CHC leaders’ probe, casinos among issues for Parliament debate

SINGAPORE: Parliament will debate a host of issues when it sits on 9 July, ranging from the probe involving the leaders of City Harvest Church, to public transport and casinos.

The House, which will sit at 1.30pm, will start the session with the swearing—in of the new Member of Parliament (MP) for Hougang, Mr Png Eng Huat, of The Workers’ Party.

MPs have tabled 87 questions for debate. Another 33 questions have been tabled for written reply.

Nominated MP Laurence Lien has questions on City Harvest Church (CHC).

He wants to know why the Commissioner of Charities’ governance review of seven large charities in 2008, which included CHC, did not uncover the lack of compliance with regulations and the code of governance.

He is also asking whether there is a need to re—look the governance review methodologies.

MP for Potong Pasir Sitoh Yih Pin is asking about the allegations linking officers in Singapore’s High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to the recent Bersih 3.0 rally.

He wants to know whether this incident will affect Singapore’s relations with Malaysia.

The MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Dr Lily Neo, has questions on the Eurozone debt crisis and the woes of global economies.

She wants to know how they are affecting Singapore and what measures will be put in place to cushion the impact here.

Nominated MP Ms Tan Su Shan wants to know how successful the policy on Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty has been, and if it has helped those in the middle or low end of the housing market.

The MP for Jurong GRC, Mr Ang Wei Neng, has questions on casino entry levies.

He wants to know how much was collected in 2011 and during the first six months of 2012.

He also wants to know how much of the casino entry levies collected was used to fund measures to contain gambling ills.

The MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, Mr Ang Hin Kee, is asking if the Land Transport Authority will consider making it mandatory for all taxi operators to equip new taxis with airbags and assessing whether similar additions can be made for existing fleets.

MP for Aljunied GRC Ms Sylvia Lim is raising questions on the conviction of prominent plastic surgeon Woffles Wu.

These include the statement by the Attorney—General’s Chambers (AGC) on 17 June (2012) explaining the choice of the charge against him.

Ms Lim is asking if the AGC’s statement has addressed public concerns about the equitability of the legal system.

— CNA/de