Opposition MPs as advisers can be useful

Opposition MPs as advisers can be useful
Letter from Charles Poon 04:46 AM Sep 05, 2011
I REFER to the letter "PA responds on advisers" (Sept 3). It is an incorrect and simplistic view that Opposition Members of Parliament are there just to oppose.
When one disagrees, one also provides an alternative perspective. This is to be welcomed, to the extent that it helps to achieve a more robust debate on important policies as well as more balanced decision-making.
The people that the People's Association seeks to connect with include those who may agree, disagree or be indifferent to the policy in question. Opposition MPs represent a segment of the people as well.
By excluding them or including only those who agree with the policies, would the PA not risk being disconnected with them?
In aiming to communicate and explain policies to people, having Opposition MPs as advisers can be useful. Who better to "critique" the PA's information package than them, unless the PA is interested only to "sell" policies to the public and not actually help them to stay informed?
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC110905-0000201/Opposition-MPs-as-advisers-can-be-useful
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Mentioned at:
HWZ:
05Sept2011: (edmw) PA responds on advisers Govt does involve MP, whether PAP or Opposition, when he has a role to play
05Sept2011: PA's reply on why Opposition MP cannot be GRA
MCF:
05Sept2011: ST Forum:Why Oppo MPs Can't Be Advisers To Grassroots Bodies
REACH:
05Sept2011: Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies?
SGclub:
05Sept2011: Why Opposition MPs cannot be advisers: PA
SBoy:
05Sept2011: Why Opposition MPs Can't Be Advisers To Grassroots Bodies
A1forum:
05Sept2011: Advisers to grassroots bodies should be elected MPs