Agree only if we have only SMCs and proportional representative system. Otherwise, PAP will most likely have 2/3 majority and can nominate whoever they want to NE Ministers.
Having a referendum is a good idea, but knowing this govt for what it is worth it may not happen. Referendum will reveal the true feelings of the ppl about govt policies, and this govt does not want that.
The last time a referendum was held was to seek public opinion whether sg should join Malaysia or not in 1963.
Appointment of ministers who are non-MPs, if allowed, must be based on merit and open to members of opposition parties as well, unless the law is such that only nonpartisan members of the public can be appointed. But then the question is who is ultimately enpowered to appoint the Minister?
In my view, Singapore is not ready for this until there is an electoral reform, including fixing the electoral boundry and changes can only be made under specific condition. eg. In Germany electoral boundry can only be changed when the population has increased or decreased to a certain predetermined level.
Frankly, I'm against the idea of nominated minister. It's a political job and s/he must have a political base of support. Otherwise, s/he will be beholden to his/her nominator instead of the people. The people on top with power to nominate or reject will become override democracy as kingmakers. Who's to define talent and competency? It's the people in a system of democracy if we still want it and believe in it.
People with talent and competency wanting HR evaluable jobs should send their CV to HR department of the company they prefer for assessment and interview, not stand for election. In an election, lose is lose, lost is lost. Nomination back as minister kills the spirit of democracy.
As I gathered from the net (my memory fails me even though I voted on this), the referendum was not whether to join Malaysia or not, but couched so that the citizens would choose one of 3 ways to join Malaysia. Whichever option we selected, we had chosen to join Malaysia!
Agree only if we have only SMCs and proportional representative system. Otherwise, PAP will most likely have 2/3 majority and can nominate whoever they want to NE Ministers.
ReplyDeletePersonally, this gets my vote for the most innovative idea in strengthening our nation's political structure.
ReplyDeleteFully support the idea of nominated Minister.
Having a referendum is a good idea, but knowing this govt for what it is worth it may not happen. Referendum will reveal the true feelings of the ppl about govt policies, and this govt does not want that.
ReplyDeleteThe last time a referendum was held was to seek public opinion whether sg should join Malaysia or not in 1963.
Oh, how I long for referendums.
Appointment of ministers who are non-MPs, if allowed, must be based on merit and open to members of opposition parties as well, unless the law is such that only nonpartisan members of the public can be appointed. But then the question is who is ultimately enpowered to appoint the Minister?
ReplyDeleteIn my view, Singapore is not ready for this until there is an electoral reform, including fixing the electoral boundry and changes can only be made under specific condition. eg. In Germany electoral boundry can only be changed when the population has increased or decreased to a certain predetermined level.
Frankly, I'm against the idea of nominated minister. It's a political job and s/he must have a political base of support. Otherwise, s/he will be beholden to his/her nominator instead of the people. The people on top with power to nominate or reject will become override democracy as kingmakers. Who's to define talent and competency? It's the people in a system of democracy if we still want it and believe in it.
ReplyDeletePeople with talent and competency wanting HR evaluable jobs should send their CV to HR department of the company they prefer for assessment and interview, not stand for election. In an election, lose is lose, lost is lost. Nomination back as minister kills the spirit of democracy.
@ VS Lingam
ReplyDeleteAs I gathered from the net (my memory fails me even though I voted on this), the referendum was not whether to join Malaysia or not, but couched so that the citizens would choose one of 3 ways to join Malaysia. Whichever option we selected, we had chosen to join Malaysia!