leaderopposition

COS 2021: Underpayment of Foreign Workers

Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied): Chairman, the underpayment of foreign workers and Pass holders is not just a travesty against foreign workers; it sabotages Singaporean workers by undercutting their wage competitiveness. Unscrupulous employers take advantage of the significantly imbalanced negotiating position of foreign workers and coerce them to return a portion of their salaries in cash.Continue reading “COS 2021: Underpayment of Foreign Workers”

COS 2021: RSAF Aircraft Noise and Vibrations

Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied): Chairman, the need for both diplomacy and deterrence is well understood by Singaporeans. The Workers’ Party believes in a strong defence. I have also personally served on MINDEF’s ACCORD Committee for seven years and found it very meaningful. Nonetheless, I believe Members of Parliament from both sides of the House haveContinue reading “COS 2021: RSAF Aircraft Noise and Vibrations”

COS 2021: Border Controls amidst COVID-19

Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied): The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the closure of borders and limited travel between countries. This situation has disrupted the usual movement of foreigners into and out of Singapore. As far as entry is concerned, new requirements for quarantine, purpose of entry and staggering the daily numbers allowed in have been imposed.Continue reading “COS 2021: Border Controls amidst COVID-19”

COS 2021: Strengthening ASEAN

Ms Sylvia Lim: Despite the devastation from COVID-19 last year, ASEAN was able to adapt. For instance, at the ASEAN held on 15 November, the landmark Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP was signed. The signing of the RCEP serves to broaden and deepen ASEAN’s engagement with Australia, China, Japan, Korea and New Zealand. AtContinue reading “COS 2021: Strengthening ASEAN”

COS 2021: COVAX

Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied): Sir, the competition to fight for precious vaccine supplies has already given rise to vaccine nationalism. In contrast, Singapore has endorsed the elevated stance that advocates for fair and equitable access for vaccines, or one of vaccine multilateralism. Vaccine multilateralism is simply pragmatically necessary if international borders are to reopen. ToContinue reading “COS 2021: COVAX”

COS 2021: Far-right Extremism

Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied): Chairman, following the announcement this year of the arrest of the 16-year-old radicalised Christian youth who plotted terror attacks at two mosques, it was important to hear the reassurances from the Minister of State for Home Affairs – that the authorities have taken increased steps to reach out to youth through socialContinue reading “COS 2021: Far-right Extremism”

COS 2021: Resolving Neighbour Disputes

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Neighbour disputes are some of the most thorny issues in public housing estates. Residents often contact the police, HDB, town councils or the Ministers of Parliament to seek assistance. Avenues like the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), or Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal (CDRT), are available, but many residents seem lessContinue reading “COS 2021: Resolving Neighbour Disputes”

COS 2021: Care for Soldiers

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Mr Chairman, Singapore’s defence strategy is dependent largely on the contributions of our National Servicemen. It is important that should our soldiers suffer injuries in the course of their service to the nation, they will be fairly compensated. This will give them the assurance to give their best duringContinue reading “COS 2021: Care for Soldiers”

COS 2021: PR for Foreign Spouses and Children

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Around one in three marriages in Singapore is between a Singaporean and a non-Singaporean. Currently, foreigners married to Singaporeans can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), or an LTVP+. LTVP+ provides access to additional benefits like subsidised healthcare and permission to work. However, LTVP+ is not the sameContinue reading “COS 2021: PR for Foreign Spouses and Children”

COS 2021: A Broader Base of International Support

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): A cornerstone of Singapore’s foreign policies defending our interest at multilateral organisations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and International Maritime Organization. Singapore has won a seat on the councils of both organisations. Last year, we achieved another milestone in having a Singaporean, Mr Daren Tang, elected asContinue reading “COS 2021: A Broader Base of International Support”