The Whip is about the voting system. It in no way prevents any MPs from speaking their views.
MPs are free to speak their minds but when it comes to voting, they have to vote according to the party position. And the party position represents the policy direction the party has decided upon.
The PAP Govt had consulted various organisations and individuals over the years on 377A. There were more against repealing before until now where most are more conciliatory about it.
There is an urgency to protect our way of life with regards to a marriage between man and woman plus all issues surrounding it.
If the Courts came to a decision FIRST that 377A goes against our constitution or law, the Govt would not be able to stop what comes next.
So as a GOVERNMENT, the PAP has to MAKE A UNITED STAND on the repeal even though some of their MPs are against it.
Why?
Because a Govt has to make a firm decision and follow through. It cannot leave it to individual votes to carry out reforms or policy change that the Executive, having done all due diligence through engagements and consultations, have decided upon.
What’s good for Singapore cannot be based on an MP’s individual preference or bias. It has to be through studies and detailed considerations, devoid of extreme emotive and religious leanings. Hence the PAP MPs need to unite in their stand despite their differing opinions.
By lifting the whip, Pritam not only shows a weakness in his leadership of his team but also on his inability to make hard decisions for Singapore’s future. Imagine a WP Govt that leaves every policy decision to individual votes rather than an expertly considered direction already made. Singapore will no longer be nimble and decisive, and we will have an ineffective government. A stalled parliament is not a joke for a country with no natural resources.
Finally, if Pritam Singh had used the phrase “It’s your call” in this instant, we will all know that he meant it the way the dictionary meaning intended it to be.
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