User:Daunkesom/sandbox

Additional section for article Pritam Singh (Singaporean politician), drafted April 2015, when there was no such section in the live article

In Parliament
In Parliament, Pritam Singh has canvassed a broad array of themes via speeches, parliamentary questions and writings. These themes can be divided into three broad areas: “bread and butter” issues of socioeconomic concern, issues of governance regarding civil and political rights and issues of national interest relating to defence and foreign affairs.

Since being elected in 2011, Pritam has raised various socioeconomic issues. Recurring themes are issues relating to long term sustainability and ordinary citizens, be it in their capacity as individuals or in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This is reflected in his speeches which covers both issues of policy (relating to the cost of living, Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, Certificate of Entitlement (COE) rates for SMEs,, population transportation , ethnic integration in housing ) and more everyday concerns (such as online gambling, World Cup prices and the ¾ tank rule ). Such concerns also extend to non Singaporeans, as he has also spoken on issues concerning low wage immigrant workers, be it on their living conditions or the State's response to the Little India riot.

Besides socio economic issues, Pritam has also addressed issues of governance concerning both the executive (ministerial pay ) and judicial branches (“future proofing” the judiciary, allowing more oversight and discretion in matters relating to the Mandatory Death Penalty and access to Queen's Counsels ). He has also addressed both the administrative (review of processes in the National Library Board issue, depoliticization of town councils ) and cultural aspects of governance (more participatory and less elitist ).

In his maiden speech, he made 4 specific proposals for a more transparent and inclusive government: 1) a Freedom of Information Act 2) the release of documents after 30 years 3) an ombudsman to review government decisions and 4) greater protection for whistleblowers.

Another area which Pritam has shown a substantive degree of interest in is national security issues relating to defence and foreign policy. In response to new challenges, he has advocated for a more integrated regional approach to such issues. He has also asked questions regarding the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps and Singapore's relationship with Palestine.