PM Lee urges PAP MPs to expect “sharper questioning” as more opposition MPs are in Parliament

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong advised all his fellow Member of Parliaments (MPs) from the People’s Action Party (PAP) to be prepared for sharper questioning as they have more opposition MPs in Parliament now.

In a letter sent to PAP MPs on how they should conduct themselves, PM Lee advised them to be ready to engage the opposition, clarify their interventions and be critical of their ideas.

“With more opposition MPs in the new Parliament, and a Leader of the Opposition formally designated, we must expect sharper questioning and debate in Parliament,” PM Lee said on 1 August in the eight-page “rules of prudence” usually issued to PAP MPs after each general election.

He added, “PAP MPs should express their views frankly, whether for or against Government policies. During debates, speak freely and with conviction. Press your points vigorously, and do not shy away from robust exchange.”

“However, please exercise judgement when putting your points across, and do not get carried away playing to the gallery.”

In last month’s election, PAP won 83 out of 93 seats, and secured 61.2 per cent of the votes.

To this, the Prime Minister said: “The people have endorsed what we have done in our previous term, and given us a clear mandate to take Singapore forward, through the crisis and beyond.

“Now we must work with Singaporeans to keep COVID-19 in check, protect jobs and livelihoods, and make sure everyone comes through safely together.”

The use of social media

If that’s not all, in a different section in the letter, Mr Lee also raised points about the use of social media by MPs.

He said that in this time and era, social media has become an integral part of our daily life and MPs are free to use it to update the public on their latest doings as well as their views.

Additionally, he also encouraged MPs to “have some fun” and “try out different platforms”. However, he reminded them to be mindful as elected officials and public figures.

“So observe decorum, ensure factual accuracy, as this is an absolute requirement for us, and remember every social media post will be permanently associated with you and the Party,” he noted.

He continued, “Be honest, empathetic, positive and affirming in all your messages. Know your audience and be sensitive to how they feel. Do not use social media to attack another person.”

In the letter, PM Lee also reminded MPs that social media is just one method that they can use to connect with people, but added that they have to attend to residents’ needs and interact with them in person.

In the remaining of the letter, PM Lee reiterated the points that he has been voicing for years on the need for PAP MP’s to maintain the party’s reputation of a clean and incorruptible government.

He also said that MPs should separate their public political status from their private business or professional interests. This basically means that the MPs should be wary of the invitations and gifts they accept, as well as be sure they don’t lobby public officers on behalf of friends or clients.

On top of that, MPs should also not solicit directorships or accept those from companies that want to “dress up the board with a PAP MP or two, in order to make the company look respectable”.

PM Lee also stressed that MPs should always pay attention to what Singaporeans need and help them deal with pressing problems, and express their issues and aspirations to the Government.

“Never break faith with the people,” he expressed.

Over on his Facebook page, PM Lee shared the letter and wrote: “Whether or not we are in a pandemic, our responsibility as MPs is clear. We are servants of the people, and will carry out our duties with integrity, honesty and incorruptibility. We will always be sensitive to the views and attitudes of the people we represent, and conduct ourselves with humility, modesty, decorum and dignity.”