Referendum!

Should there be one as it sounds appropriate given the controversy? If yes, what is the basis for calling for a referendum? Not only "controversy" as isn't any policy controversial? Bringing in casinos? 377A? 6.9 population by 2030? No referendum called for those either. I can't think of other democracies having referendums recently as it is a waste of time and resources as the elected representatives are supposed to do that.

NSP Calls for National Referendum on White Paper on Population Policy
9 February 2013
Singapore

Mr Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister of Singapore

Dear Mr Prime Minister,

The Parliamentary Debate has now been concluded with the Population White Paper being endorsed by 77 to 13 with one abstention. However, it is clear to many that the vote does not reflect the views of Singaporeans because the PAP Members of Parliament clearly voted along Party lines.

The Population White Paper will affect Singaporeans - for better or worse - for the next 20 years and beyond. All Singaporeans have the right to decide how their future is shaped. The future of this country is something that all Singaporeans have a stake in. It is only right that they should have a say in it as well.

For this reason, we call on the Government to hold a National Referendum on the White Paper.

We hope that the Prime Minister recognises that a mandate to lead the government and people of Singapore also encompasses the willingness to listen to the people whose lives will be irrevocably changed by the decisions that their elected leaders make on their behalf.

Thank you,

Hazel Poa
Secretary-General
National Solidarity Party

Below is the letter from NSP to President Tony Tan:

NSP Calls for National Referendum on White Paper on Population Policy

9 February 2013
Singapore
Mr Tony Tan Keng Yam President of Singapore

Dear President

The National Solidarity Party has written to the Prime Minister to urge that a National Referendum be called on the White Paper.

The Parliamentary Debate has now been concluded with the Population White Paper being endorsed by 77 to 13 with one abstention. However, it is clear to many that the vote does not reflect the views of Singaporeans because the PAP Members of Parliament clearly voted along Party lines.

The Population White Paper will affect Singaporeans - for better or worse - for the next 20 years and beyond. All Singaporeans have the right to decide how their future is shaped. The future of this country is something that all Singaporeans have a stake in. It is only right that they should have a say in it as well.

In announcing your intention to run in the last Presidential Election, you had said, 'I believe that the next President of Singapore may have to make very significant decisions that will affect the security and well?being of all Singaporeans.' One very significant decision you could make with the well-being of the citizens of Singapore in mind would be to ask the Government of Singapore to hold a National Referendum on the White Paper.

We hope that the President will act in the interest of the citizens of Singapore and ask the Government of the People's Action Party to listen to the people whose lives will be irrevocably changed by the decisions that their elected leaders make on their behalf.

Thank you.

Hazel Poa
Secretary-General
National Solidarity Party