The formal appointment of a Leader of the Opposition is to give expression to Singaporeans' desire for a greater diversity of ideas in politics.Make no mistake about this. No serious opposition party contests in an election without the desire to form the next government.With the Opposition institutionalized, no longer is the role of WP merely to raise criticisms and ask questions of the government.
Their duty to Singaporeans is to put forward serious policy alternatives to be scrutinised and debated.
This way, Singaporeans will better understand the issues, choices and trade-offs.
And when we go to the polls at the next election, we can better decide for ourselves whether we want a PAP government or a WP government.
Because, to quote Calvin Cheng, 'Nowhere else in the world does a voter go to the polls and say I want Party A to govern, but I am going to vote Party B.'
Overall, the formal appointment of a Leader of the Opposition is a positive development for politics in Singapore.
The electorate must also grow in maturity to set the same standard for both the government and the opposition.
When the government and opposition are both held to the same high standard, it can only be good for Singapore.
With position comes privileges, allowances, and responsibilities.LEADER OF THE OPPOSITIONHIS DUTIES
1. To lead the opposition in presenting alternative views in parliamentary debates on policies, bills and motions
2. To lead and organise the scrutiny of the Government’s positions and actions in Parliament
3. To be consulted on the appointment of opposition members to parliamentary select committees, including standing select committees such as the public accounts committee
4. To be called upon, on occasion, to take on other duties such as attending official state functions and taking part in visits and meetings alongside members of the Government and the public service.
HIS PRIVILEGES AND RESOURCES
1. Parliamentary privileges: He will be given the right of first response among Members of Parliament (MPs) and to ask the lead question to the ministers on policies, bills and motions, subject to existing speaking conventions. He will also have more time for his speeches, equivalent to that given to political office-holders.
2. He will receive confidential briefings by the Government on select matters of national security and external relations, and in the event of a national crisis or emergency.
3. Allowance: He will receive an allowance that is double that of an elected MP, or $385,000 a year.
4. Manpower support: He will be provided an office and the use of a meeting room in Parliament House. He will also receive allowances to hire up to three additional legislative assistants. This is in addition to the allowances all MPs receive for one legislative assistant and one secretarial assistant. He will also be provided with a secretary to support him administratively with parliamentary business.
