We elect MPs because we trust them to speak up for us. We trust our MPs to spruce up our neighbourhood and voice our anxieties over the bread-and-butter issues like housing, cost of living, education and healthcare.
What makes an MP extraordinary, however, is when they go above and beyond to champion underrepresented causes. Taking time and effort to speak with residents from all walks of life, who may not have had their stories, or their life experiences told. They use their platform and influence for good. Raising their issues in parliament, making sure that important but unnoticed issues get the attention they require.
Over the years, it has been heartening to see PAP MPs doing exactly just that. Only earlier this month (July 14), Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng shared some policy ideas on strengthening animal welfare. After all, who speaks up for our furry friends, when they can’t?
During the forum on animal protection, Mr Ng said a White Paper to improve animal protection policies is now underway. When submitted, it will be the first time in Singapore’s parliament history that animal welfare takes centre stage in an adjournment motion.
Besides the tireless animal advocate that is Louis Ng, plenty of PAP MPs have risen to the occasion to be a voice for the voiceless.
MP Ng Ling Ling (Ang Mo Kio GRC), a passionate advocate for social services, was inspired to highlight the gaps in palliative care. Likewise, MP Rachel Ong (West Coast GRC) has directed our attention to the challenges caregivers of people with severe disabilities face.
There is also the indefatigable Dr Tan Wu Meng (Jurong GRC), who relied on his medical background to call attention to the challenges faced by children with rare diseases.
These are just some recent examples. The list goes on as our MPs explore various avenues to speak up on issues close to their heart.
Besides parliamentary questions, MPs can also file an adjournment motion, which gives backbenchers up to twenty minutes to speak on any subject. So far, PAP MPs have astutely used this opportunity to shine the spotlight on lesser-known issues missed by policymakers.
Two years ago, MP Poh Li San (Sembawang GRC) called for more facilities and preventative care for dementia patients. Today, we see more elderly daycare centres and wayfinding signages in our neighbourhoods to address this need.
Similarly, after Dr Tan’s relentless champion to help children with rare diseases, a Rare Disease Fund was launched, providing much-needed financial support to families. MP Cheryl Chan (East Coast GRC) followed up, calling for the Rare Disease Fund to cover more conditions and help more people.
By raising a diversity of motions in parliament, PAP MPs have drawn attention to the disadvantaged, the underserved and the forgotten.
Just as MP Louis Ng prepares his adjournment motion on animal welfare, we are reminded that this is someone who has devoted half his life to fighting for animal rights.
Similarly, when MP Ng Ling Ling spoke about end-of-life care, it comes from a place of deep understanding. After 16 years in social services, she knows that the taboo subject cannot remain hush-hush forever, especially in a country with a rapidly ageing population.
As the namesake of the People’s Action Party suggests, PAP MPs are determined to drive action for the people.
The passion and empathy of our PAP MPs, and their courage in speaking up for people is also what makes the PAP a big tent party, for all Singaporeans.
Photo Source: Louis Ng/ Ng Ling Ling/ Cheryl Chan/ Poh Li San via Facebook/ The StraitsTimes© Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission