Pragmatic Approach to Balancing Public Service and Private Sector Engagements
At a dialogue with students on July 2, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong explained that allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) to maintain full-time jobs outside of their parliamentary duties is a pragmatic arrangement. While political office-holders, such as ministers, balance their governing roles with MP responsibilities, MPs may have private sector commitments. However, PM Wong emphasized that MPs are expected to fulfill their duties effectively. If they fail to do so, their party may not renew their candidacy, or voters can choose to vote them out.
PM Wong also addressed concerns about conflicts of interest, assuring that Singapore has a strict process for declaring and addressing them. The government is committed to maintaining a clean and transparent system, as any infiltration of vested interests could jeopardize the country’s integrity.
Further, PM Wong touched on the government’s stance on populism and difficult policies, including the GST hike. He reiterated that while not every policy is popular, they are necessary for Singapore’s long-term stability. He also discussed efforts to combat mental health challenges, citing the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, which focuses on holistic care, expanding services, and addressing mental health at various levels, from general practitioners to specialists.
