GE2025: Liang Eng Hwa responds to remark that PAP MPs have "rooster syndrome"

Key Concepts:

• Civil Service Professionalism & Efficiency
• MP's Role in Advocacy
• Project Approval Process
• Policy Alignment
• "Rooster Syndrome" Analogy

Civil Service Professionalism and Limitations

The speaker acknowledges the professionalism and efficiency of the civil service and government agencies. He states that "the civil service and the agencies are indeed professional and efficient," and that "many of them do a great job for Pukanjang." He recognizes their role in helping with projects and maintenance.

However, he refutes the idea that civil servants automatically approve all requests. He emphasizes that their professionalism also means they adhere to specific criteria, objectives, and policy frameworks. "Because they are professional when you ask them for things they don't always say yes right because they want to make sure that is fit into the criteria the objective the policy framework and so on."

The MP's Role in Advocacy

The speaker argues that MPs play a crucial role in advocating for their residents. He directly counters the opponent's claim that MPs merely "claim credit." He states that "MPs like myself we play an important role to advocate for our residents."

He implies that the civil service's adherence to policy frameworks can sometimes hinder the approval of projects or initiatives that are beneficial to the community. Therefore, the MP's role is to bridge this gap by advocating for these needs and ensuring they are considered within the relevant frameworks.

Refuting the "Rooster Syndrome" Analogy

The speaker addresses his opponent's use of the "rooster syndrome" analogy, where the MP is likened to a rooster crowing and taking credit for the sun rising. He directly quotes his opponent: "this is like what we call a rooster syndrome meaning the rooster come out and make noise and claim that the sun come out because of the the crowing or whatever."

He argues that this analogy is a simplistic and inaccurate representation of the MP's role. He suggests that the MP's advocacy is essential for getting things done, rather than simply claiming credit for existing initiatives.

Project Approval and Policy Alignment

The speaker highlights the importance of policy alignment in project approval. He explains that if a project "doesn't align with their current plans objectives they may not approve you." This underscores the need for MPs to understand the policy landscape and effectively advocate for projects that may not initially fit within existing frameworks.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes that while the civil service is professional and efficient, their adherence to policy frameworks necessitates the active advocacy of MPs to ensure the needs of the community are met. He refutes the notion that MPs simply claim credit, arguing that their role is essential in navigating the project approval process and advocating for residents' interests.