Some PAP MPs were against casino - where are they now?

Singapore
MPs urge caution on setting up casino hereM. Nirmala
458 words
21 January 2005
Straits Times
STIMES
English
(c) 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Limited
They feel S'pore's clean image and morals should be valued over economic benefits
THE Government took the right moral decision by banning a planned party for gays and introducing HIV screening for pregnant women, who are increasingly at risk of being infected by their husbands.
But why is it now coming down from its moral high ground and seeking to allow casino operations, asked Mr Loh Meng See (Jalan Besar GRC) yesterday.
In his speech, which dwelt in part on how Singapore was gambling away its morals, he warned: 'Why do we do something to spoil the clean image of Singapore?'
The casino proposal was 'causing confusion to many Singaporeans'. He asked: 'Are we prepared to give up the values that we held dear in the past because of economic benefits?'
Singapore, he argued, had forgone revenue from cigarette advertising because smoking was bad for health.
The Government had also demonstrated, when it brought down Bugis Street, that it favoured preserving moral values over money as the place had a 'bad image associated with transvestites'.
So, he urged: 'Let us be steadfast and not succumb to the seductive arguments and rationalisation of economic benefits of the casino project.'
The casino debate has been raging since the Government announced last March that it was studying the possibility of setting one up here.
Among those who had spoken against it in the House this week was Mr Tan Soo Khoon (East Coast GRC). He had urged the Government to err on the side of caution and ensure that Singapore remains a wholesome place for all.
Yesterday, Mr Gan Kim Yong (Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC) also opposed it.
He said: 'While I can see the economic value of acasino, I too question the wisdom of such a move.
'I would urge the Government to be cautious on this matter so we can all have a home we can cherish.'
The need to uphold the right values was also highlighted by two other MPs.
Mr Ahmad Khalis (Hong Kah GRC) saw the need for Singaporeans to build up values of care, compassion and graciousness.
How Singapore manages its values in a changing society was one of the concerns highlighted by Mr Sin Boon Ann (Tampines GRC).
Is society prepared to accept singles who adopt babies, single mothers who conceive through artificial insemination or same-sex marriages, he asked.
As a conservative Asian society, Singapore should opt to follow rather than to lead, he said.
'However, this does not mean we will not be confronted with such issues. As a mature society, we should be prepared to openly discuss these issues and take a position for ourselves,' he said.