Basically, PM Lee did not have to explicitly lift the Party Whip because no bill is going to be voted on.

This view is by Alex Au, one of Singapore’s pioneering blogfathers, who is now better known for his work helping transient workers in Singapore.

He has pointed out that the deliberate announcement to lift the PAP whip goes against the essence of a parliamentary democracy, where MPs ought to be able to speak and debate freely and fiercely in the first place, as they represent the interests of their constituents.

Or, at least, that's the theory.

According to the Parliament website, here's what Party Whips do:

Party Whips ensure good communication within the party and contribute to the smooth running of the party’s parliamentary machinery. The Whip lists down the speakers for each item of business and estimates the time required so that everything can be completed within schedule.

Often regarded as the disciplinarians controlling MPs in their respective parties, the Whips ensure that there are always sufficient party members in the Chamber to support the party’s position and that MPs vote according to the party’s line. Occasionally, he may “lift the whip” and allow MPs to vote according to their conscience.

The present Government Whip is Mr Chan Chun Sing. He is assisted by two Deputy Government Whips, Ms Sim Ann and Mr Sam Tan.

Which is essentially what Au is driving at: The Party Whip can serve an administrative, time-keeping function to organise the order of business, but its true purpose is during voting in parliament by ensuring voting on party lines to push through policy.

A Party Whip might even feel a tad redundant given that the PAP holds a good majority of seats.

But still, since Singapore's independence, the Party Whip has been lifted on very few occasions for contentious issues -- few enough to be counted on two hands.

Yes, with the Party Whip lifted, there is no limit to the number of questions asked. But it still boils down to quality of questioning over quantity.

And the emphasis that it will be lifted now to add gravity to the proceedings is immaterial when all things are considered.

Not only because the better venue to deal with the Lee family tussle is in court with the full airing of facts, but that the prime minister does not get to dictate when does parliament get to ask hard questions -- with or without a tough problem on hand.

Related articles:

Tan Cheng Bock slams choice of Parliament as venue to settle Lee family dispute

PM Lee lifting Party Whip to ensure full airing of family tussle. That’s a rarity.

5 observations from PM Lee’s rare 3 min 40 sec public apology

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.