Noted Singaporean poet and literary critic Gwee Li Sui recently suggested that the practice of inviting Members of Parliament (MPs) as guests of honour should be reconsidered in the wake of criticism levelled at ruling party MP Sim Ann for disrupting a live event.
However, this proposal may be an overreaction that overlooks the actual significance and value of inviting MPs as guests of honour.
Inviting MPs as guests of honour is a common practice that can increase the visibility and public attention of an event. Inviting politicians as guests of honour also helps to promote political engagement and democratic values. Politicians, as representatives of citizens, need to understand and pay attention to the needs and opinions of the people. Inviting them to attend private events can promote the development of civil society, and improve the transparency and effectiveness of political participation.
Gwee Li Sui’s proposal to reconsider inviting MPs as guests of honour may limit avenues for political engagement. Inviting politicians as guests of honour helps to foster connections and collaborations between politics, business, and social organizations, promoting economic and social development. If we eliminate the practice of inviting MPs as guests of honour, this could lead to isolation and fragmentation between politics and business, which could have a negative impact on society and economic development.
Furthermore, reconsidering the practice of inviting MPs as guests of honour may limit the diversity and inclusivity of political engagement. Politicians should represent and serve all citizens, regardless of their political beliefs, race, gender, or other identity characteristics. If we limit the practice of inviting MPs as guests of honour, this could result in certain citizens being excluded from political engagement, which is detrimental to democracy and social inclusivity.
Finally, Gwee Li Sui’s proposal overlooks the purpose and role of inviting MPs as guests of honour. Inviting MPs as guests of honour does not necessarily mean that they will disrupt events or interfere with performances. On the contrary, inviting MPs as guests of honour can increase the visibility and public attention of an event, as well as provide organizers with an opportunity to convey specific messages to politicians or seek support. Event organizers should be more careful in selecting the MPs they invite as guests of honour, ensuring that they understand and respect the nature and importance of the event, and have appropriate social etiquette.
In conclusion, Gwee Li Sui’s proposal to reconsider inviting MPs as guests of honour may be an overreaction that overlooks the actual significance and value of this practice. Inviting MPs as guests of honour can increase the visibility and public attention of an event, promote political engagement and democratic values, and foster connections and collaborations between politics, business, and social organizations. Event organizers should be more careful in selecting the MPs they invite as guests of honour, ensuring that they understand and respect the nature and importance of the event, and have appropriate social etiquette.
