PAP MPs hit back at WP's calls for more transparency

SINGAPORE — There were brief fireworks in the House today (Jan 26) after comments from the Workers’ Party’s (WP) Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMP), who were calling for greater transparency in the Government and more diversity and debate, drew sharp responses from several People’s Action Party (PAP) MPs.

In his maiden parliamentary speech today, the WP’s Leon Perera pointed out that voting for the Opposition in last year’s General Election was described as “going against human nature because it was human nature to thank a party for good policies”.

“There is something else that is more or less predictable about human nature, in my opinion. When too much power becomes entrenched in one party or group of persons or individuals, inevitably that power breeds complacency and a tendency to be self-serving,” he said.  “It’s only a matter of time.”

He added: “We must celebrate diversity of views, debate and disagreement — this must start in our schools and carry forward into this parliamentary chamber, and to all social spaces in between.”

Mr Perera’s comments prompted the PAP’s Cedric Foo (Pioneer) to point out that the outcome of the last GE, where the ruling party won almost 70 per cent of the vote, was the result of an open contest.

“In fact, the presence of Mr Perera as an NCMP himself was a creation of the PAP government, because it believes in diversity as he has suggested,” said Mr Foo.

Meanwhile, the WP’s Dennis Tan, also an NCMP, stressed the importance of having compassion and empathy for the less fortunate.

PAP’s Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC), however, noted that social mobility has always been a focus for the Government.

On the issue of access to justice, Mr Tan called for accused persons to have early access to legal counsel, as well as the raising of the S$10,000 disposable income limit for legal aid, among other things. Adding that national institutions need to be strengthened, he said: “The independence and political neutrality of the civil service and statutory boards must be fiercely maintained so that Singaporeans will always have complete confidence in the non-partisan nature of these institutions.”

Reiterating the call made by WP’s Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) for the introduction of a Freedom of Information Act in 2011, Mr Tan said transparency and access to information can help empower citizens to offer constructive input on nation-building.

Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State (Communications and Information, and Health) noted that trust is an essential element for effective leadership. “So, when the WP talks about the importance of transparency and having the Freedom of Information Act, I hope they go beyond talking about these ideas and to put them into practice, including in the running of their town council,” Mr Chee said.

Senior Minister of State (Finance and Law) Indranee Rajah also pointed to the measures taken by the Ministry of Law in ensuring access to legal aid.

In 2013, the ministry made amendments, such as increasing deductibles such as cost of living expenses, to allow more applicants to qualify.

“With the expanded means test, it was envisaged that it would cover about 25 per cent of Singaporeans and PRs (compared with 17 per cent previously), which would translate to about 300,000 additional persons who could potentially be covered under the Act,” said Ms Indranee, referring to the Legal Aid and Advice Act.

As for access to counsel for accused individuals, she said there needs to be a balance between the rights of an accused person and the public interest, where the police are able to complete their investigations.

“ ... Our system is well established. It’s proven effective over the years to help keep Singapore safe and secure and our crime rates low,” Ms Indranee said.