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Lai lai lai.. prepare your popcorns for another new year of drama, finger pointing, scandals, plot twists, and maybe even some tears dropping (again) in da House!

More exciting parliamentary debates in 2023! Starting with a light and entertaining lesson on how to dig your own grave 😂

Opposition members of parliament (MPs) walked out of Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat on Dec. 14, protesting the presence of three lawmakers who were meant to be under home quarantine. According to Malaysiakini, the trio — made up of Health Minister Adham Baba and Human Resources Minister M Saravanan as well as MP P Prabakaran from the opposition — appeared in full personal protective equipment (PPE). They had been quarantined after being exposed to a Covid-19 patient. “What reasons are there for these MPs to be allowed to be present in Parliament when they have been categorised as close contacts (of Covid-19 positive cases)?” opposition MP Xavier Jayakumar asked Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun, according to the Malaymail. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim also sought an explanation from the speaker Malaysiakini reported that Azhar responded by saying he was simply following Covid-19 procedures set by the Health Ministry. According to the Malaymail, Azhar said that he had allowed the quarantined MPs to attend as an opposition MP had previously broken quarantine in similar circumstances. However, this did not placate the opposition MPs, the majority of whom from the PKR and DAP parties, and walked out while MPs from the government bench jeered them. https://mothership.sg/2020/12/dewan-rakyat-walkout/ Tit for tat monkey see monkey do. you can why i cannot? lol...

Now this video is a Q&A in a full house Parliament sitting regarding Politics/Religion Disregarding the content of the video as it is a sensitive topic, How well can our speakers really speak? Shanmugam can speak and articulate well because he is a lawyer Faisal Manap is less eloquent and our law minister seems to have him cornered to make a yes or no reply which is what lawyers are good at in getting you to make a confession. They box you in. Personally felt he was intimidated by Shanmugam Pritnam Singh is another lawyer, responded well and allowed the discussion to move forward Also, it's strange to see our PM and Tharman whispering to Shanmugam. Almost like a high school debate competition Question: How many of our ministers are really good in public speaking? Our PM speaks well but doesn't give me the impression of being a quick thinker Thaman is a personal favorite of mine in terms of public speaking

While the tax hike on diesel has affected businesses and cabbies, the move will help discourage usage of the fuel and create a better and healthier living environment, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng. He noted that the land transport sector is the second-largest source of emissions in Singapore, and this has to be addressed as the land transport system expands. To do so, the Government is also promoting commuting modes such as car-sharing, trains and personal mobility devices, managing vehicle growth and usage, and encouraging the adoption of cleaner and more carbon-efficient vehicles, he said. MPs Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC) and Gan Thiam Poh (Ang Mo Kio GRC) yesterday raised concerns about the hike, as they called for more support to mitigate the impact on cabbies and businesses. Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat had announced a doubling in excise duty on diesel fuel from 10 cents a litre to 20 cents last week. This took effect from Feb 18. Yesterday, Ms Lee pointed out that no lead time or grace period was given, and many service providers which use diesel vehicles have lost money overnight. She called for ComfortDelGro, the largest taxi operator here, to at least absorb part of the diesel tax hike. Meanwhile, Mr Gan said certain heavy machinery and special purpose vehicles have no diesel alternatives in the market, and appealed for firms and operators using them to be exempted from the hike. In his speech, Mr Baey listed several ways in which the Government is helping to cushion the impact of the diesel tax increase. Related Story What's behind diesel tax increase? Related Story Singapore Budget 2019: Diesel duty at pumps doubles to 20 cents per litre Related Story Diesel duty hike will filter down to some consumers: Industry The annual special tax for taxis has been reduced by $850, and Mr Baey said he was glad that all taxi operators have pledged to pass on the entire savings to cabbies in the form of rental reductions and, for some, Medisave top-ups. ComfortDelGro cabbies driving a diesel taxi that is five years or older can get a $100 voucher if they convert to a hybrid taxi by the end of next month, he added, urging other taxi operators to offer similar incentives and more non-diesel options. On concerns from parents about school bus fares, Mr Baey said the Government is helping operators through a new road tax rebate scheme for all diesel buses, for a three-year period from August. All diesel school buses, diesel private-hire buses and excursion buses ferrying schoolchildren will also get an additional cash rebate for three years from August. Mr Ang Hin Kee (Ang Mo Kio GRC) said after the sitting that he hoped more taxi firms would take up Mr Baey's call to support cabbies. But the National Taxi Association's executive adviser added that rebates like the $100 voucher from ComfortDelGro offer only slight reprieve to taxi drivers, as the daily rental rate for a hybrid taxi is $120, compared with $100 for a diesel taxi. "Taxi firms should look into lowering the rental rates. If not, cabbies may not switch to hybrid taxis, and instead clock longer hours and distances on their diesel cabs to cover the higher diesel rates. "This runs contrary to the intention of the tax hike," Mr Ang said. https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/baey-diesel-tax-hike-for-better-living-environment

In time to come, students could take more examinations on digital devices instead of writing essays by hand, said Education Minister Ong Ye Kung. His ministry has received positive feedback from students on computer-based writing examinations that were introduced as a pilot in a few subjects, such as mother tongue and literature, he said in Parliament yesterday. "Students can more readily cut and paste, edit their essays, move paragraphs around. They can be asked to respond to an e-mail, write a blog or social media post, which better reflects real-life situations that students will go through later in life," he said. But such electronic exams are still some distance away, he added. "We need to take into account the readiness of schools and students... We should not inadvertently disadvantage students who may not be exposed to computers as much as others." Mr Ong was responding to five MPs who had asked whether the ministry had plans to introduce electronic exams or marking, and whether it was possible for all GCE exam papers to be marked locally to minimise the risk of scripts being lost in transit.

anyone set to benefit ? Enhancements made to Employment Act will see more workers protected

LHL says no need for opposition since most of the population supports the PAP and they have put in Non-Constituency MP in today's ST report http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/not-wise-to-purposely-let-the-opposition-grow-bigger-says-pm Are these Non-Constituency MP what people want other than those participated in the election and how have they performed? Is a one party that has been debated over the years still what people want? Is the idea of not to "purposely" let the opposition grow bigger being the same as making sure they don't grow? How are we going to get another voice in the parliament? If you have most of the resolutions passed in parliament with almost 100% yes, we need to review why then some of these decisions failed. All that have voted yes are not thinking enough or simply complying. Mr Lee also stressed the importance of thinking boldly, and long-term yesterday. The thinking must start from the top not bottom up. Any thoughts?

Brother Lawrence Wong - He got talent! Gotta admire when \ a) An MP has the talent to do this b) AN MP is WILLING to do this draws even bigger plaudits from me Sing us a waiata (song) brother Wong! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlMq3SRbeqE

From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1189919/1/.html Personal Data Protection Bill to be introduced in Parliament Posted: 19 March 2012 1710 hrs

http://news.xin.msn.com/en/singapore/amendments-to-road-traffic-bill-proposed-in-parliament SINGAPORE: Multitasking drivers beware - under a new bill proposed in Parliament on Monday (Aug 4), it may soon be an offence to use any communicative function of your phone while driving. This includes not just calling and texting a person which were an offence in the original bill, but surfing the internet and downloading material. Drivers guilty of such an offence may be fined a maximum of S$1,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders will receive a fine not exceeding S$2,000, imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both. The new rules would apply to tablet computers, not just mobile phones. However, the proposed law only applies if the driver is holding the device in at least one hand, and does not cover the use of such devices while driving, should they be mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of vehicles. Drivers Channel NewsAsia spoke to were in favour of the changes, but felt that it should be further expanded. "If you're playing with your phone regardless whether you're talking on the phone or searching for something, it's still very hazardous. Like me, I don't touch my phone while driving. I just put it aside," one driver shared. "I can just have it mounted and still type on the phone. It defeats the whole purpose of having the law in the first place," noted another. "It's just like looking at your GPS - you'll lose concentration. So I think it's best to totally not use it," concluded another driver. Other proposed changes to the bill include allowing drivers to attend a voluntary corrective training course called the Safe Driving Course. Drivers who have half or more of their maximum allowable demerit points will get to remove three demerit points should they pass the Course. Foreigners holding work passes who need to drive as part of their job must also obtain a local driving licence, within six months of the pass being issued. Drivers will also be held responsible for providing particulars to the owner of any vehicle or structure damaged, following an accident. - CNA/kk

Not self-inked biography but close enuff. Anybody buying :)

Who the heck would want this guy to be a MP? kee chiu! so i can f**k you until you wake up your bloody idea!

SINGAPORE - The MediShield Life Scheme Bill tabled in Parliament on Monday gives wide-ranging powers to the administrator to access people's income and health status without explicit consent from them. Those who object to having such information accessed have the choice of opting out. However, those who do so will not be eligible for income-related subsidies for their premiums, nor can they be automatically given a clean bill of health. The Bill also gives the national insurance administrator the same powers as that of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore to recover unpaid premiums, such as through employers or banks. Such powers are needed because defaults on premiums by people who can afford to pay them will mean a heavier load on other policy holders. Full premiums are payable even by Singaporeans and permanent residents living overseas for long periods. MediShield Life, which will replace the current MediShield when it starts at the end of this year, will cover everyone regardless of whether they are healthy or sick, for their entire life. Coverage will be higher with lower co-payments and no lifetime claim caps but premiums will be higher than the current scheme. Massive government aid, to the tune of $4 billion over five years, will make it highly affordable, the Government has assured. This includes the transitional subsidies which will be given to everyone, rich or poor, for the first four years. On top of that, two in three people will also get 15-50 per cent permanent subsidies on their premiums. The need to access incomes is to make it easy to identify people who qualify and the amount of subsidy they are entitled to. Additional help will be given to those who still can't afford the premiums. For the majority, the higher premiums will be entirely covered by Medisave, with the extra 1 per cent in Medisave contribution from employers that takes effect this month. People who are currently not covered by MediShield and have pre-existing illness will need to pay 30 per cent additional premiums per year for 10 years, after which they revert to paying the normal premiums for their age band. To simplify the procedure of identifying people with existing serious illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease, the administrator will have access to hospital data on all Singaporeans and permanent residents. The Bill also sets out the various penalties for defaulting on payments, providing false information, or wrongfully disclosing information obtained under the authority of the MediShield Life Scheme. For example, a defaulter who tries to leave the country without paying or providing security, as well as officials who wrongfully disclose information, can be fined $5,000, jailed for up to a year or both. The penalty for obstructing investigation into offences under the Bill is heavier with a maximum of $20,000 fine and a year's jail. The Bill also provides for a MediShield Life Council which can review the policy and parameters and recommend changes to the Health Minister to ensure that it continues to provide effective protection to citizens. The Council, which will likely comprise experts from people, private and public sectors, also has overview of the administration of the scheme. Dr Chia Shi Lu, head of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health, said he supports the implied consent to verify personal details, as there is provision to refuse access. He said: "There has been quite a lot of feedback from Singaporeans, and particularly from the elderly, who are unhappy with government agencies repeatedly requesting personal and financial information from them in order to qualify for any number of government schemes." He and his parliamentary colleagues have often been asked why government agencies do not share information - as will now be done with MediShield Life. - See more at: Parliament: MediShield Life Scheme Bill gives wide-ranging powers to administrator - Singapore Health News & Top Stories - The Straits Times

This one must clap for him. Very obvious he's asking MIW to wake up. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/specialreports/parliament/videos/out-of-touch-politician/1018836.html One of the rare times i agree with a MIW.

Breaking news from CNA Speaker of Parlimen Michael Palmer has resigned due to improper relationship with a staff working in Pasir Ris Punggol GRC @_@ check CNA for more

Ever since the guilty verdict in the Pirate Bay case was made final last year, Peter Sunde has been fighting his looming incarceration. However, this hasn't stopped him from looking ahead. Today the former Pirate Bay spokesman announces his next big move. Born in Sweden but with Finnish roots, Peter Sunde will run as candidate for Finland's Pirate Party in the European Parliament elections next year. The Pirate Party movement currently has two Swedish Members of Parliament in Europe. Through the 2014 elections the Pirates hope to add many more, as local parties are participating in many countries. With Sunde the Finnish party has definitely reeled in an outspoken candidate. Source: http://www.shareconnector.com/pirate-bay-c...ean-parliament/ Video:

Finally after a long drag...

DOES NOT SUPPORT POPULATION WHITE. Source: EDMW. Btw, what is division of motion? Means, don't agree and continue to debate?

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat hit back swiftly at opposition Workers' Party claims that residents of Punggol East should vote for them to make the PAP "work hard". "PAP has been working hard to come up with various ways to help Singaporeans even when they was no opposition in Parliament," he told reporters at a community event at Tampines Central Temple. Referring to WP chief Low Thia Kiang's rally message on Saturday that people should vote for WP to keep up the pressure on PAP, Minister Heng turned the tables and said, "People should vote for PAP instead to make the WP work hard. "Voters should look at what the various (PAP) MPs have done and contributed in their constituencies and in Parliament," he said. "And I think they will come to the conclusion that they should vote for the PAP to make the Workers' Party work harder for you". He also took pains to remind voters of Punggol East that it's "not about voting more opposition into Parliament". "It's important to understand what this by-election is about. It's about electing the best candidate who can serve the residents of Punggol East," he said, adding that PAP candidate Koh Poh Koon is a "sincere and hardworking man" who understands the needs of residents and will work hard to improve their lives. Minister Heng said after the last General Election in 2011, Singaporeans had given the PAP the mandate to form the government. And the government has been working hard because "it is our duty and honour". He highlighted the recent changes in education as one example of the PAP listening to ground sentiments. "We have been investing in and improving our education system all these years even when there was no opposition in Parliament," he said. Meanwhile, PAP candidate Koh also addressed WP rival Lee Li Lian's claims that as a female voice, she would bring something different into Parliament if she were elected. "Well, I think selecting an MP really is selecting someone to serve the needs of the wide spectrum of the population, so gender shouldn't really play a role," said Dr Koh at a separate walkabout in Punggol East, where he met church-goers outside St Anne's chuch. "All MPs should take care of different segments of the demographic equally well, so I think the selection shouldn't be about gender per se," said the colorectal surgeon, 40. "And I think even at this present moment, we are all trying our best to also take care of different segments: women, children, elderlies and the youths as well". Dr Koh also said he plans to build a new community centre behind the Rivervale Plaza, on top of a wellness centre for the elderly. "We want to put in place more health screening programmes so we can detect diseases earlier, and to do some preventive kind of management for those diseases in the early stages. What we want to do is to leverage on the building of the new CC to in-build some of these programmes and facilities in place," he said.

Given that Singaporeans are being exhorted to have more babies, I was curious how many children can be attributed to our leaders. I found out that Singapore's parliament is pretty fertile - from the info I have to hand there are 2.01 children per parliamentarian. That's 199 in all. Well done folks :-) I also found out that 89 of the 99 MPs are married (counting widowers), And of those that list their religion 24 are Christian, 10 are Catholic / Roman Catholic 6 are Free Thinkers 12 Follow Islam, 8 are Buddhist 1 Taoist 1 Hindu. 1 "Chinese folk" The remaining 34 are not specified (if they follow a religion at all) Note: I compiled the info from gov.sg by looking at the individual MP Curriculum Vitae - I hope that I haven't made any transcription or counting errors. If I have, I very sincerely apologise.

Excerpt from CNA: Still on transport issues, Ms Low Yen Ling has questions on Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums. She wants to know how these affect the cost of living, and whether the government will consider reviewing the COE system in view of the rising cost of living. Mr Lim Biow Chuan is asking if the LTA will consider more measures to curb excessive bidding for COEs, such as a 'pay as you bid' system. He also wants to know if the LTA will prohibit car dealers from bidding for COEs and paying for the COE deposit on their customers' behalf to rein in rising prices. CHANNEL NEWSASIA any comments

Singapore's 'Lemon Law' passed in Parliament Singapore's 'Lemon Law' was passed in Parliament today. Lemon laws refer to laws protecting consumers against defective goods that fail to conform to contract, or meet satisfactory quality or performance standards at the time of purchase, colloquially known as "lemons". It comprises amendments to the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA), the Hire Purchase Act (HPA) and Road Traffic Act and covers all general consumer products purchased in Singapore (e.g. stationery, apparel, electronics, bedding, and big-ticket items such as motorcycles and cars). The amendments will make the transactional process between buyer and seller more open and transparent, with clearer rules on the burden of proof, and more certainty about the recourses available. With this in place, there will now be additional remedies beyond just rejecting the goods and getting a refund. The retailer may first offer to repair or replace the defective good within a reasonable period of time and without significant inconvenience to the buyer. If this is not possible, the consumer may either keep the item and get a partial refund, or return the item and get a full refund. The full refund amount will take into account the state of the good resulting from the consumer's use. The Lemon Law will apply to defects found in goods up to the first six months, with the assumption that the defect already existed at the time of delivery, unless the retailer can prove otherwise or if the items have a short life span or consumable. After six months, the consumer will need to prove that the defect existed at the time of delivery. The Lemon Law would thus require retailers to ensure that their goods match their description as marketed and promoted. Descriptions include information and details on the good that can be found on the label, packaging, posters or any other print material, or given verbally by the sales representatives. Retailers should also point out defects or limitations, if any, to the consumer before the consumer buys the good. They will not be held liable for defects which the consumer is proven to know about before he/she buys the goods. To assist motor traders to defray costs and encourage them to offer replacements for lemon vehicles, the Ministry of Transport and the Land Transport Authority have also proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Act. The amendment would allow the transfer of the Additional Registration Fee (ARF) and Certificate of Entitlement (COE) from a defective vehicle to a replacement vehicle, provided the defective vehicle meets a set of criteria. The "Lemon Law" is expected to come into force from September 1 this year, to allow sufficient transition time for the industry. [email protected]

....and LKY went for toilet break. 'Fark this s.h.i.t man!'

Geezz, so we voted in 5 oppo members for fun? And from what I have witnessed, these 5 credible MPs have done a helluva job together with their NCMP counterparts, raising various bread and butter issues in the 1st Parliament. In particular, Chen Show Mao's speech in Chinese was both refreshing and very meaningful when he described oppo members today were like a loyal subject giving good advice to a emperor but unfortunately he was not appreciated and mocked at instead by the MIWs. Similarly Sylvia's plea to link our economic success to happiness was also scorned at by many ruling party folks including our new MND minister. If this is the new norm in Parliament then I feel sorry for the ruling party because they are still very confrontational with no stomach for alternative views. The PM better wake up his idea and not deem these honorable oppo MPs & NCMPs as trouble-makers. They are there for a reason and that voters are sick and tired of having the ruling party having the last word on EVERYTHING. How I wish 2016 can be around the corner... From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1162543/1/.html Parliament's for "serious discussion, not just criticism" By Joanne Chan in Perth | Posted: 30 October 2011 1840 hrs PERTH, AUSTRALIA: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that Parliament is a place for serious discussion and not just criticism. Mr Lee added that Parliament is not just a place to hold either the government or opposition to account. Instead both sides should participate in solving problems together, or Singapore would be worse off for it. He was speaking to the Singapore media at the end of the three-day Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth on Sunday. Earlier this month, Singapore's Parliament sat for the first time since the May General Election, and members shared their thoughts on the measures needed for the country to prosper. Mr Lee said that while the opposition had put a lot of effort into their parliamentary speeches, it remains to be seen if they will participate in helping to solve problems. "This is not just a show, it's not just theatre. This (Parliament) is a place where we are discussing very serious business and where we have to make very difficult choices for Singaporeans on behalf of our voters," he said. "And I think as government, it's our responsibility to speak the truth to Singaporeans and I think it's the opposition's responsibility also to acknowledge the truth and to speak it, whether or not it's politically advantageous to them," added Mr Lee. On Singapore's economy, Mr Lee said that there are dark clouds on the horizon, referring to the latest report from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The MAS report said that Singapore's economic growth will stall over the next few quarters before seeing a modest recovery late next year because the long-term structural problems in Europe will not disappear soon. Prime Minister Lee added that Singapore is also facing slowing growth because the economy is more mature. "For a developed economy, 3, 4% (growth) is not bad. Of course, we've been used to 5,6,7 (percent), or even more in the past, but it's a different phase. When you're an adolescent, you grow and shoot up inches every year. When you're mature you hope to grow, not necessarily taller but wiser and better," said Mr Lee. On the government's move to raise the minimum qualifying salaries for foreign professionals and skilled workers, Mr Lee said that the government knows it has been painful for employers. He added that accepting a lower growth rate is the price to pay for managing the population size in Singapore. Even with these challenges, Mr Lee said Singapore should not be too downbeat. He said Singapore hopes to have quality growth - improved productivity for better wages. Mr Lee also pointed out that he had met various leaders at CHOGM, all of whom expressed admiration for Singapore and said the country has done very well. Referring to his meeting with Western Australia's Premier Colin Barnett, Mr Lee said it is keen to develop links with Singapore. Mr Lee concluded that Singapore is "not doing badly", but can do better. On CHOGM which had focused on reforms, Mr Lee said it would not be easy to transform the Commonwealth. Calling the Commonwealth an "old boys' club" brought together by a shared history, he said members work together where they can but they also have disagreements. On the failed proposal to appoint a watchdog for human rights, Mr Lee said Singapore's support will depend very much on whether such a commissioner will be productive. The proposal for an independent commissioner on human rights, democracy and the rule of law was one of the reforms called for by an "Eminent Persons Group" that CHOGM itself commissioned two years ago to help it maintain relevancy. - CNA/ir