Singapore Reporter

SINGAPORE: She has tackled labour woes and disgruntled workers facing retrenchment during the 2008 recession, championed a range of causes as a Member of Parliament, and become Singapore’s first female Speaker of Parliament.

Madam Halimah Yacob shared her experiences at the “Heroes Seminar” on Monday, which is organised by Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

The talk is part of a series where speakers from all walks of life share their views and experiences in overcoming adversities.

Madam Halimah also answered questions regarding the significance of parliamentary proceedings.

Madam Halimah said: “I am proud to say that having been Speaker for eleven months and watching the backbenchers, I am now in a different position, I get to listen to the debates, that although people don’t go “rah-rah rah”, they are very hardworking to put across the facts, the statistics, the figures.

“That’s important, it is no less robust compared to any other Parliament in the world, compared to the debates and arguments although it may not be dramatic according to what people want, want to see in other countries.”

Madam Halimah said that Parliament is important as it is one of the institutions which upholds democracy in Singapore, with Parliament being one of the three key pillars of democracy.

“This is the place where it is the highest decision-making body of the land where important decisions are made, important Bills, important issues are debated. I want to ask you not to look at the snippets but follow through a Parliament session,” said Madam Halimah.