In a Facebook post earlier today (13 Aug), newly elected Sengkang GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Jamus Lim from the Workers’ Party (WP) shared about the gifts he received from members of the public.
Mr Lim revealed that politicians occasionally receive physical gifts when they engage with the public. Noting that gifts can be presented in different forms, he revealed that the common gifts received are books, keychains, cookies, cakes, as well as face masks given the current situation.
“Gifts can come in many forms. When engaging members of the public, we occasionally receive physical gifts, such as books or keychains or cookies or cakes (and, increasingly these days, masks).”
He went on to explain that MPs are expected to declare these gifts and have them valued. If the MPs wish to keep the gifts, they would be expected to pay for the gifts. This move is to prevent the gifts from “potentially influencing” the MPs’ policy choices.
“As Members of Parliament, we are expected to declare such items and have them valued, and to pay for any that we wish to keep (to prevent such gifts from potentially influencing our policy choices).”
Apart from physical gifts, Mr Lim expressed his appreciation towards the residents and supporters for their time and energy as volunteers, giving feedback on crafting a better policy for Singapore, as well as sending words of encouragement.
“But just as valuable are the intangible gifts we receive from residents and supporters: their dedication of time and energy as volunteers, their feedback on how we can craft better policy for Singapore, and the words of encouragement to keep doing what we do.”
He also mentioned about the two little notes that he received over the weekend that were addressed to him and his family, appreciating the sacrifice his family had made in supporting him to be in service to the nation.
Lastly, Mr Lim said that the “value of such gifts are incalculable”, implying gratitude towards the gifts that were given to him regardless of what they are.
