GOVERNMENT Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) for the upcoming 15th Parliament will raise even more viewpoints from Singaporeans.
The 12 GPCs are set up to mirror government ministries, and to scrutinise their legislation and programmes. They are also a longstanding feedback channel on government policies.
“Our work doesn’t begin or end in the Chamber,” said newly appointed member for the GPC for Health, MP Hamid Razak (West Coast-Jurong West GRC) in an exclusive interview with Petir.
“The previous Committee worked closely with individuals and health experts on fertility preservation policy and brought their feedback to the House. We will continue surfacing concerns and shaping policy directions to better the lives of Singaporeans.”
As a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with more than 15 years of experience, and concurrently an Adjunct Associate Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School, Dr Razak is well placed to contribute to the GPC.
Action for mental health
Feedback from the ground means GPCs will be able to bring up timely issues affecting Singaporeans — and push for workable solutions.
For example, the GPC for Health is making it their mission to improve healthcare access for Singaporeans, especially for mental health.
“We will push for better access to affordable, community-based mental health support,” said Dr Hamid.
“Beyond Parliament, we are engaging with experts, professionals, ground-up groups, and individuals with lived experiences, including patients, to co-develop solutions that meet real needs and close the care gap.”
The PAP has prioritised mental health inclusivity and affordability for Singaporeans, setting up a Mental Health Group last year. The GPC complements these efforts.
“Mental health is health, its impact spans all ages, incomes, and backgrounds,” said Dr Hamid.
“Supporting wellness means ensuring timely access to help, dismantling stigma, and building a society where no one is left behind.”
Opening pathways for first-time job-seekers
Chairperson for the GPC on Finance and Trade and Industry Saktiandi Supaat assured Singaporeans that his committee will continue speaking up for people and groups affected by the ongoing economic storm.
“My team and I intend to engage and listen to a wide range of parties facing an increasingly tough economic environment weighed down by uncertainties surrounding tariff developments, as well as geopolitical tensions,” said Chairperson Saktiandi, who is also MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
“It is important to engage and provide active ideation and bring forward ideas from the public engagement, and ensure constructive solutions can be brought forward in Parliament,” he added.
Creating job opportunities for young Singaporeans will be a key focus for the GPC for Finance and Trade and Industry. “We understand how tough and uncertain the job search can feel, especially for first-time job-seekers,” said Chairperson Saktiandi.
“That’s why our team is committed to working closely with partners and employers probably at a sectoral level to open up more pathways, provide guidance, and ensure support is readily available where it’s needed most.”
The GPC will work to alleviate anxieties about the current job market, especially from young graduates, while working to push forward the Government’s career development efforts for them.
“The job market is going to change,” said Chairperson Saktiandi, who has a record of pressing the Government to identify growth and emerging industries.
“We hope to come up with suggestions and solutions to continue to grow the economy and create more jobs and new jobs.”
