MPs must separate business and politics, be wary of conflicts of interest: PM Wong
Both in conduct and perception, they must ‘stand above any hint of favour or influence’, he says
[SINGAPORE] Members of Parliament (MPs) must separate business and politics, and be shrewd in assessing the motives of those who seek to get close to them, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a customary letter to People’s Action Party (PAP) MPs, dated May 28.
The letter on “Rules of Prudence” is traditionally sent by the prime minister to PAP MPs after each general election. PM Wong led the PAP to an improved vote share at the May 3 polls, his first electoral outing since taking the helm a year ago.
In a letter largely similar to the one sent after GE2020, PM Wong called on MPs to separate their public political position from their private, professional or business interests.
“Be wary of potential conflicts between these interests and your public duties as MPs,” he urged.
Those who are in business, occupy senior management positions in companies or are board directors should be “especially vigilant”, he said.
They should not exploit their public position, close contacts with ministers and access to government for their personal interest or benefit of their employers.
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If MPs employed by companies or industry associations make public statements in that capacity, they should be clear that they are not speaking as an MP.
Nor should they use parliamentary questions or speeches to lobby the government on behalf of their businesses or clients.
MPs may relay feedback and speak freely to political officeholders, who will “listen carefully to arguments on principles”, PM Wong said.
But these officeholders will not “change individual decisions without very good reasons which they can justify publicly”, he added. “The government must always base decisions on the merits of the issues, and not yield to pressure from interested parties.”
‘Stand above’ favour or influence
MPs will meet many people, noted PM Wong, including “altruistic, public-spirited individuals” who will help serve residents without wanting anything in return.
“But a few will seek to cultivate you to obtain benefits for themselves or their companies, to gain respectability by association with you, or to get you to influence ministries and statutory boards to make decisions in their favour,” he warned.
He cited concert tickets among the “countless social lubricants” – alongside gift hampers, dinners and entertainment – that people use to “ingratiate themselves to MPs”.
While PM Wong did not name examples, the letter comes after former transport minister S Iswaran was jailed for 12 months last October, after he pleaded guilty to obtaining valuable items – including concert tickets – from Ong Beng Seng, the tycoon behind the Singapore Grand Prix.
PM Wong urged MPs to be shrewd in assessing the motives of people who seek to get close to them.
In his 2020 letter, then-prime minister Lee Hsien Loong told MPs to “at all times be seen to be beyond the influence of gifts or favours”. In this year’s letter, PM Wong said: “Both in conduct and perception, you must stand above any hint of favour or influence.”
Directorships
Noting that MPs are often invited to serve on the boards of private and publicly listed companies, PM Wong said this shows that PAP MPs’ integrity and experience are valued.
MPs who are offered directorships must decide for themselves whether to accept, as the party is not in a position to vet or approve them, he said.
“Turn down directorships where you feel unable to make a significant contribution, or feel that the company is hoping to benefit from your status and connections as a PAP MP.”
MPs must weigh the directorship’s possible impact on their political life, he added. The company must understand that MPs will act in their private capacity and not lobby the government.
The letter laid out what to consider before taking up a directorship, including how well the MP knows the company and its industry, their fellow directors, and the relationship between shareholders and the company.
MPs must also examine if they face conflicts of interest and if so, whether they can manage them.
“If in any doubt, you should decline,” said PM Wong.
Every MP must disclose to the prime minister, in confidence, information on directorships and related income, he added. This should be done by May 31 and submitted annually thereafter.
Parliament and social media
PM Wong’s letter also addressed other expectations of PAP MPs, in areas such as their conduct in Parliament and on social media.
In Parliament, he called on MPs to “take ownership of causes or issues” that they feel strongly about and be ready for “sharper questioning and debate”.
In engaging the opposition, MPs should “address the issues and not the person” and not get “carried away playing to the gallery”.
Meanwhile, social media has become an “integral” part of daily life, as a key channel of communication and primary source of news for many. He urged MPs to embrace social media to share their views and engage residents.
However, it is no substitute for face-to-face engagements, he added, saying: “You must establish personal bonds with your residents, and attend to their needs in person.”
Party reputation
The PAP has been able to retain the trust of Singaporeans because of its commitment to honesty and integrity, said PM Wong.
“As PAP MPs, your personal standing can contribute to, or detract from, this high standing of the party as a whole,” he said.
Every MP must “uphold the rigorous standards” of the PAP “and do nothing to compromise them”, he added.
“Never give cause for allegations that you are misusing your position, especially your access to ministers. That would discredit both you and the party.”
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