I think why Singapore has so many MPs because MPs are based on
MP to Population Ratio, not MP to Country Size Ratio.
Singapore's 84 MPs based on 4million ppl is actually quite
normal compared to similar Westminster style countries.
As for the Mayor post. Wasn't this created like around the turn
of the century?
It wasn't really clarified what Mayor can or cannot do and what
Council they lead. Also, Singapore's 2 Mayors are controlling areas
with boundaries the typical Singaporean won't know.
In a typical City, if there was a municipal problem or issue.
The resident will lodge a complaint to the municipal office. The
Municipal office will discuss the problem with the municipal
committee, Commitee includes people like, Police Chief, Waste &
Sewage Chief, Roads and Traffic Chief, Finance Chief, Education
Chief, Licenses Chief, etc.
It is spelt out clearly that there is NO ONE else you can
approach if you encounter problems. So their duties are clearly
defined.
But in Singapore, Policing is done by SPF, Waste and Sewage by
NEA (or Onyx), Roads & traffic by LTA, Finance (town council),
Education (MOE), Licenses (SPF or related agency)
They do not represent themselves in Town Council meetings.
This leave me to wonder what a Mayor in Singapore actually does
other than sending newsletter every quarter.
Really? Than China or India will have more than 100 times the
number of MP? How they manage to fit all into the parliament (no
wonder China have to be communist...).
