What they don't wish to have is a government that talks down to the people,".
A very valuable statement indeed. In my opinion, no right-minded citizen will ever tolerate a government "that talks down to the people". That could be the past. We are now in the 21st century. Totalitarian regimes have crumbled and their reputation rotting till today. Look no further within ASEAN and you will see for yourself. Marcos, Suharto are good examples. Those that still believe "in talking down to the people", be aware as in a matter of time, they would be consigned to the dustbin of history by the sheer might of the ballot-box.
This is not the 50's and 60s, when there was civil strife, racial tensions and gangsterism.That has been the past. Thankfully, the police force of that period handled the situation well and at a cost of many lives lost. So too were the likes of Messrs Lim Ban Lim, Lau Ngut Fong, Morgan and Or Kim Kee. They were all finally eliminated.
The people and those unsung uniformed personnels brought the Singapore of that period into an era of law and order. It was a collective effort of the people and the government agencies.
Mr Desmond Lee said: "My hope as a rookie MP looking at the future of Singapore is that all MPs regardless of which parties they come from, put the interest of Singapore and Singaporeans in front and centre of anything they say and do."
I admire his statement and candid admission of calling himself a "rookie" MP and his calls to fellow MPs (both opposition and proposition) to put first and foremost put theinterests of the Nation and its citizens at the fore. Kudos to you Desmond Lee. I certainly hope you will live up to our expectations.
Dr Chia Shi Lu, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC said: "The opposition, like the government, has to show the people that they have a right to be in Parliament. The time for rhetoric is now over and it remains to be seen what issues they will raise and if they have any solutions."
Indeed good words from a new-bie MP who was last minute brought into Tanjong Pagar GRC, where there was a walk-over. Keep it up, Dr Chia
Ms Sylvia Lim of the Workers Party said,: "We intend to continue to be constructive in our approach. The people have voted for us to speak up for them and we will confront the government when we have to."
Sylvia Lim further said, "At the same time, when the government has an agenda which benefits people and is in (the people's) interest, we are prepared to support that".
Very correct and gentlemanly statement from someone who fought hard as a team, went through a "baptism of fire" thereby gaining the respect of the constituents and other Singaporeans who wanted a change. Indeed very intelligent statement a very humble person.
Every member of the august Parliament, should support policies that benefit the people. This is how a real, democratic system functions.
Never allow any room for personal vendetta in your hearts.
Lets see how the elected members function. 2016 is just about 1850 days down the road.
Jumping on the bandwagon & talking like a typical PAP parrot.
