President Tharman’s message for MPs at Cabinet swearing-in

CNAAbout 2 min readMay 23, 2025Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Key Concepts:

  • Solemn responsibility of Members of Parliament (MPs)
  • Serving Singapore and Singaporeans
  • Respectful debate with conviction
  • Honesty and integrity
  • Robust critique with alternative solutions
  • Shared goal of a fulfilling and cohesive future

Responsibilities of Members of Parliament

The speaker emphasizes the "solemn responsibility" that all Members of Parliament (MPs), regardless of their party affiliation (government or opposition), have been entrusted with. This responsibility stems from their election to "serve Singapore and Singaporeans." The core duty is to act in the best interests of the nation and its people.

Conduct in Parliament

The speaker urges MPs to engage in parliamentary debate "with conviction but always with respect." This highlights the importance of passionate advocacy for one's beliefs while maintaining a respectful and civil discourse. The speaker further stresses the need to "argue your case vigorously but never compromise on honesty and integrity." This underscores the ethical obligations of MPs to present truthful information and act with unwavering integrity.

Policy Critique and Alternatives

The speaker encourages MPs to "critique policies robustly but also offer alternatives for evaluation." This emphasizes the importance of constructive criticism, where MPs not only identify flaws in existing policies but also propose viable solutions for consideration. This approach fosters a more productive and collaborative environment for policy development.

Shared Goal: A Fulfilling Future

The speaker concludes by reminding all MPs that they "all share the same ultimate goal: to build a fulfilling and cohesive future for Singaporeans." This highlights the common ground that unites MPs despite their differing political views and policy preferences. The focus should always remain on the well-being and prosperity of Singapore and its citizens.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The core message is a call for responsible and ethical conduct among Members of Parliament. It emphasizes the importance of respectful debate, honest argumentation, constructive criticism, and a shared commitment to building a better future for Singapore. The speech underscores the idea that while political differences may exist, the ultimate goal of serving the nation should always be the guiding principle for all MPs.

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