8/15/2008

NMP taking the lead

Loh Choon Yong and Professor Thio Li-ann are tabling a motion in Parliament to debate on the issue of a by election, a need triggered by the demise of Ong Chit Choon, MP in a GRC. What is surprising is not that such a motion was initiated by the NMPs, but the law that needs to be discussed and amended. Which law? 'Under the current Act, no writ shall be issued unless all members of a GRC vacate their seats. The Act does not provide any timeframe for a by election to be called, merely stating that the President shall issue any writ and stipulating hwo far in advance Nomination Day should be scheduled.' I quote from today. The ridiculous nature of this law is evident for all to see. How could this be our law? Why does it take so long to be noticed and to be raised? Or how did it become our law? This is an example of why checks and balances are necessary and important to ensure that our laws are fair and equitable. But again fair according to who, equitable according to who? These are subjective stuff and to those who passed this law, it is very equitable and very fair, and good for the country. Let's see if Loo and Thio could get this law amended and be prepared to hear some gems coming from Parliament in the defence of this law.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don't get you hope high. Can Loo and Thio vote in parliament? Even if they can, can they outnumber those of the ruling party?

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

the discussion will be interesting.

Anonymous said...

What's so interesting when you already know the outcome?

Anonymous said...

Wayang, wayang lah!

Mockingbird said...

PAPpy might come up with the reason that it's frivolous and vexatious to do a by-election for a candidate to replace the late Dr Ong Chit Chung. Waste of time, effort and money, they might say.

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

under the current law, in a 5 or 6 men GRC, even if 3 or 4 mps are not able to serve, no election needs to be called. so 1 or 2 mps can still serve a grc until the next GE.