CONCERNS OVER REMOVING MANDATORY MINIMUM PENALTIES
MPs Dennis Tan (WP-Hougang), Yip Hon Weng (PAP-Yio Chu Kang) and Joan Pereira (PAP-Tanjong Pagar), Nominated Member of Parliament Razwana Begum and Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa collectively raised concerns from the public over the removal of mandatory minimum penalties for first-time offenders.
When the Bill was announced, Mr Yip noted how some of his residents asked whether it was sending the wrong message, and if it meant that authorities were "going soft" on offenders.
"Removing mandatory minimum sentences might unintentionally be perceived as leniency, even if that is not the intent. This could undermine public trust and undo years of effort to foster safer driving habits," he said.
Mr Yip also asked if lighter sentences could "embolden risky behaviour" and lead to more repeat offenders.
Ms Pereira said the changes to the mandatory minimum sentences were "too lenient, even for first-time offenders".
"We have to remember that in these cases, lives have been or could have been endangered or lost, and the offenders did exhibit dangerous or careless driving behaviour in causing the accidents," she said. "The penalties need to be severe enough to act effectively as a meaningful deterrence."
Ms Begum suggested that it could be "appropriate" for the changes to be accompanied by a public awareness campaign.
"We need to inform the public that the primary aim of these changes is to make our roads safer," she added.
PSP's Ms Poa said that the party supported various other amendments proposed but could not support the change to remove mandatory minimum sentences and the disqualification period for first-time dangerous or careless driving offenders "at a time of rising traffic fatalities and fatal speeding accidents".
Both of PSP's NCMPs – Ms Poa and Mr Leong Mun Wai – subsequently voted against the proposed amendments and had their dissent recorded.
In her speech, Ms Poa pointed to what she called an "apparent policy U-turn" following changes made in 2019 where MHA reviewed Road Traffic Act offences.
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