MPs laud Chuan-Jin for being righteous and compassionate

SINGAPORE — As they congratulated Mr Tan Chuan-Jin on his new appointment, several Members of Parliament (MPs) lauded his work as a Cabinet Minister.

Ms Tin Pei Ling noted that Mr Tan had a sense of righteousness that drove him to do the right thing, even when that “poses political risk” to himself. Pushing for equal benefits for single mothers is one example, said Ms Tin, who is MP for MacPherson. The constituency was previously part of the Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency, which Mr Tan leads.

“You care about what happens to the people around you and you always keep a lookout for even the smallest or weakest of individuals who may be far from your sight. You would not let anyone be left out,” said Ms Tin, noting how the 48-year-old engages different stakeholder groups to understand their aspirations and challenges.

Describing Mr Tan as a “believer of inclusiveness and collaboration”, she also highlighted how he had built networks to connect corporate and voluntary welfare organisations to support the community in Kembangan-Chai Chee, where he is an MP.

Nominated MP Chia Yong Yong also commended Mr Tan for going beyond his portfolio as Minister for Social and Family Development in caring for the vulnerable and disadvantaged, as well as encouraging volunteerism at the community and corporate levels.

“You were a minister we could go to, to share our troubles and aspirations. You were our minister,” said Ms Chia, who is also president of the SPD, previously known as The Society of the Physically Disabled.

While conceding that she had initially questioned if the trajectory Mr Tan has taken from Cabinet Minister to Speaker was a “demotion” — as segments of the population had speculated — Ms Chia urged Singaporeans to “relook” how a public servant should be valued. Being appointed Speaker should not limit his service and contributions to the country, she added.

“As Singaporeans engage in more robust debates on the ground … Singapore will be well served if parliamentarians debate issues vigorously, fearlessly. And I have no doubt you will maintain the dignity of the proceedings, and that with your fairness and even-handedness, you will see to it that issues are properly debated,” she said.

Other MPs also described Mr Tan as a fair and compassionate man who will chair parliamentary proceedings with an even hand. Leader of the House Grace Fu, who is also Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, recounted how Mr Tan had connected with various segments of community — including heritage and environmental groups, foreign worker advocates, and sporting associations and athletes — during his time in various ministries and the Singapore National Olympic Council.

“Your capacity to encourage civil dialogue and conversation among people of diverse perspectives will be something that is, as Speaker, central in ensuring we continue to have productive and healthy debates in this House,” said Ms Fu.

Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung described Mr Tan on Facebook as fair, impartial and “deeply reflective”. Wrote Mr Ong: “Chuan-Jin is a Speaker for our time. I will miss him in Cabinet, but happy that he is charting another worthy path in public service.”

Congratulating Mr Tan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also said on Facebook that he was confident that Mr Tan will be “an outstanding Speaker, and more”.