Parliamentary speeches and more

MP Louis Chua discussed the impact of the global minimum tax on Singapore’s revenues, calling for transparency in the Refundable Investment Credit system and advocating for the reinvestment of new tax revenues into the nation's development.

In her speech on the Criminal Procedure Code amendment, MP Sylvia Lim expressed no objections to the Bill and addressed the issue of young offenders. She highlighted the changes to the definition of "juvenile" from 7-16 years to 10-18 years and emphasized the importance of protecting and rehabilitating young offenders, aligning with international standards and Singapore's commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

MP Sylvia Lim backed the proposed anti-money laundering measures in the Casino Control Amendment Bill but raised concerns over approval authority for casino shareholders and the introduction of severe jail terms for offences previously punishable by fine.

MP Louis Chua advocated for higher casino taxes to address societal impacts and supplement the Budget, while raising concerns about illegal online gambling and questioning the rationale behind retrospective legislation for casino entry levies.

MP Louis Chua called for stronger support from platform companies, fair wages at least equivalent to the minimum wage, and the establishment of an "Algorithm Committee" to ensure fairness and transparency for platform workers.

Speaking on the Platform Workers Bill, LO Pritam Singh highlighted the critical need to strengthen protections for platform workers, including better injury compensation, housing, and retirement adequacy through CPF contributions, and enhanced representation. He noted the precarious financial situation of many platform workers, with rising costs of living and declining savings. Pritam expressed support for the Bill’s efforts to address these insecurities but raised concerns about potential price increases for consumers and how equitably these costs will be shared. He also called for clarity on CPF implementation, fair job allocation, and transparency from platform companies.

MP Gerald Giam stressed the need for independent trade unions and Platform Work Associations (PWAs) to effectively advocate for workers, expressing concerns about the influence of NTUC and the potential conflict with workers' interests.

MP He Ting Ru emphasised the Future Energy Fund's role in securing Singapore’s energy future and reaching its 2050 net-zero target. While supporting the S$5 billion investment in clean energy, she raised concerns about fossil fuel reliance, project risks, and the need for accountability and strategic planning.

In his speech on the Platform Workers Bill, MP Jamus Lim sketched out how the economics of platform work leaves many gig workers in a vulnerable position, which in turn contributes to insufficient retirement saving on their part. While he supported the Bill, he also offered some suggestions on how to improve incentives for signing on to CPF, while limiting inadvertent discrimination against workers on the scheme.

In his speech on the ACRA (Amendments) Bill, MP Jamus Lim spoke about the importance of balancing the ease of doing business against sound corporate regulation, to avoid brand Singapore becoming known as a permissive place for illicit activity. He warned that we have to be scrupulous in avoiding “Singapore-Washing,” where foreign actors take advantage of our simple registration processes and global reputation for incorruptibility to incorporate fronts for dubious business activities.