APPEAL TO SINGAPOREANS
Parliament discusses issues that affect Singaporeans’ lives, Mr Seah noted.
“Whether young or old, (parliamentary proceedings are) extremely important to every Singaporean, because whatever is decided here, laws that are passed here or not, these affect Singaporeans and their families,” he said.
“Therefore it is important that everyone takes active interest in what goes on in parliament.”
He pointed out that sessions have been streamed live since 2021.
He encouraged those who are interested in particular topics being discussed to watch the entire debate surrounding it.
“Sometimes, when you summarise, certain things are lost. I know that takes time (and patience) but if it’s something which is close to your heart, I think it’s worth the time to invest in tuning into it,” he said.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2024
The halls of parliament debated 50 bills in 2024, the highest number in six years.
Over 2,400 questions were also filed, more than the over 2,300 the previous year. Topics ranged from scams to special needs to artificial intelligence.
Each sitting takes weeks to prepare and includes making rounds in the chamber which involve technical checks, Mr Seah said.
He noted that some of last year’s highlights for him included the Platform Workers’ Bill, which 26 Members of Parliament (MPs) debated over two days before it was passed.
Calling it a milestone and the first of its kind in the world, Mr Seah said: “These are very, very significant things (and) we should not under-appreciate the amount of work that went behind it.”
The legislation gives delivery riders better insurance coverage and higher Central Provident Fund contributions for retirement.
Parliament was also a site for diplomatic engagements, with 42 visits by foreign delegates, including Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, who became the first king of Malaysia and first royalty to visit Parliament House when a sitting was in session on May 7.
-2.jpg?itok=dQeiGCso "Work It – How to mend relations with a colleague you offended?")
