Jeyaretnam's press statement calls on the Prime Minister to get the consent of Parliament before committing Singapore troops to Iraq.
Should not the Prime Minister have got the consent of Parliament before committing Singapore troops to Iraq. The UK Prime Minister has to go to Parliament to get its approval before sending British troops to Iraq.
There is no question that Goh will get the consent with his party members occupying almost all the seats in Parliament. But should he not at least show that he has some knowledge of Parliamentary democracy. He is quick to affirm that Singapore is a dmocracy but the actions of the PAP government over and over again belie this claim.
J.B. Jeyaretnam
22nd October 2003
Sources and Relevant Links:
Singapore will send soldiers, airforce planes and navy ships to Iraq. The Singapore contingent includes C-130 Hercules transport planes, Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) and the navy's biggest warships will be part of the post-war operation.
CNN Singapore sending troops to Iraq 21/10/2003
Singapore, supported the Iraq war, has long given access and temporary harbor to U.S. warships and aircraft. It sent 32 police to Baghdad in July to help train Iraqi 1,500 policemen.
Reuters Asian Financial, Military Aid for Iraq Rising Jason Szep, 23/10/2003
Think Centre Will Singapore pay a price for being US ally?
