Tan Chuan-Jin, the former minister of Singapore, will take on his new role as a Speaker of Parliament.
I refer to the article “Tan Chuan-Jin to be Speaker, Desmond Lee to helm MSF” (Straits Times, Sep 6).
It states that “A member at the core of the fourth-generation political leadership, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, 48, will be the new Speaker of Parliament.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will nominate him for the post when the House sits on Monday.
The decision, PM Lee said yesterday in a Facebook post, was a very difficult one as it meant “losing an effective and activist minister””.
Netizens have already commented widely that it may be a demotion as the salary of the Speaker, at $550,000 is much less than a full cabinet Minister’s salary, at $1.76 million.
In 2012, the Speaker’s salary was cut by 53 per cent to $550,000.
Singaporeans need to move away from the mindset that “money” is more important than “meaning” in one’s career, job or life.
Historically, I understand that the Speaker used to be the highest paid member of the House.
For example, even now – the Speaker in the United Kingdom is paid more than the Prime Minister.
Given the widespread unease of Singaporeans on the recent constitutional amendment to the elected presidency and the upcoming presidential election on 23 September – Mr Tan Chuan-Jin may have his work cut out for him, as he may have a herculean task of restoring the confidence of the people in the credibility and image of the office of the Speaker of Parliament. (Note: the former Speaker is expected to be the next President on 13 or 23 September)
It is interesting to note that the first (1955 – 63), third (1964 – 66) and fourth (1966 – 70) Speakers of Parliament in Singapore’s history were “non-MP; lawyer” or “Former MP and lawyer”, and not from the “People’s Action Party”.
“But he said Mr Tan stood out as the best choice for the post vacated by Madam Halimah Yacob, 63, who resigned on Aug 7 to contest this month’s presidential election.
“It was not easy to find a suitable replacement,” PM Lee said. “As Speaker, Chuan-Jin will have to preside over parliamentary debates and ensure fair and full discussion of national issues. Chuan-Jin has the temperament and personality for this role.” He added: “Chuan-Jin remains an important member of my team, though in a different role.”
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement: “PM Lee has briefed PAP MPs on his nomination and received their full support.”
My sentiment is perhaps underscored by his remarks “Mr Tan said he was glad to accept PM Lee’s nomination and hoped fellow MPs would support it. He said: “Good ideas can come from both sides of the House, as does good intent. In fact, they abound throughout the length and breadth of our society. Our duty must be to harness these for the common good.”
However, as to “PM Lee also singled out Mr Tan’s deep interest in social issues and helping the disadvantaged. He will continue to oversee SG Cares, the movement to build a caring society” – I would like to disagree on this point, as there may be a conflict of interest.
Leong Sze Hian
