Much on the agenda in new term of Parliament

In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan highlighted several key issues as President Tony Tan Keng Yam opens the 13th Parliament’s five-year term tomorrow, which include the challenges facing the fourth generation (4G) leaders, the role of the Worker’s Party, as well as the critical issues for Parliament to tackle. Associate Prof Tan said that the 4G leaders will have to develop individual and collective identities and be able to win the confidence and trust of Singaporeans as the leadership transition substantially progresses further in the next few years. He noted that the critical issues for Parliament to tackle include public transport, retirement funds adequacy, social mobility in light of the income and wealth gaps, and a revamp of the town council regulatory management system. Associate Prof Tan also added that there will be the need to ensure the successful implementation of recent key policies, such as SkillsFuture, MediShield Life and the Silver Support Scheme.