#639 ft. Seah Kian Peng - Social Mobility & Decorum in Parliament
Apr 4, 2025
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Seah Kian Peng, the 11th Speaker of Parliament, shares his insights on social mobility and the importance of education in bridging economic disparities. He discusses the unique challenges of maintaining parliamentary decorum and the potential benefits of live-streaming sessions for greater public engagement. Reflecting on recent electoral changes, he highlights the significance of understanding candidates' track records. Seah also touches on his transition from corporate life to Parliament, emphasizing trust and communication within a diverse legislative environment.
Seah Kian Peng emphasizes the Speaker's crucial role in maintaining order and decorum during parliamentary sessions through active oversight.
His extensive political career highlights the importance of long-term community engagement and understanding constituents' needs for impactful decision-making.
The discussion on social mobility underscores ongoing efforts to bridge wealth inequality while advocating for balanced economic growth that includes all citizens.
Deep dives
The Role of the Speaker: A Unique Perspective
The responsibilities of the Speaker of Parliament are discussed, highlighting the vital role in maintaining order and decorum during sessions. The Speaker has the authority to manage proceedings, ensuring that debates remain constructive and respectful among members. A unique aspect mentioned is the ability to mute participants, reflecting an effort to maintain control over discussions, particularly in a charged political environment. This level of oversight is vital for preserving the integrity of parliamentary processes and fostering a respectful dialogue.
Political Background and Commitment to Community
The speaker reflects on his extensive political career, emphasizing a commitment to his constituency and the relationships built over nearly two decades. Having served in Parliament since 2006, he highlights the importance of understanding the community's needs and how firsthand experience helps in making impactful decisions. His journey from community work to politics underscores the motivation to create positive changes for residents. This dedication illustrates how long-term engagement can foster a deeper connection and accountability to constituents.
Wealth Inequality: A Crucial Concern
The podcast addresses pressing social issues, particularly wealth inequality, and the need for continuous efforts to bridge the gap. The speaker notes that while measures have been taken to lift wages and support low-income citizens, the job of narrowing the wealth divide is ongoing. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining social mobility and ensuring that support systems are in place for those facing economic challenges. Realizing that social divides can lead to societal unrest, he calls for a balanced approach to economic growth that considers all citizens.
Evolving Political Landscape and Governance
Discussion revolves around the evolving dynamics of Singapore's political landscape, highlighting the importance of checks and balances within governance. The speaker asserts that while change is necessary, it must be for the better, advocating for a thorough evaluation of all parties during elections. Competing parties are encouraged to present credible alternatives, emphasizing the need for adaptability in leadership to meet societal needs. The ongoing dialogue around political representation is crucial for ensuring political parties remain relevant and responsive to the populace.
The Impact of Live Streaming on Democracy
The introduction of live streaming parliament sessions is discussed as a means to enhance transparency in governance. By making proceedings accessible to the public, this initiative aims to demystify the workings of parliament and engage citizens in the political process. The speaker observes that being both present in-person and watching live provides different experiences, where physical presence allows for a more comprehensive understanding of dynamics in discussions. This shift signifies a move towards greater public involvement in the parliamentary process and encourages informed participation in civic matters.
We come full circle, as the Speaker who first introduced Yah Lah BUT to Parliament now comes to our studio as a guest! Seah Kian Peng shares his candid views about his role as Speaker, what he thinks about the recent kerfuffles in Parliament, and the biggest misconception about his longstanding MP role at Braddell Heights. This episode was recorded on 17 March 2025.
(00:00) Intro (02:01) Background and Career (07:16) Social Mobility and Inequality (15:06) Role and Responsibilities (24:52) Challenges and Reflections (31:25) Our Podcast In Parliament (32:02) Addressing Leong Mun Wai's Remark (33:49) Parliamentary Process (37:37) Speaking Dialect In Parliament (50:16) Should Parliament Sessions Be Livestreamed? (51:58) Ceremonial Practices (01:02:13) Accountability (01:03:26) GRC Changes Discussion (01:06:44) Political Career Reflection (01:08:23) Future of Politics (01:10:09) Importance of Change (01:14:31) One Shiok Thing