We refer to the article “First-term MPs take stock of their work so far” (Channel NewsAsia, May 13).

The people’s expectations of new MPS?

It states that “They said residents expect a new kind of relationship and for MPs to be seen more on the ground. This has led some to scale-back on their careers, or giving it up entirely, to focus on their constituency work full-time.”

What Vesak Day means?

Since today is Vesak Day, we would like to quote:

“The Second Noble Truth explains the Origin or Cause of suffering. Tanha or craving is the universal cause of suffering. It includes not only desire for sensual pleasures, wealth and power, but also attachment to ideas’, views, opinions, concepts, and beliefs. It is the lust for flesh, the lust for continued existence (or eternalism) in the sensual realms of existence, as well as the realms of form and the formless realms. And there is also the lust and craving for non-existence (or nihilism). These are all different Forms of selfishness, desiring things for oneself, even at the expense of others.”

Suggested questions for Parliament?

It is in this spirit that we would like to suggest that our MPs consider asking the following questions:

Why does the Government continue to have huge Budget surpluses every year?  The last reported fiscal year’s (FY 2012) surplus was $36.1 billion according to IMF fiscal reporting guidelines, according to the Department of Statistics?

Why does the Government continue to, from a cashflow perspective – not spend a single cent on CPF, HDB and healthcare?

How many of the 260,000 jobs created for locals in  the last 7 years or so, actually went to Singaporeans by birth (excluding the 133,000 new citizens) – against the 320,000 new PRs granted and 470,000 jobs to foreigners?

In the spirit of Vesak Day

Happy Vesak Day and may we be less focused on the pursuit of wealth and power.

SY Lee and Leong Sze Hian