'Hybrid system' for Parliament?

The Strait Times website ran this article on 26 May 2009 (Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times):

'Hybrid system' for Parliament?
By Zakir Hussain

NOMINATED MP Siew Kum Hong on Monday called for a hybrid Parliament in which 'a limited number of seats' could be 'allocated by way of proportional representation', while the majority would still be filled the way they are now.

This would allow for more diverse views in Parliament, he said, adding that it would also be 'more consistent with democratic principles than a scheme like the Nominated MP scheme'.

Under proportional representation, parties are allocated seats based on their share of the popular vote.

Mr Siew also welcomed the three principles outlined by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong over the weekend to guide political changes that President SR Nathan had hinted at in his address to Parliament last Monday.

Mr Goh said the changes must be fair to all political parties; should result in a strong, effective Government; and must ensure diverse and opposition views are represented in Parliament.

Mr Siew said that these objectives accept that a fair electoral system is critical for its legitimacy, and that it is in Singapore's interest to have diverse views in the House.

'I applaud the SM, and the Government, for taking this stance,' he said.

Mr Siew also called for a reduction in the size of group representation constituencies (GRCs) and an increase in the number of single member constituencies.

'These moves, together with clear commitments to refrain from the constant redrawing of electoral boundaries and to openly publish the reasons and justifications for any such redrawing, will go a long way towards restoring Singaporeans' respect for the political process in Singapore,' he said.

He felt the moves would also make citizens more willing to take part in the political process, and convince them that the PAP is serious about political change, even if this meant its absolute dominance of the House could be at risk.