Only Elected Opposition Offers 'Effective Checks'

The Straits Times ran this article on 26 May 2009:

Only elected opposition offers 'effective checks'
By Zakir Hussain, Political Correspondent

THE ruling party says the effectiveness of Singapore's political system lies in its internal checks and its ability to serve the people, but only an elected opposition can provide effective checks and balances, Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang) declared yesterday.

The leader of the Workers' Party said this is because the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) currently dominates the House, can amend the Constitution freely, and controls key levers of power in the country.

What if one day it were to abuse its powers, trample on people's rights or become corrupt? 'What can the people do then?' asked Mr Low.

NMP Siew Kum Hong calls for a 'hybrid system' for Parliament

NOMINATED MP Siew Kum Hong yesterday 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.