Forum: What’s needed is a forward-looking Parliament with highest standards for members
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I agree with deputy opinion editor Bhavan Jaipragas on the need to keep our politics clean and above board ( Keeping fear and loathing out of Singapore’s politics,
How other societies have become so divisive to affect families and community relations is something which we as a small nation should avoid at all costs. We may have our differences, political or otherwise, but we only have this one small nation to share with everyone.
The tone and tenor of our society must be about empathy and caring for each other. I see this on display whenever I take the train or bus for my engagements. Some see me as elderly (yes, I am pushing 70 this year) and offer me their seat, which I politely decline.
I am not the only beneficiary of such good gestures.
In the article, the writer quoted from a columnist who identified “excessive intellectual certainty as the deeper problem” in relation to the rise of political violence in America. I could not agree more.
In fact, extreme behaviour arises from those who assume themselves to be the holders of truth. We see this also among those promoting religious violence. A little doubt and scepticism help to moderate our views and hold out the potential of learning from others, as no one is perfect or knows everything. Certainly a much-needed trait in these times.
At the same time, I agree with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong that we should be mindful of what is at stake at the upcoming general election ( Election is about Singaporeans recognising much is at stake in this new environment: PM Wong,
Every political party wants to gain the maximum number of seats in Parliament. Yet, in the end it’s about good governance and the kind of Parliament we all wish for Singapore.
We have seen how in other jurisdictions, unqualified individuals and those with very dubious backgrounds are in positions of power. This we must avoid.
Parliament is a serious and august institution where laws are debated and decided upon, affecting the future of Singapore. The quality of debate depends on the parliamentarians and their conviction to build a better Singapore.
As Singaporeans, we must wish for a Parliament that is forward-looking in its outlook and holds the highest standards possible for its members.
Yaacob Ibrahim
