Why so many empty seats at Budget Debate?

The following is an excerpt of a letter to the Straits Times by Rhea Tan, “Why so many empty seats at Budget Debate?”:

LAST month’s Budget Debate was one of the most important Parliament sessions in recent history. For the first time, the ‘dual key’ system was being activated to unlock our reserves, underscoring the severity of the economic crisis and the significance of the Budget in sustaining the economy. Yet, many seats in the House were glaringly empty for many of the sessions. Although I am not of voting age yet, it puzzles and worries me.

Read her full letter here.