WP MPs & PAP backbenchers expected to play greater role in scrutinising govt policy: Pritam Singh

As Parliament will likely become a busy place, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh said opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) and government backbenchers are expected to play a greater role in "scrutinising government policy and speaking up for Singaporeans".

In his speech on the re-election of Speaker of the House Seah Kian Peng, Singh said this term of Parliament opens amid external uncertainty and pressing domestic concerns.

These include job security, youth unemployment and underemployment, opportunities for senior workers, skills upgrading amid an AI age, challenges of doing business in Singapore for SMEs, and high rental for local businesses.

On top of these are social concerns such as integration and an ageing society.

Singh also touched on the topic of growth, citing the potential 5 per cent growth in Singapore as said by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.

This growth prompted questions about how it would be achieved, whether through productivity gains or an increase in labour.

Singh stated that the question of growth becomes more significant given Singapore's constraints in land, manpower, and carbon.

Addressing Seah, Singh said that the Parliament Seah presides over will have to "ensure that the voices of Singaporeans are heard in this chamber".

Singh pledged his and the Workers' Party team's full support in ensuring that the voices of all Singaporeans are represented in Parliament.

"On behalf of of the Workers' Party MPs and Non-Constituency Members of Parliament, we wish you a successful term as Speaker of the House.

We will play our part and continue to support your efforts to raise the standing of our Parliament and our country."

Top photo via MDDI/YouTube & Canva