Order Order | No.365 Days As Speaker
02 Aug 2024
Delivering my maiden speech as the 11th elected Speaker of Parliament
MY FIRST EXPERIENCE AS SPEAKER
2 Aug 2024. With a blink of an eye, a year has passed since I assumed the role as the 11th Speaker of Parliament. It still feels like yesterday when I delivered my maiden speech and the words I spoke then, still resonate with me today. “...you and I are here for a day, for a fleeting number of terms, but our words here, and our work here, live on far beyond us. We must therefore remember and bear the weight of our office with dignity and a constant sense of duty.” I constantly remind myself of these statements, as I carry out my duties as Speaker and a Member of the Parliament (MP).
My role as Speaker began on a busy note, as the day I was elected coincided with a sitting day. It was also the day when nine newly minted Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs), each a specialist in their own field, were sworn in. To be honest, I expected to feel slightly overwhelmed. However, I was greeted by supportive colleagues and fellow MPs, along with an efficient and competent team of Parliament Secretariat who ensured the day’s proceedings went smoothly. While not a requirement, I decided to relinquish all my corporate roles early so that I could fully focus on my appointment as Speaker of Parliament. Fast forward to the present and I am now approaching my 10th sitting this August, and these moments rekindle as I pen down my thoughts.
Swearing in of the new Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs)
COURTESY CALLS AND OVERSEAS INTERACTIONS
Being newly elected means adapting to a new environment, and as the new Speaker, it meant establishing new relationships, attending courtesy calls, meetings and visits. As Singapore strives to maintain our good diplomatic relationships internationally, I recall my very first courtesy call with Japan’s Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Ishikawa Hiroshi. We had a meaningful discussion on the excellent bilateral relations between Singapore and Japan. Subsequently, courtesy calls from around the world (see appended Annex) followed, and I am honored to have met my counterparts from Australia, Azerbaijan, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Tonga, marking each engagement with similarly engaging and insightful discussions.
Speakers’ courtesy calls with counterparts
My first official trip as Speaker was to Japan in November 2023, at the invitation of my counterpart, Mr Otsuji Hidehisa, President of Japan’s House of Councillors. I was accompanied by MPs Lim Wee Kiak, Darryl David, He Ting Ru and Rachel Ong. Earlier this year, I travelled to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, together with fellow MPs Cheryl Chan, Fahmi Aliman, Edward Chia and NMP Usha Chandradas. Both trips were equally memorable, filled with meaningful discussions with our hosts and counterparts including meetings with the Presidents of both countries.
Dinner hosted by Yerlan Koshanov, Chairman of the Mazhilis (Kazakhstan’s Lower House)
Photos with President of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Prime Minister of India
MEMORABLE KEY EVENTS
Signing of Guestbook by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia at Temasek Suite
One of the most significant events was hosting His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, during his State Visit to Singapore. I had the privilege of hosting His Majesty together with Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, MPs Alex Yam, Nadia Samdin and NMP Jean See. His Majesty toured the Parliament Chamber, coinciding with a sitting day, and made history as the first King of Malaysia to visit Parliament House during a Parliamentary sitting. I extended a warm welcome to His Majesty and his delegation at the start of the sitting.
Another pivotal event for me was Mr Lee Hsien Loong’s last sitting as Prime Minster before handing over his duties to our 4th Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong. I have known Mr Lee for many years and have worked with him on numerous occasions. We could not have asked for a better Prime Minister. His leadership and dedication to serving the nation has been unwavering, and I am glad that he will continue to contribute as Senior Minister and help Prime Minister Lawrence Wong succeed in his new role. I am also grateful to Mr Lee for nominating me for this role.
SM Lee’s last sitting as Prime Minister of Singapore
Outside of the House, my role as Speaker extends to engaging in numerous meaningful and purposeful events, which I find it extremely fulfilling. The Move for Dyslexia, aimed at raising funds for students in low-income households was the very first. I vividly recall the hot and humid night at Gardens by the Bay, looking at the beautiful night lights with the beneficiaries and feeling the warmth of the citizens who congratulated me in my new role.
Throughout the past year, I have also had the privilege to grace and participate in several charitable and fund raising events which include those organised by Singapore Children’s Society, Dementia Singapore, Reach Community Services, Singapore Disability Sports, Food from the Heart, Montfort Care, Singapore Red Cross, Focus on the Family, Life Community Services and Methodist Welfare Services. These organisations are doing great work caring and helping those who have less and also, the vulnerable in our society I encourage and hope all of us also do our part to support them and other organisations in this social sector so that we can build a more giving, caring, compassionate and inclusive Singapore.
Another memorable event was International Widows Day on 23 June where I joined some 150 widows and their children giving out sunflowers to each one in support of their remarkable strength and resilience. Together we set a new record for the largest distribution of sunflowers in a single setting, marking our place in the Singapore Book of Records.
Supporting community/charity events as Speaker of Parliament
MOVING FORWARD
In the last 12 months, countries and governments all over the world have been facing a number of challenges and uncertainties and anxieties seem to be the order of the day. Here in Singapore, we too have our share of challenges. Regardless, what is an imperative is for everyone to stay active and healthy so that we can better face these challenges head on and continue to look after our own family and community.
As the Speaker of Parliament and being at the Chair these days usually require me to sit through long sessions, and so, staying sharp and focused during these times is vital. During our Budget and Committee of Supply debate earlier this year, important topics were discussed and debated for nearly 10 consecutive and long working days. Those who know me remember me as a keen sportsman – these days, I enjoy my golf, runs and occasional game of football , finding solace in these activities help to keep my mind sharp. As Speaker, ensuring balanced Parliamentary debates is crucial, and every session I chair must be fair with equal speaking opportunities for all. Many have asked how I manage amidst my busy schedule, and today I reveal my two secret remedies: visiting the Parliament’s gym and sitting upright in my chair to make it less comfortable for myself!
Working out at Parliament’s gym
Sitting upright in my chair
ANNEX
List of Courtesy Calls on/from Speaker from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024
Japan Ambassador to Singapore Mr Ishikawa Hiroshi – September 2023
Ambassador of Uzbekistan Mr Kakhramon Shakirov – September 2023
Speaker House of Representatives, Parliament of Australia Mr Milton Dick – October 2023
Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China VP Mr He Wei – October 2023
Saudi-Singapore Parliamentary Friendship Group Chairman Mr Osama Abdulaziz Al Rabiah – October 2023
Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat of the Malaysia Parliament H.E Sri Dato’ Johari bin Abdul – October 2023
European Parliament Chair of Delegation for Relations with The Countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE) Mr Daniel Caspary – December 2023
Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) of Parliament of Australia Mr Josh Wilson – December 2023
Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Singapore Mr Askar Kuttykadam – January 2024
ASEAN Parliamentary Friendship Group of the German Federal Parliament – March 2024
Ambassador of Cuba Mrs Lisbet Quesada Luna – April 2024
Qatar Ambassador to Singapore Mr Saoud bin Kassim Mohammed Al Jufairi – April 2024
Speaker of Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ms Sahiba Gafarova – May 2024
President of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China Honourable Andrew Leung – May 2024
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga Lord Fakafanua – Jun 2024
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) His Excellency Jin-Wook Hong – Jun 2024
Speaker of New Zealand Honorary Gerry Brownlee – July 2024
Ambassador of Jordan Ambassador Samer Anton Ayed Naber – July 2024
