On 26 September 2025, during the Debate on the President’s Address, Workers’ Party chair Sylvia Lim highlighted the importance of building trust in Parliament.
She stressed that while the People’s Action Party and Workers’ Party are political rivals, they are not enemies and share a “common cause”.
Lim, who represents Aljunied GRC, said the people had elected MPs to act on their behalf and to ensure Singapore’s long-term survival.
She added that regardless of party lines, all members should be motivated by a calling to serve the public.
Drawing lessons from UK Parliament
Lim recounted a parliamentary sitting she attended in the United Kingdom last month.
She described a Labour government minister explaining how the police had upheld democratic values during a large protest in London about Gaza.
A shadow minister from the Conservative Party sought assurance from his rival on the account.
Upon receiving it, he accepted the explanation. Lim said this moment illustrated how political competitors could extend credibility to each other in the course of debate.
She added that she hoped Singapore’s Parliament could embrace such dynamics, where competition is balanced with mutual respect and recognition of shared responsibility.
MPs as fellow Singaporeans
Lim called on MPs to remember that their colleagues were fellow Singaporeans who had chosen to leave their comfort zones to serve in national office.
She emphasised that differences in views should not obscure good intentions, noting that when trust is present, Singaporeans benefit from a stronger focus on substantive issues.
She reiterated that the duty of MPs should extend beyond their parties to the people they represent. This includes questioning government policies rigorously while also working to strengthen the overall credibility of the institution.
Response from PAP’s Victor Lye
People’s Action Party MP Victor Lye, representing Ang Mo Kio GRC, agreed with Lim that both parties share the goal of serving Singaporeans.
He also described their relationship as one of friendship rather than enmity.
However, he asked Lim whether her references to the UK system suggested she aspired to a different parliamentary model.
Lim responded that while she did not seek another system, Singapore’s Parliament could still improve in building trust and demonstrating openness.
“What was most striking to me was that momentary expression of trust in each other. In the last few days, I see some flashes of that, but I hope it can be sustained,” she said.
Concerns about imbalance in Parliament
Lim drew attention to the findings of the World Justice Project’s 2024 Rule of Law Index, in which Singapore ranked 16th out of 142 countries.
She noted that Singapore had healthy scores in most indicators but scored lower in “open government” and “constraints on government powers”.
She suggested that one reason for this may be the imbalance in Parliament, with about 90 per cent of seats held by the ruling party.
While stressing that the Workers’ Party respects electoral outcomes, she pointed out that ruling party MPs are expected to support the government’s agenda, limiting alternative voices.
By contrast, opposition MPs are obliged to take an independent line, even if it means facing pressure as a small minority. She added that this responsibility was part of the mandate given by voters.
Shared responsibility to serve Singaporeans
Lim concluded by stating that the overriding duty of all MPs is to their constituents and to the nation, not to party interests.
She urged the government to ensure transparency by sharing as much information as possible with the public.
She said the future balance of power in Parliament should ultimately be determined by Singaporeans.
Regardless of how power is distributed, she affirmed that opposition MPs would continue to play their part in fostering a Parliament that earns the trust of the people.
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