SINGAPORE - The whip will be in place when Parliament debates a new formula for ministerial salaries on Monday, said Government Whip Gan Kim Yong in response to a query from Today.

"There is no intention to lift the whip. We would only do so if the subject is a matter of conscience," he wrote in an emailed reply yesterday.

The whip ensures all the ruling People's Action Party Members of Parliament vote according to the party line.

Contacted yesterday, several PAP MPs shied away from commenting on whether they felt the whip should be lifted for the debate.

Among those who replied was Marine Parade GRC MP Fatimah Lateef, who felt that whatever the case, MPs should "stand up for what they believe in".

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Gan Thiam Poh said that from informal discussions among fellow MPs, support for the proposed formula was visible. "So I don't think it really matters if the party whip is there or not. Most importantly, we must be united and show that the nation's interest must come first," he said.

Mountbatten MP Lim Biow Chuan added: "Every party would have to draw their party line and decide, as a matter of policy, which is the right policy. For the whip to be lifted all the time means you have MPs who are not disciplined."

Political observers Today spoke to felt the issue of ministerial salaries, ultimately, to be more of a policy matter.

Said former Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong: "It is debatable whether ministerial salaries are a matter of policy or a matter of conscience. Matters of conscience tend to be much more personal in nature, for example, abortion." He added: "Ministerial salaries are probably more of a matter of policy, reflecting the official PAP Government position."

Singapore Management University law lecturer Eugene Tan noted: "If MPs are uncomfortable with their allowances, or ministers uncomfortable with the amount paid, he or she can always donate it to charity." He added the fact that the whip will not be lifted was a sign of the PAP's resolve to pass the motion. "Given this is an issue where Prime Minister Lee (Hsien Loong) feels the need to address head-on, at this end-stage, the party probably didn't want the public to feel that the Government itself is divided," he said.

Nevertheless, Mr Siew acknowledged that not lifting the whip could support detractors' theory that the PAP is "just going through the motions and this debate is not meaningful". But he said the debate is important as it would allow for views canvassed to be recorded in Hansard. Also, there is still room for some members of the public to be swayed on this issue, he noted.

Assistant Professor Tan reiterated the debate will be a useful sounding board: "MPs should speak freely so the Minister-in-charge of the civil service Teo Chee Hean, whom I understand is going to close the debate, is able to address all the concerns."