Trapper's Swamp

Call me old-fashioned, but I believe Parliamentary debate and proceedings should be conducted in a serious manner. These are hallowed chambers in which legislation affecting the entire country are discussed, formulated and passed, and there should be zero tolerance for frivolous questions, and floor time should be used judiciously. In other words, leave the banter outside of the chambers, thank you very much.

But this question, raised by Ang Mo Kio GRC's Dr Lam Pin Min, in Parliament, makes idle banter look serious.

HEALTH Minister Khaw Boon Wan was asked for his secret to looking young by Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Lam Pin Min in Parliament on Tuesday.

I wouldn't even entertain that question on my free time, but this is asked on the Parliament floor? On Parliament time? On taxpayers' dime? This is worse than frivolous. It is an utter disrespect for the people who elected (despite the many walkovers in the last election, Ang Mo Kio GRC was not one of them) Dr Lam to legislate and to represent them, and a disgrace to the country's legislative body.

Oh, and Mr Khaw choosing to indulge in his colleague's idle curiosity is just as indicative of the self-aggrandising and enabling behaviour of his peers.

Remember, we pay these people millions to ask one another how they manage to look young. There's a time and place for everything, and Parliament is not where I would expect such questions to be asked or entertained.

(h/t: Singapore Dino)