Higher level of activity on both sides of the aisle

Impartial Speaker of Parliament. The remaining motion was filed by three Nominated MPs, on supporting healthcare.

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FROM A1 impartial Speaker of Parliament. The remaining motion was filed by three Nominated MPs, on supporting healthcare.

Issues have become more complex, Prof Tan noted. "Consider the effort to deal with the various types of online harms, the use of past reserves, and electoral system reforms. So the parties are locking horns more — across a range of issues and more substantively," said Prof Tan, a former NMP.

Economist Walter Theseira, also a former NMP, views the increase in motions tabled as a positive development as it brings more debates on policies into the public sphere.

"While such diverse discussions also take place in forums like dialogue and feedback sessions, none have the same transparency, legal weight or historical significance as Parliament," he said.

The 14th term saw a record 59 ministerial statements as well — more than double the 29 delivered in the previous term.

Prof Tan said such statements are an avenue for the Government to get key messages across to Singaporeans, facilitate a more engaged and more informed discussion of the issues raised, and seek a parliamentary as well as a societal consensus on the issues.

Associate Professor Theseira said the statements allow the Government to set the agenda and place on record its views on a policy or matter of public interest. It is a move in the right direction, he added.