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Parliament

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Dennis Tan voices support for decarbonisation efforts in transportation and petrochemical sectors

During the parliamentary debate over President Halimah Yacob’s address at the opening of the second session of parliament, Workers’ MP Dennis Tan addressed various transportation and environmental issues, including the soaring Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums, the adoption of cleaner energy vehicles, the electrification of logistics vehicles, and the decarbonisation of the harbour craft fleet. He also called for updates on Singapore’s petrochemical sector transformation and the retention and retraining of workers in the sector.

Ong Ye Kung responds to concerns raised by opposition parties WP and PSP on democracy and government policies

During a parliamentary debate on President Halimah Yacob’s address, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung responded to concerns raised by opposition MPs from the Workers’ Party (WP) and Progress Singapore Party (PSP), acknowledging that the government takes their ideas into account where appropriate. However, he noted a “fundamental difference” with the WP’s ideas on the Budget, as the party has not supported the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. In response, WP MP Leon Perera defended his party’s views and asserted the need to strike a balance between current and future generations. The debate also addressed the PSP’s motion on foreign talent policy, with Hazel Poa clarifying that the party’s observations were factual and not targeting any particular race. Ong emphasized the importance of preserving a harmonious society and called on the opposition parties to take a principled and consistent approach to making alternative proposals.

He Tingru: Embracing Unity in Diversity – Strengthening Inclusivity and Trust in Singapore’s Future

Ms He Tingru, Workers’ Party Member of Parliament for Sengkang GRC, called for greater unity in diversity and support for invisible and blue-collar workers in Singapore during a recent parliamentary debate. She proposed time-use surveys to quantify the work of unpaid labourers, highlighted the need for holistic support for caregivers, and urged addressing key issues such as heat inequality and workplace safety for blue-collar and migrant workers. Additionally, Ms He emphasized the importance of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and argued for the enactment of a Freedom of Information Act, with exceptions for national security and defense matters.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urges support for new generation of leaders

During the parliamentary debate on President Halimah Yacob’s address at the opening of the second session of parliament, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged Singaporeans to support the new generation of leaders and maintain the nation’s high global standing. He emphasized the importance of honesty, integrity, and a well-functioning system in Singapore’s success. Despite facing global challenges, Mr Lee highlighted Singapore’s resilience and encouraged the nation to embrace its forefathers’ can-do spirit and outsized ambition.

Louis Chua raises concerns over inflationary pressures, income security, and housing market

During the parliamentary debate over President Halimah Yacob’s address at the opening of the second session of parliament, Mr Louis Chua, Workers’ Party Member of Parliament for Seng Kang GRC, expressed concerns over inflationary pressures, income security for workers, and the housing market. He argued that Singapore needs a nationally defined social protection floor for workers and a law mandating retrenchment benefits, which could help displaced workers and their families meet basic living needs during periods of recession and labour market weakness.

Faisal Manap calls for fair representation in the People’s Association and democratic practices

Workers’ Party Member of Parliament Faisal Manap urges for equitable representation in the People’s Association, advocating for a level playing field, unity in diversity, and the rejection of fear-mongering tactics to promote healthy democratic practices in Singapore. He highlights unfair representation in the People’s Association, citing opposition MPs’ exclusion from grassroots resources and the appointment of losing People’s Action Party candidates as advisors, urging for a more democratic approach.

DPM Wong’s call for concrete opposition policy alternatives met with rebuttals from Leon Perera and Leong Mun Wai

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has criticized Singapore’s opposition, specifically the Workers’ Party, for not providing viable alternatives to raise revenue during a parliamentary debate. Mr Wong acknowledged the opposition’s contribution but highlighted the difference between the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and the opposition in their approach to spending and revenue-raising. WP MP Leon Perera disputed Mr Wong’s assertion, stating that the opposition has been offering alternative policies in Parliament, their manifesto, and beyond. Mr Perera cited policies such as universal healthcare insurance and anti-discrimination legislation as examples. Non-constituency Member of Parliament Leong Mun Wai also addressed Mr Wong’s comments, stating that the Progress Singapore Party has put forward policy proposals to reset Singapore’s housing policy, including the Affordable Homes Scheme and the Millennial Apartments Scheme. Mr. Leong urged the government to robustly challenge these policies but not to dismiss them outright.

Leong Mun Wai advocates comprehensive policy changes to address Singaporeans’ concerns

SINGAPORE – Non-Constituency Member of Parliament, Mr Leong Mun Wai from the…

Leon Perera: Addressing political discourse, economic pessimism, promoting social mobility, and inspiring global change

Workers’ Party Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC, Leon Perera, emphasized the importance of active democratic participation and social mobility in Singapore during a parliamentary debate over President Halimah Yacob’s address. Mr Perera argued for increased consultation and engagement with civil society and stakeholders, focusing on poverty alleviation and inclusivity as core principles of regional economic projects. He also suggested reforms such as implementing a national minimum wage and establishing a redundancy insurance scheme to tackle poverty and social inequality.

MP Sylvia Lim calls for combating ageism and building a Singapore for all ages

Workers’ Party MP for Aljunied GRC, Ms Sylvia Lim delivered a speech on combating ageism during the parliamentary debate over President Halimah Yacob’s address. She emphasized the importance of giving greater confidence to seniors and the young and highlighted various instances of ageism. Ms Lim called for laws, policies, public education, and increased intergenerational contacts to combat ageism.