Singapore’s 15th Parliament opens with re-election of Speaker Seah Kian Peng

Singapore’s 15th Parliament was inaugurated on 5 Sept 2025 with the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of all 97 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) alongside two Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs). The occasion came nearly five months after the dissolution of the 14th Parliament on 15 Apr ahead of this year’s General Election.

Seah Kian Peng re-elected as Speaker

Seah Kian Peng was re-elected as Speaker of Parliament, continuing in a role he has held since 2023. He became the 11th Speaker following the resignation of Tan Chuan-Jin. Seah, who represents Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC, was nominated for re-election on 20 Jun. In his address, he noted that the 15th Parliament includes the highest number of MPs to date, with a record proportion of women. “We have indeed come far from our first Parliament,” he said.

Call for discipline in debates

As presiding officer, Seah emphasised that debates should remain robust and spirited but disciplined. He urged MPs to keep their contributions “clear, succinct and concise — minimum words, maximum impact”. He cautioned against needless repetition, noting that “once is enough for Hansard”, and appealed for MPs to be present, prepared and accountable. Seah stressed that while vigorous scrutiny and criticism of policies were important, members should also set out trade-offs and offer constructive alternatives. “In the course of debate we can change our positions and agree. Likewise, we can agree to disagree,” he said.

Warning against theatrics

Seah cautioned MPs against grandstanding, remarking: “Please resist playing to the gallery. This is the House of Parliament, not livestream on TikTok.” He also reminded parliamentarians of the importance of self-care, given the heavy demands of their duties, and pledged to serve as an impartial and effective Speaker. Echoing his first address as Speaker in 2023, Seah said debates would be “spirited and sometimes, I’m sure, heated”, but stressed the need to uphold decorum and mutual respect. “Never forget our paramount duty – to serve the people of Singapore with integrity and conviction,” he added. Oaths of allegiance taken Following Seah’s election, MPs took their oaths of allegiance. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was the first, pledging to preserve, protect and defend Singapore’s Constitution. He was followed by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Coordinating Ministers K Shanmugam, Chan Chun Sing and Ong Ye Kung. Cabinet ministers, political officeholders, opposition MPs and backbenchers were sworn in in groups, with some taking their oaths in Malay, Chinese and Tamil. The session marked the induction of 32 new MPs, the largest number of first-time members in a single parliamentary term. The Workers’ Party remains the sole opposition in Parliament, holding 10 elected seats along with two NCMPs, Eileen Chong and Andre Low. Tribute to Speaker’s leadership Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Leader of the House, praised Seah’s re-election. She expressed confidence that he would continue to preside with fairness and balance. She noted his oversight of Singapore’s busiest parliament to date, which debated 17 adjournment motions, answered more than 2,400 questions and passed 50 bills in the last term, the highest number in six years. “In your maiden speech as Speaker two years ago, you reminded members that our words and work live on far beyond us. We must bear the weight of our office with dignity and duty,” Indranee said. She added: “I am sure that in this successive term, you will continue to keep us steady on this course.”