World News Engine: GE: GRC scheme here to stay

GE: GRC scheme here to stay

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) scheme is here to stay.

The relevance of the scheme was raised at a Chinese language forum televised at 8pm on Channel 8 on Saturday. It was a question that had been asked by a viewer via SMS.

"The fundamental reason is that GRCs ensure that in our Parliament, there will be a minimum number of minority MPs. That's very important. We are a multi-racial, multi-religious society. Without this system, the multi-racial feature of our Parliament will be under threat," said
Prime Minister Lee.

Another question, asked by a panel member, was whether the religious background of new PAP candidates is a cause for concern. In reply, Mr Lee said it will not be allowed to interfere in policy making and stressed Singapore must remain a secular society.

Forum participants also asked for more diverse views in politics. But Mr Lee disagreed with a suggestion to expand the debating rights for Non-Constituency MPs, saying that as a result of political reforms, there will more NCMPs after the election.

One participant asked if retiring ministers could be retained in Parliament.

"They understand the workings of a ministry. When they ask questions on policy, they may be able to better reflect ground sentiment," said Leng Chin Fai, director of Fei Yue Family Service Centre.

"If the retired Minister supervises the new Minister, the new Minister won't be able to do his job," said Prime Minister Lee. "Former PMs working with the new PM, that's workable."

Besides politics, other issues touched on were concerns about job security, the adequacy of CPF, and the social impact of the integrated resorts.

Prime Minister Lee said the government may raise safeguards against problem gambling, if needed. But this will have to be studied carefully.

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