Key issues around accountability, transparency, and timing remain unresolved, leaving Singaporeans seeking clarity.
SINGAPORE: Parliament reconvened on Aug 2, addressing recent controversies including the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) probe into Transport Minister S. Iswaran and the resignations of former Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and MP Cheng Li Hui over their inappropriate relationship. While Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered a ministerial statement, critical questions raised by MPs went unanswered or were met with vague responses.
Key concerns remain unaddressed, such as the timeline of Mr. Tan’s resignation and the decision to keep him and Ms. Cheng on the same House Committee after PM Lee was aware of their affair. Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh pressed for details, questioning the lack of earlier action and the rationale for allowing continued professional interactions between the two former MPs. PM Lee admitted that action should have been taken sooner but provided no substantial explanation.
The session also veered off course with discussions about past incidents, including the Raeesah Khan case and the TraceTogether saga. Questions around surveillance and potential breaches of privacy, particularly related to the leaked video of Workers’ Party MPs Leon Perera and Nicole Seah, further fueled public curiosity. However, these concerns were sidestepped or met with deflections, leaving gaps in transparency.
The debates highlighted deeper issues of accountability and consistency in handling misconduct across political parties. As MPs demanded clearer answers, Singaporeans were left with more questions than clarity about the government’s commitment to upholding high standards of propriety and transparency.
