It was not long ago that our MPs were asking about protecting children and exactly what the new classifications for flats means for Singaporeans.
A new session of Parliament starts soon — this coming Tuesday (Oct 3) — where our MPs will ask more timely questions which affect Singaporeans.
The cost-of-living increase regarding the recent transport fare hike will feature, as well as inclusivity for people with disabilities (PWDs). Questions about the $2.4 billion money laundering case are scheduled too; they were moved from the previous session to this current one.
Money laundering: Intelligence-sharing for future security?
Our Party remains committed to preventing money laundering from reoccurring and fine-tuning the safeguards on Singapore’s robust financial system.
To this end, MP Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok SMC) is questioning the Minister for Home Affairs if landlords must lodge Suspicious Transaction Reports should they suspect that their tenants have ill-gotten wealth.
MP Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) is also asking the Minister about ACRA-registered dormant businesses: How often does ACRA check on such companies remaining registered despite their inactivity? Is more active enforcement needed so that Singapore-registered companies are not misused for money laundering or illegal activities?
Source: Murali Pillai, Saktiandi Supaat, Derrick Goh / Facebook
Plus, MP Derrick Goh (Nee Soon GRC) is asking if the roll-out of the Collaborative Sharing of Money Laundering/Terrorism Financing (ML/TF) Information and Cases (COSMIC) digital platform will be accelerated — and expanded to other industries. This, he notes, can detect illicit transactions beyond the finance sector.
Transport fare hikes and the rising cost of living: What is the Government doing to aid Singaporeans?
The recently announced transport fare hike is an important issue for our MPs this Parliament session; the cost of living remains an overall concern for Singaporeans.
MP Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang GRC) is asking about having a moratorium on future fare increases; he notes that public transport operators have been profitable over the past years. Similarly, Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang SMC) wants to know if these operators have taken on cost-saving measures and if the fare hike can be delayed to the future — the cost of living in Singapore is anticipated to rise, after all.
Source: Don Wee, Yip Hon Weng, Mariam Jaafar, Liang Eng Hwa / Facebook
MP Mariam Jaafar (Sembawang GRC) is asking the Minister for Transport just how much PWDs and seniors spend on public transport and if a Light, Moderate and Heavy hybrid monthly concession pass scheme can be introduced for them.
Additionally, MP Liang Eng Hwa (Bukit Panjang SMC) is asking a big-picture cost-of-living question: Just what is the cumulative impact of price increases on households and small businesses, and will it trigger an inflationary spiral? MP Liang is also questioning whether the Government’s support measures are enough to mitigate this cumulative impact and what other financial aid there might be for these households and businesses.
Climate change: How do our transport infrastructure and our legal provisions hold up?
Meanwhile, climate change is the great battle of our time, and our MPs’ questions show the scope of its reach.
MP Melvin Yong (Radin Mas SMC) will ask the Minister for Transport about the existing flood prevention measures for underground MRT stations — and whether these measures need enhancing for weather.
Source: Melvin Yong, Desmond Choo/ Facebook
MP Desmond Choo (Tampines GRC) will ask the Minister about the carbon footprints of Singapore’s sea ports: What has been their progress in reducing the carbon footprint, and what long-term plans are there to keep up this reduction while not affecting their business competitiveness?
These questions by our MPs are all ones about making a positive difference in the everyday life of Singaporeans. Not just now, but for the long term, and always on issues that matter.
