Opposition parties criticise PA letter

[Latka]

Yahoo News

Opposition parties criticise PA letter

 

Two opposition parties have criticised a recent letter by the People's Association (PA) on why opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) cannot be advisers to grassroots organisations (GROs).

 

"I can only conclude that the PA is partisan," said Hougang SMC MP Yaw Shin Leong, pointing out that organisation seemed to be equating the government with the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) in its forum letter.

 

"The government and the said political party needs to be separated in terms of identity," Yaw said. "Over the decades, however, the two seem to have been increasingly seen as the same."

 

 

The Singapore People's Party echoed this view.

 

"By choosing not to work with duly elected Opposition MPs, the PA is confirming that it is working for the interest of the PAP, not Singapore," the party's central executive committee said in a statement.

 

In a forum letter to The Straits Times published on Wednesday, PA's director for corporate and marketing communications Ooi Hui Mei said that opposition MPs cannot be advisers to GROs because they "cannot be expected" to promote government activities.

 

"The government has to appoint grassroots advisers who support its programmes and can play this role well... Opposition MPs cannot be expected to do this and thus cannot become advisers to GROs," wrote Ooi.

 

She further explained that "besides connecting people to people, grassroots advisers are required to help the government connect with people and help promote government policies and programmes such as anti-dengue and active ageing."

 

Ooi was responding to a reader who felt grassroots advisers, who are appointed by the PA, should be elected MPs.

 

Yaw told Yahoo! Singapore that he found it strange for the PA to comment that an elected opposition MP, being one himself, is unable to fulfill the role of connecting with people and promoting programmes such as anti-dengue and active ageing.

 

When contacted, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC and PAP MP Janil Puthucheary defended the PA's policy.

 

Dr Puthucheary, who sits on the PA's board of management, said that as a statutory board, the PA is "linked to government policy" and the grassroots adviser has to believe in the overall thrust of the government's approach.

 

"People who implement and operationalise these policies cannot oppose them. You simply can't have a situation where the adviser does not support the implementation of these policies," he noted.

 

Opposition MPs fundamentally oppose the government and so would not always be in support of its policies and programmes, he said.

 

"Even if they did support policies such as anti-dengue and active ageing programmes, it is possible that they could oppose methods of implementation of these policies," he added.

 

However, political observer Tan Ern Ser said that the PA's actions may erode the moral ground of the PAP and dilute its political capital.

 

While the PA is able to defend its practice of appointing PAP members as grassroots advisers on "logical grounds", the associate professor of sociology at the National University of Singapore suggested that Opposition MPs take matters into their own hands.

 

"I would argue on practical grounds that the WP may want to consider setting up its own grassroots organisations, since the ones set up by PA may not take to them as advisers in any case," he said.

 

The debate over the politicisation of the PA started when Workers' Party (WP) Aljunied GRC MP Chen Show Mao was uninvited from a Hungry Ghosts' Festival dinner organised by Hougang residents because they were told that approval for the venue would be withdrawn by the PA if they invited Chen.

 

It later emerged that 26 commonly-used spaces in the constituency had been leased to the PA by the Housing and Development Board in June. Following a public outcry, the PA revised its policy and relaxed its restrictions on event guest lists.

 

[Latka]

PA talk as though opp parties gonna organize mass riots like dat.

[Latka]

ST Forum

PA must stay neutral

 

A CANDIDATE who is elected MP should be considered as part of the Government, regardless of political affiliation ('Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies', by the People's Association yesterday; in reply to Mr Muhammad Yusuf Osman's letter on Tuesday, 'Advisers to grassroots bodies should be elected MPs').

 

If the People's Association (PA) still wishes to regard itself as a neutral public institution, it will do well to regard the Government as such.

 

The PA reply also noted that the mission of its advisers is to help the Government connect with people and bond the community.

 

Who better to do so than an elected representative from the local community? Voters in the community chose such a person because they felt that such an MP was most capable of representing their needs.

 

This individual, regardless of party affiliation, has vested authority.

 

What authority does a defeated candidate have, regardless of party affiliation?

 

There is an urgent need for clarity on the nature of the PA as well as its advisers.

 

The PA cannot assert non-partisanship if it continues to appoint only People's Action Party (PAP) members (MPs or defeated candidates) as advisers.

 

I believe there are many like me who recognise the importance of the PA's community-bonding role.

 

Our wish is that the PA continues with its mission in a non-partisan manner, without political links.

 

It is only right that the PA lives up to this calling by working with the rightfully elected representative from the local community, be it an MP from the PAP, Workers' Party or any other political party.

 

Chong Yew Mun

 

[Latka]

ST Forum

Why are PA's appointed advisers exclusively from the PAP?

 

THE People's Association's (PA) reply yesterday ('Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies') failed to point out that its management board is chaired by the secretary-general of the People's Action Party (PAP), its vice-chairman is the PAP treasurer and the special adviser to the PA chairman is a former PAP chairman.

 

Other board members include members of PAP's executive committee like Major-General (NS) Chan Chun Sing, Ms Grace Fu and Mr Masagos Zulkifli.

 

If the PA and its grassroots officers are blind to political affiliations, why are its appointed advisers exclusively from the PAP?

 

This clearly gives the appearance of a conflict of interest even if there is none.

 

If grassroots advisers are supposed to help the Government connect with people, then elected MPs, who form the legislative branch of the Government, can surely better connect with the residents who have voted for them.

 

Defeated PAP candidates who are advisers do not hold other government positions.

 

Yet, they hold important PAP positions.

 

For example, Madam Cynthia Phua is the party's vice-chairman of the North East District Committee.

 

Is the PA implying that elected MPs cannot be expected to promote beneficial programmes such as those that battle dengue or promote active ageing?

 

If the PA has no partisan agenda, why can it not trust opposition MPs to promote its programmes?

 

Tan Si An

 

[Mockngbrd]

HOOOOOT AR!!! HOOOOOT AR!!! HOOOOOT AR!!!

[Latka]

ST Forum

PAP supporter reminds party to stand firm, rebuts PA critics

 

I REFER to Mr Muhammad Yusuf Osman's letter on Tuesday ('Advisers to grassroots bodies should be elected MPs') and the People's Association's (PA) reply yesterday ('Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies').

 

The PA's role is to propagate and educate the people about government policies and to garner support for the Government. Can we expect opposition MPs to do that?

 

It may seem unfair, but the reality is that no governing party is obliged to help the opposition grow. In fact, it is reasonable to expect the governing party to weaken and demolish its rivals.

 

The People's Action Party (PAP) did not obtain power because of the kindness of rival parties.

 

The opposition should learn to succeed through the kind of ingenuity, resourcefulness and creativity that the four presidential candidates have shown.

 

Life isn't fair and if the opposition gains power, it cannot expect neighbouring countries to ensure a level playing field in international politics, or afford Singapore a chance to prosper.

 

The PAP should also remember that 60 per cent of the electorate supported its pragmatic policies and shared its vision.

 

While the PAP is working hard to win more votes, the party must not end up losing these supporters who are starting to get confused.

 

Tan Hian Meng

 

[Latka]

ST Forum

PAP supporter reminds party to stand firm, rebuts PA critics

 

I REFER to Mr Muhammad Yusuf Osman's letter on Tuesday ('Advisers to grassroots bodies should be elected MPs') and the People's Association's (PA) reply yesterday ('Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies').

 

The PA's role is to propagate and educate the people about government policies and to garner support for the Government. Can we expect opposition MPs to do that?

 

It may seem unfair, but the reality is that no governing party is obliged to help the opposition grow. In fact, it is reasonable to expect the governing party to weaken and demolish its rivals.

 

The People's Action Party (PAP) did not obtain power because of the kindness of rival parties.

 

The opposition should learn to succeed through the kind of ingenuity, resourcefulness and creativity that the four presidential candidates have shown.

 

Life isn't fair and if the opposition gains power, it cannot expect neighbouring countries to ensure a level playing field in international politics, or afford Singapore a chance to prosper.

 

The PAP should also remember that 60 per cent of the electorate supported its pragmatic policies and shared its vision.

 

While the PAP is working hard to win more votes, the party must not end up losing these supporters who are starting to get confused.

 

Tan Hian Meng

 

 

This fella kinda missing the point.

[Darryn]

When you talk about "supporting policies" there are two questions that immediately spring to mind..

1. So you are saying that EVERY member of the PAP government supports EVERY policy, and it's implementation?

 

If the above is true - then it is group think in the extreme

 

If the above is not true - then shouldn't the PA have access to minutes of caucus meetings to see which PAP folk are "most supportive" and choose from there?

 

[Latka]

ST Forum

PA should give better reasons

 

I READ with great apprehension the hollow response from the People's Association (PA) in yesterday's letter ('Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies').

 

PA should give us more convincing reasons to support the accusation before concluding that opposition MPs cannot be expected to support government programmes.

 

First, as a statutory board, like the Strata Titles Board and Public Utilities Board, the PA has a mission to serve 'all communities of the country'. Hence, if it serves all residents regardless of their political affiliations, how can it exclude elected MPs?

 

Second, do government policies and programmes distinguish between pro-People's Action Party residents and pro-opposition residents? The answer is obviously no, because residents are people of the community.

 

Last but not least, can the PA prove that elected MPs from the opposition - were they to be made advisers - would not support government programmes such as anti-dengue and active ageing?

 

Paul Chan

 

[Latka]

ST Forum

Give voters due respect

 

MR MUHAMMAD Yusuf Osman hit the nail on the head ('Advisers to grassroots bodies should be elected MPs'; Tuesday).

 

Statutory boards like the Housing Board and the People's Association (PA) must remain non-partisan.

 

They are funded by all Singaporeans and must serve all citizens, regardless of party affiliation. The PA and all grassroots organisations in every constituency should invite the sitting MPs to be their grassroots advisers.

 

By preferring to work with candidates from the People's Action Party (PAP) who have lost the previous election over sitting MPs elected by the people, the PA is not giving citizens due respect.

 

By working with PA in similar fashion, the HDB is also not respecting the people.

 

If we accept that our electoral system is one of first past the post, we must all respect the results, regardless of party affiliation.

 

The PA and HDB should introduce rules which apply to all parties and grassroots bodies in all constituencies regardless of party affiliation.

 

This is one issue president-elect Tony Tan could perhaps look into, in his quest to serve and unify all Singaporeans.

 

Dennis Tan

 

[Darryn]

It is refreshing to see logical, restrained and sensible responses to the issues -

 

if this continues there may well be enough noise to see the policy changed.

 

It wouldn't surprise me, if in the near future a "review" is announced that will promise implementation at the next GE.

[LoverofCar]

One STATEMENT....IT IS NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER's MONEY....IT IS THE TAX PAYER's MONEY that funded the PA.....

[Unfair]

Isnt it just like saying there is no reason to help the 39.9% of citizens who voted against PAP ?

 

Is this a PAP government or a Singapore government...

[CKP]

PAP is wrong at all levels.

 

1. First, PAP claims the PA must not be politicised (remember 7th month dinners cannot be politicised), then PAP contradicts itself by claiming the PA must support the activities of the government/party. WAit so now the activities are poltical again? Which is it? Politcial or not political, PAP wants to have it both ways it seems.

 

 

2. Second, over 95% of the activities of the PA are non political in nature such as walks/cycling events/mothers days/7th month dinners/cooking lessons or competition events etc which CLEARLY ARE NOT for or against any specific PAP/government policies in education/housing or transport. So PAP/PA is contradicting itself by claiming the activities of the PA must support the government. Do you support the government when you attend fathers and mothers day dinners organized by the PA?

 

"Upcoming Events

 

Healthy Lifestyle Morning Walk 2011

04 September 2011, 07:00am to 10:00am | Blk 15, Upper Boon Keng Road, Open Space

Jalan Besar Wellness Cooking Competition

04 September 2011, 09:00am to 12:00pm | Kallang Community Club

Lantern Festival @ Chinese Garden 2011

08 September 2011, 05:00pm to 08:00pm | Chinese Garden

Rainforest Tour at Botanical Garden

10 September 2011, 08:00am to 11:00am | Singapore Botanical Garden

Song and Dance Night in Celebration of Lantern Festival

10 September 2011, 06:00pm to 10:00pm | Fengshan Community Centre

Tampines East GROs Lantern Festival Celebration

10 September 2011, 07:00pm to 10:00pm | Tampines Festival Park

T-Net Club English Masters 2011

17 September 2011, 09:00am to 05:00pm | Ang Mo Kio Community Centre

Health Talk on Liver Cancer (in Mandarin)

30 October 2011, 02:00pm to 04:00pm | Eunos Community Club "

 

By attending the above PA events, is there any specific government/PAP policies one is supporting or against? Answer is NO!

 

3. The burden of proof is on the PAP/PA to show evidence that non PAP MPs are promoting activities against social cohesion and harmony. Dont just throw up a general cloud and say that opposition MPs will not or cannot promote social harmony like the PAP because it is a SERIOUS charge so PROVE IT!

 

 

4. The propaganda writers are well paid but truly embarrassing, petty and self contradictory.

 

Remember, in this day and age, PAP does not hold the monopoly of truth and talent, so think carefully if PAP wishes to post logical fallacies.

 

Edited September 1, 2011 by CKP

[Tigerwoods]

ST Forum

PAP supporter reminds party to stand firm, rebuts PA critics

 

I REFER to Mr Muhammad Yusuf Osman's letter on Tuesday ('Advisers to grassroots bodies should be elected MPs') and the People's Association's (PA) reply yesterday ('Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies').

 

The PA's role is to propagate and educate the people about government policies and to garner support for the Government. Can we expect opposition MPs to do that?

 

It may seem unfair, but the reality is that no governing party is obliged to help the opposition grow. In fact, it is reasonable to expect the governing party to weaken and demolish its rivals.

 

The People's Action Party (PAP) did not obtain power because of the kindness of rival parties.

 

The opposition should learn to succeed through the kind of ingenuity, resourcefulness and creativity that the four presidential candidates have shown.

 

Life isn't fair and if the opposition gains power, it cannot expect neighbouring countries to ensure a level playing field in international politics, or afford Singapore a chance to prosper.

 

The PAP should also remember that 60 per cent of the electorate supported its pragmatic policies and shared its vision.

 

While the PAP is working hard to win more votes, the party must not end up losing these supporters who are starting to get confused.

 

Tan Hian Meng

Point Taken and understood.

Next Question : Is PA non-partisan or partisan Association ??

Clearly the Answer is Non-Partisan.

 

So PAP should reach out to all SGeans by PAP avenues - to be fair.

 

I suggest to our Elected President, Dr Tony Tan to do something about this.

No Political member/Representative should be allowed to HELM a Non-Partisan Organisation.

 

The best is to get Senior (ret) Civil Servants to take up posts in such Orgs, statutory boards etc..

Whether he is pro-PAP or Pro-Oppo, that is decided in his Vote - NOT His poilicies.

 

 

[Thargor]

Yahoo News

Opposition parties criticise PA letter

 

 

However, political observer Tan Ern Ser said that the PA's actions may erode the moral ground of the PAP and dilute its political capital.

 

While the PA is able to defend its practice of appointing PAP members as grassroots advisers on "logical grounds", the associate professor of sociology at the National University of Singapore suggested that Opposition MPs take matters into their own hands.

 

"I would argue on practical grounds that the WP may want to consider setting up its own grassroots organisations, since the ones set up by PA may not take to them as advisers in any case," he said.

 

I was taught by Prof Tan in Uni more than a decade ago and his teachings had enriched me even till today.

[Mllcg]

PA scared opposition use the PA for the same reason they are doing so.

[Littleknown]

 

If PA is PAP, then as a statutory board, it is using taxpapers' money - this is plain wrong and benefits the insiders and minions much more than the people..

 

Think we need a Stomp on a PA event where PAP is promoted.

 

That would remove all doubt.