Dr. Chee Soon Juan: What makes a good MP

Singaporeans are going to the poll on Friday to elect our Members of Parliament (MP). National interests aside, what are some qualities a good elected MP in Singapore should possess?

Just like how we reached out to popular retiring MP from the People’s Action Party (PAP), Ms. Lee Bee Wah, 59, who has represented the Nee Soon South ward for 14 years for her pointers. We reached out to politicians from other political parties contesting in GE2020 as well. One of them is Dr. Chee Soon Juan, the Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), who is contesting in the Bukit Batok SMC ward.

Here are the five pointers which Dr. Chee has kindly shared with us on what he thinks are the qualities needed for a good MP:

“1.  Be the leader that the community is looking for – someone who genuinely cares about them, inspires them. 

2.  Be prepared to spend time in the constituency and with the people. 

3. Listen. 

4. Analyse/introduce bills and be prepared to engage in parliamentary debate, not just ask questions. 

5. Go full time. There’s no way that an MP can do 1-4 on a part-time basis.”

Do you agree with Dr. Chee’s points? Drop us a comment.