MP Denise Phua says STOP the WAYANG Show of PE!

[vincenttan]

Do we really need a Presidential Election? Waste of resources as PAP will "Nominate" one in.

http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big...mp-denise-phua-calls-scrap-elected-presidency

Parliament: MP Denise Phua calls to scrap elected presidency

Ms Denise Phua (Moulmein-Kallang GRC) called for the scrapping of the elected presidency and a return to a ceremonial role for the head of state.

"If the conditions under which (the elected presidency, Non-Constituency MP and the Nominated MP schemes) have changed," she said in Parliament on Tuesday, "let us have the courage to slay these sacred cows before they become obese and unhealthy."

She expressed her concerns over the powers given to the President, such as control over the Government's financial reserves and key public office appointments.

These powers were awarded following a constitutional amendment in 1991. Until then, the President was a ceremonial head of state.

"He holds the executive right to block attempts by the Government of the day including specified statutory boards to draw down reserves that it did not accumulate."

Ms Phua said she shares Workers' Party leader Low Thia Khiang (Aljunied GRC)'s reservations about the power given to the elected President.

"If the government of the day is elected by popular vote, the electorate has to live with its elected candidates and remove them at the next General Elections should there be better choices," she said.

Additionally, she criticised the scheme, having "admitted candidates who were non-executive chairmen of companies or portfolio managers with no strong solid executive experience, expecting them to exercise the very critical executive functions expected of the Elected President".

She called for a review on the elected presidency. "I long for the day of senior statesman who can represent our country as a head of state in the like of ex-Presidents Yusof Bin Ishak and Dr Benjamin Sheares; statesmen who need not be slugged through yet another political campaigning process that divides the country instead of healing and uniting the people of Singapore," she said.


Constructive and fierce debate!

 

[scroobal]

This was long expected and it was matter of when this was going to be raised and which MP was going to be arrowed to raise this.

The concept of elected President as the people's and state custodian of the country's reserve and last line of control seemed to be good on paper except that it turned out to be a political nightmare from the word go.

The first presidential elections had to be staged when both parties were chosen by the govt and the 2nd choice lacklustre performance clearly showed a man going thru the motions. What was however interesting was that he did get 4 out of 10 votes.

The second issue was that suitable candidates were not prepared to contest the elections. The act calls for a well qualified individual and a possible loss might not be something welcoming on one's unblemished CV plus many are not political animals by nature and that PAP has always made politics a dirty activity unless they chose the candidate.

The attempt to increase the size of the carrot by raising the salary during Nathan's second term in a series of rises did not move the dial.

The last straw was the dismal performance of the former Deputy Prime Minister and the humiliating 35% of the votes was not only a embarrassment to the Government but highlights the issue that despite the best set of demanding requirements, quality let alone acceptance by the people remains the great unknown.

That brings us back to the notion of creating an unnecessary creature that no one finds any value in . Why bother in the first place.

 

[Sinkie]

What a masterful stroke of preemptive move to prepare the ascension of LHL for the post of President of Singapore.

 

[borom]

This is a sign that the PAP is worried that their chosen candidate may lose the next presidential election.
That is why it is imperative that they at least lose the 2/3 majority in the next elections.
Of course if they get kicked out its better.

A neutral President who ask lots of questions on reserves, CPF, Temasek, GIC and immigration will make the PAP very uncomfortable indeed.

 

[kingrant]

Tend to agree with you that they are afraid and are backpedalling from thhe scheme.

Looks like in the face of real people's power, their GRC scheme, their elected President scheme, are like all ayams, all coming back to roost.

This is a sign that the PAP is worried that their chosen candidate may lose the next presidential election.

A neutral President who ask lots of questions on reserves, CPF, Temasek, GIC and immigration will make the PAP very uncomfortable indeed.

 

[Leepotism]

The white skunks endorsed this elected president thing. Now want to scrap it. Why? Want Tony to be the Permanent President?

 

[kingrant]

It's ok if they revert back to the old scheme where the Prez is only a figurehead head of state.

The white skunks endorsed this elected president thing. Now want to scrap it. Why? Want Tony to be the Permanent President?

 

[Leepotism]

It's ok if they revert back to the old scheme where the Prez is only a figurehead head of state.

Agree. It's a cho bo lan job. But they probably fear a non PAP man may be elected as Prez. and that spells trouble to the white skunks

 

[congo9]

Tend to agree with you that they are afraid and are backpedalling from thhe scheme.

Looks like in the face of real people's power, their GRC scheme, their elected President scheme, are like all ayams, all coming back to roost.

Rules and policy can only be good for a period. Like LKY has been god send to Singapore for Singapore. But when he outstay his welcome and cling on to power for a long time, That is what is happening now. People are cursing you to death, even though you claim that you are the founding father of Modern Singapore.

 

[myfoot123]

Women, are always very insecured about their rice bowl. Talking from my experience. They will do all they could to reject this and that. This same woman who think parliament is good not to have opposition party because bloggers serve as check and balances. I leave it to you guys to judge what kind of person Denis Phua CB is.