Are hollow arguments, noise?

The lack of quality arguments from PAP MPs, and NMPs alike leads me to think that we have bigger things to worry about than increasing the number of NMPs and NCMPs in Parliament, especially if the existing system allowed the likes of Zaqy Mohamad, Ho Geok Choo, and Calvin Cheng into Parliament.

Here's Hong Kah GRC's Zaqy Mohamad:

People elected who are accountable to their residents think differently because at the end of the day, you know you have to answer to someone. I'm just wondering how we can ensure the debate will be constructive and it won't be just a lot of noise.

I think Mr Zaqy will do well to note that Hong Kah GRC was uncontested in the 2006 GE. Which makes him far from qualified to talk about being elected. That argument is a hollow one, and to me qualifies as the noise he just castigated. But it gets better!

Similarly, the PAP's Mdm Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC) worries that some of those who come into Parliament via the 'back door' might be disruptive. She wants to know what steps could be taken to ensure Parliament remains effective.

Mdm Ho would know about such 'back doors' to Parliament: West Coast GRC was last contested in 1997, before she had a chance to win the hearts and minds of her constituents. That argument won't win a lot of hearts or minds.

And yet, Mdm Ho has nothing on our winner:

NMP Calvin Cheng told The Straits Times he opposes the move to raise the number of NCMPs because Parliament did not need 'opposition for the sake of opposition'.

He said: 'If opposition MPs are to enter Parliament, it should be on their own merit, through a popular mandate by the people. This is the only way a good and strong opposition can grow in Singapore.'

That is a very laughable position to take. Unless of course Mr Cheng intends to propose removing GRCs. I agree that opposition for opposition's sake is equally laughable, but why is there a different standard for opposition MPs? If his argument is to stand, then he should also propose removing NMPs from Parliament, since without a popular mandate, NMPs are just as superfluous as NCMPs.

If he argues for the removal of both GRCs and NMPs, then I might respect his views. Until then, his arguments, much like those proffered by Mr Zaqy and Mdm Ho, are the very same white noise that they are arguing against. That is an indictment of the ruling party and the politics they have allowed to fester.

Comments

[Shawn Lim]

Judging from this, the MPs sound cocky and very confident that the opposition will never be the ruling party. I hope that the day comes when these jokers are made to eat their words.