PM warns party against complacency

PM warns party against complacency

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong warned MPs from his People's Action Party (PAP) against complacency and influence peddling in a letter published in the Sunday Times.

Goh spelt out several "rules of prudence" that are to be observed by his party, returned to government in last month's poll with an increased share of the popular vote.

"The people have given us their unequivocal endorsement. We must never break faith with them," Goh said.

"You must win respect, not popularity to stay the course," he said.

The prime minister said MPs must surrender all gifts from companies or individuals to the government whip as these were "social lubricants" that sought to influence them.

MPs must also get approval before accepting invitations to official openings of businesses and shops, he said. --AFP