Singapore’s Parliament Opens with New MPs and Speaker Re-elected

Singapore’s 15th Parliament officially convened on September 5, 2023, marking the swearing-in of 97 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and two Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs). This significant event follows the dissolution of the previous Parliament on April 15, 2023, ahead of the recent General Election.

Seah Kian Peng, who was re-elected as Speaker, emphasized the historic nature of this Parliament, which boasts the largest number of MPs ever and includes a record number of women. In his opening remarks, Mr. Seah acknowledged the progress made since Singapore’s first Parliament, highlighting the evolution of representation in the legislative body.

Speaker’s Call for Accountability and Clarity

As the presiding officer, Mr. Seah’s role involves maintaining order during debates and ensuring that parliamentary rules are followed. He underscored the importance of MPs being present, prepared, and accountable for their contributions. “Keep your speeches, your questions, your clarifications and your replies clear, succinct and concise – minimum words, maximum impact,” he advised. He urged parliamentarians to avoid redundant statements, referencing the official transcripts known as Hansard.

While encouraging vigorous debates, Mr. Seah cautioned MPs against “playing to the gallery,” reminding them that the Parliament is not a platform for social media performances. He called for constructive criticism of policies, urging members to articulate trade-offs and present viable alternatives during discussions.

Mr. Seah expressed his commitment to serving as an impartial Speaker, dedicated to upholding the dignity of the Parliament. He reiterated the significance of mutual respect among members and the paramount duty of serving the citizens of Singapore. “Let us always uphold the decorum of this House,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for a respectful and effective parliamentary environment.

Oath-Taking Ceremony Highlights

Following the election of Mr. Seah, the oath-taking ceremony commenced, beginning with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He was followed by key figures including Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. A total of 32 MPs took their oaths for the first time, representing the largest influx of new members in Singapore’s parliamentary history.

The Workers’ Party remains the only opposition party in this term, with 10 elected MPs and two NCMPs, Eileen Chong and Andre Low. The diverse backgrounds of MPs were reflected in the languages used during the oath-taking, as some chose to affirm their commitment in Malay, Chinese, and Tamil.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah commended Mr. Seah’s ability to oversee parliamentary proceedings with fairness, referencing his previous tenure when the Parliament debated a record 50 bills and answered over 2,400 parliamentary questions. She highlighted the lasting impact of parliamentary work, stating, “Our words here and our work here live on far beyond us.”

Opposition Leader Pritam Singh acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting Singapore’s current economic uncertainties and the pressing need for diligent scrutiny of government policies. He called for an inclusive parliamentary environment where the voices of Singaporeans can resonate. “More conversation, debate, openness and transparency will be the order of the day,” he affirmed.

The opening of Singapore’s 15th Parliament sets the stage for a busy legislative term, with both the government and opposition expected to actively engage in policy discussions and the pursuit of better governance for the nation.