CNA: PM Lee addresses PAP criticisms

[Vulcann]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1131908/1/.html

PM Lee addresses PAP criticisms

 

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has again spoken of the need for Members of Parliament (MPs) to stay connected with the people and enhance efforts at bonding with residents.

 

This was after he revealed there had been criticisms of the shortcomings of grassroots activists both in the People's Action Party (PAP) and People's Association, in the aftermath of the recent General Election.

 

Speaking at a dinner to thank volunteers of Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), PM Lee acknowledged some of the criticisms were about MPs being shielded from residents, not being responsive enough to the needs of residents, and not candid enough in giving feedback.

 

Mr Lee's reiteration of the importance of engaging residents came just after his release on Friday of the Rules of Prudence to all PAP members where he said "the elections have shown that voters have concerns which need to be addressed.

 

"The government will have to significantly improve our outreach to voters, our approach to formulating policies, and our policies themselves.

 

"As MPs, you play key roles in all these areas. You have to listen hard to voter concerns, help them to tackle pressing needs, reflect their worries and aspirations to the government and persuade them to support policies which are in their own long-term benefit".

 

Mr Lee, who is also Secretary-General of the PAP, said clearly there were problems which were missed and areas where the party can and must improve.

 

These include strengthening the party's presence on the ground, improving the way MPs and the grassroots network operate with more effective ways to bond with residents, and reaching out to groups which the party needs to better connect with, including young adults, and residents who live in private estates.

 

Mr Lee vowed to remedy the shortcomings and work hard to consolidate the PAP's support and strive to do better next time.

 

He stressed he would not blame the activists as the majority have committed enormous time and energy to community work, and have done their best to serve the residents.

 

He said volunteers and activists have given their honest feedback, which unfortunately the party sometimes failed to interpret correctly.

 

He said he hopes they will not be discouraged, but continue to work for the good of their residents.

 

-CNA/wk

[Vulcann]

Grassroots being blamed?

 

 

[Tigerwoods]

Sorry I still need more alternative voices in Parly.

[Vulcann]

  On 5/29/2011 at 1:57 PM, Tigerwoods said:

Sorry I still need more alternative voices in Parly.

 

If they do not buck up, their fate will be sealed during the next GE.

 

Not likely to lose the election but may concede more seats to the oppo...

[Tonyng]

  On 5/29/2011 at 1:23 PM, Vulcann said:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1131908/1/.html

...

Speaking at a dinner to thank volunteers of Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), PM Lee acknowledged some of the criticisms were about MPs being shielded from residents, not being responsive enough to the needs of residents, and not candid enough in giving feedback.

 

Mr Lee's reiteration of the importance of engaging residents came just after his release on Friday of the Rules of Prudence to all PAP members where he said "the elections have shown that voters have concerns which need to be addressed.

 

...

 

-CNA/wk

 

Means grassroots not really grassroots all these years. Only good at throwing noisy dinners and downplaying needs of residents and preventing people from saying their peace at MPS.

 

It also means that the rot has being a long time and would take much to change.

 

No company would change much after a CEO dinner speech. Without firing.

 

[NinNaMa]

Wanna see more action plans drawn up. Details gentlemen. Else, its just hot air.

[Curahee]

He should understand that majority of those grassroot ppl r there to help themselves for their own benefits, they join r not to help ppl, depend on these grp of ppl is useless

[Mdfaz]

Those serving in grassroots, most of them are pro-PAP. In the end, they end up servig the party and believe all the good stuff of the PAP has been saying.. I dun believe the PAP didnt know the ground is not well; i believe they have turned a deaf ear to the people. The same goes to these grassroots people.

[Tigerwoods]

A Plant need Grassroots to suck the water up to the leaves.

A Human Party's Grassroots just like to SUCK UP.

[Gendut]

Dear LHL

 

You do not need your MPs to give you feedback of the issues affecting the citizens.

 

You already have a team in the PM Office headed by your PPS to do the job.

 

Its either you have not been listening or that he has not told you the whole truth.

 

So you should know what to do.

[KARTer]

  On 5/29/2011 at 2:17 PM, Curahee said:

He should understand that majority of those grassroot ppl r there to help themselves for their own benefits, they join r not to help ppl, depend on these grp of ppl is useless

Sad that the so-called grass root people has been able to pull wool over PM's eyes for so many years............ is it true he didnt realise it until now? or he knew but didnt think it's important enough to correct the gaps as long as good GDP figures are achieved? How to take him (and his team) as competent / worthy leaders if such an important matter is overlooked (either intentionally or otherwise)?? .......... 50 years have been wasted

 

let's look forward and cause more changes / awakening in 2016, meanwhile it helps to keep an earger eye on what miw is going to do what they professed after 7th May..............

Edited May 29, 2011 by KARTer

[Yewheng]

Well.. I believe there will be more changes coming along the way.. which should be good ba.. As I feel Minister and MP are starting to listen to people already. A good sign.

Edited May 29, 2011 by Yewheng

[Limitedspeed]

Talk like no talk like tat

 

Think he wants to tell them not to be over-zealous about their tasks but these days volunteers are difficult to come by hence have to mince his words (try reading them in-between). You know these days volunteers only get chicken rice, packet drinks and only transport to-and-fro where they need you to show the head count

 

  On 5/29/2011 at 1:23 PM, Vulcann said:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1131908/1/.html

PM Lee addresses PAP criticisms

 

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has again spoken of the need for Members of Parliament (MPs) to stay connected with the people and enhance efforts at bonding with residents.

 

This was after he revealed there had been criticisms of the shortcomings of grassroots activists both in the People's Action Party (PAP) and People's Association, in the aftermath of the recent General Election.

 

Speaking at a dinner to thank volunteers of Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), PM Lee acknowledged some of the criticisms were about MPs being shielded from residents, not being responsive enough to the needs of residents, and not candid enough in giving feedback.

 

Mr Lee's reiteration of the importance of engaging residents came just after his release on Friday of the Rules of Prudence to all PAP members where he said "the elections have shown that voters have concerns which need to be addressed.

 

"The government will have to significantly improve our outreach to voters, our approach to formulating policies, and our policies themselves.

 

"As MPs, you play key roles in all these areas. You have to listen hard to voter concerns, help them to tackle pressing needs, reflect their worries and aspirations to the government and persuade them to support policies which are in their own long-term benefit".

 

Mr Lee, who is also Secretary-General of the PAP, said clearly there were problems which were missed and areas where the party can and must improve.

 

These include strengthening the party's presence on the ground, improving the way MPs and the grassroots network operate with more effective ways to bond with residents, and reaching out to groups which the party needs to better connect with, including young adults, and residents who live in private estates.

 

Mr Lee vowed to remedy the shortcomings and work hard to consolidate the PAP's support and strive to do better next time.

 

He stressed he would not blame the activists as the majority have committed enormous time and energy to community work, and have done their best to serve the residents.

 

He said volunteers and activists have given their honest feedback, which unfortunately the party sometimes failed to interpret correctly.

 

He said he hopes they will not be discouraged, but continue to work for the good of their residents.

 

-CNA/wk

 

[Vulcann]

Frankly do they need grassroots to find out what really is going on on the ground?

 

Just in MCF L&E forum, for example, they can gleam 90% of the grouses which common folks have been lamentating.

 

They just have to surf these forums & viola! they would have known what fusses are all about.

[Zze121]

He understand the problem but the link have already broken btw top to bottom, only way is stop sitting in the office n talk only, come out and see for yourself n feel the hardship your ppl r facing. Don't run a country the way like running a company. Figure is not everything, human is not robot.

Edited May 29, 2011 by Zze121

[Yewheng]

  On 5/29/2011 at 3:10 PM, Vulcann said:

Frankly do they need grassroots to find out what really is going on on the ground?

 

Just in MCF L&E forum, for example, they can gleam 90% of the grouses which common folks have been lamentating.

 

They just have to surf these forums & viola! they would have known what fusses are all about.

 

Ya true.. [laugh]

When there is no boss to control anything.. people will speak freely.. but when there is boss around the control.. hmm.. things become so different.. people under the boss would want to show the best of the best to let their boss see and hide negative or bad things under the carpet.. human nature.. hope MP or minister to understand this logic behind it..

[Yewheng]

  On 5/29/2011 at 3:12 PM, Zze121 said:

He understand the problem but the link have already broken btw top to bottom, only way is stop sitting in the office n talk only, come out and see for yourself n feel the hardship your ppl r facing. Don't run a country the way like running a company. Figure is not everything, human is not robot.

 

hmm this come out and see for yourself must also be moving to surpise check rather than informed check.. as informed check will mean nothing much as people below the ground would have sweep bad or negative things under the carpet and vola.. when Minister and MP come.. all swee swee and they would feel.. hmm.. everything seems alright when infact everything is not alright.. it just that alright for that particular day where MP or minister come visit only.. [laugh]

[Zze121]

  On 5/29/2011 at 3:18 PM, Yewheng said:

hmm this come out and see for yourself must also be moving to surpise check rather than informed check.. as informed check will mean nothing much as people below the ground would have sweep bad or negative things under the carpet and vola.. when Minister and MP come.. all swee swee and they would feel.. hmm.. everything seems alright when infact everything is not alright.. it just that alright for that particular day where MP or minister come visit only.. [laugh]

A good boss noe wat's going wrong n noe wat to do, that's wat they r paid for.

Edited May 29, 2011 by Zze121