What next after parliament? How it continues

"When more than 20 parliamentary questions were filed by MPs from both sides of the House, it has clearly become more than a constituency matter. It has become a national policy question". I agree with the former Nominated Member of Parliament who said this on socials.

What next after the 4th August parliament sitting? Please follow up with your respective MPs or Ministry stakeholders. This is important because parliamentary debates are visible. I have spent the last two years reaching out to relevant gov agencies and it didn't work. Why? Because what we are asking for simply goes beyond each gov agencies' mandates. Instead it is related to policy and that requires a discussion by decision makers and lawmakers in parliament.     

I have contacted MP Rachel Ong to ask about her plans regarding the Supplementary Questions (SQ) raised that have not yet been addressed. Her SQs in parliament were excellent, well thought out, and represent the essence of asks and concerns of 300+ residents who attended the MP organised public engagement on 30 July, and many more residents who engaged directly. It is the voice of an MP who is representing the constituency, the people.

So what's next? 

The answer depends on the people's reaction and follow up engagements, if any. What we've been promised are a summary report and continued engagements with stakeholders -- although it isn't clear whether it includes the general public. Frankly this has disappointed many.

We believe that building new housing at Gillman is an over-development. New housing should not come at the expense of Singapore's dwindling forests and unique community havens. 

Is it truly impossible to plan the 47ha development in a way that keeps the existing 22ha forest and existing community nodes intact?

For near-term housing, there are at least 9 ongoing new housing projects within a 0.5km to 4km radius of Gillman. 7 HDB projects and 2 Condo projects. Full list in petition. 

Trade offs were repeatedly asserted. 
Certainly. However trade offs never apply to everything. For example, Istana and other national monuments and MRT stations are off-limits for new housing development because of its high value to society and national identity.

So many people have voiced out. Ordinary people ❤️ across Singapore. Because we are saying that our remaining secondary forests and community havens are as valuable as the national monuments and other assets that are currently off-limits.

We are saying look elsewhere, look harder. Think outside the status quo. Reduce land sales for condo, purchase empty private land, renew aging estates, rezone other sites, there are other ways. For near-term housing, there are at least 9 ongoing new housing projects within a 0.5km to 4km radius of Gillman. 7 HDB projects and 2 Condo projects. Full list in petition. 

• 2024: Gillman development intention announced
• 2025 URA Masterplan rezones Gillman from Reserve to Residential
• 2026: SG Climate Adaptation Planning announced.

The parliamentary responses by MND and MSE seem to suggest a consensus to clear the forests in 2024 or earlier. However this decision timeline happened at least two years before SG Climate Adaption Planning in 2026. Singapore did also sign an international pledge to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030, specifically for climate change resilience that the people are currently worried about. Urban heating in Singapore is twice the global rate despite innovative building solutions and the One Million Trees program. Why are we removing the passive cooling systems that currently benefit so many of us? 

For such matters of existential importance, shouldn't decision makers periodically relook and rebalance risks? It would not be criticised (in fact the public would be relieved!) if the government proceeds with extra caution and review past decisions of deforestation through the lens of 2026. Simple assertion of words is not enough. A scientific study or methodology is needed; if Singapore doesn't have that yet, now is the time to address that gap. The EIA environment assessment study excludes climate change resilience impacts.

Climate Adaption Plan is a long term vision and strategy. Diverse solutions -- that include existing passive systems -- would be a wise approach in unprecedented times and increase our chances of success in adapting to climate changes. Risk management must be applied. Especially so in the current economic and energy uncertainty.

Have a good weekend. 
Take care and rest well, the journey hasn't ended yet.