What makes a valid opposition

HOME > ST FORUM > ONLINE STORY
Apr 21, 2011
What makes a valid opposition
I REFER to Ms Indranee Rajah's letter, ('WP's fictional First World Parliament'; Tuesday).
Effective governance should not be measured by the speed of passing constitutional amendments, but by the quality of such amendments. If the opposition has a valid concern to oppose the passing of any constitutional amendment, it should be heard and not be labelled troublemaker.

Opposition arises when certain issues regarding a proposed policy are not addressed or not given a fair consideration. If such issues are not brought up, there is a chance that certain groups would be marginalised for the benefit of the bigger group.
It is true that having two equally powerful parties in Parliament tend to result in inefficient governance as parties, being motivated by power struggle, might not place voters' interest first. In the United States, the refusal to pass a Bill by the Republicans threatened a government shutdown.
On the other end of the spectrum, a dominant party in power would enjoy monopoly over decisions made which may or may not be in the interests of the people. It is wrong to claim that if the opposition gets into Parliament, attempts to voice objections to policies will hinder the effectiveness of the government. After all, the people legitimately elected them into Parliament.
Nicklaus Tse
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_659166.html

=============