Time to reform the People’s Association?

My recent post on the confusion among some People’s Association (PA) grassroots members of their primary loyalties (to the PAP or to Singaporeans?) generated many responses. I have copied the comments from members of the public for easy reference at the end of this article. I was encouraged to note that many Singaporeans appear acutely conscious of the perception of an unhealthy connection between the PA and the PAP. The question is what now?

The underlying issue is ultimately a straightforward one. A divided Singapore is in nobody’s interest. It is important that the PA represent a platform that serves all Singaporeans, regardless of which party you and I support. Many have argued that the PA should be substantively neutral, and should never become a tool of any ruling party, not just the PAP. I am in absolute agreement with this position.

After decades of PAP rule, it is perhaps unsurprising that the line between the PA and PAP has consciously become blurred. If so, it is not the fault of PA volunteers in the RCs, CCs, CCCs, CCMCs etc., some of whom are ordinary Singaporeans who only seek to return to society with no personal agenda, but only to serve their local communities.

Nonetheless, the perception of an unhealthy connection between the PA and the PAP is a systemic deficiency that must be corrected in light of the current circumstances facing Singapore and Singaporeans (see attached pictures of PAP MPs campaigning for votes in PA shirts during the 2011 General Elections. Thank you Andrew Loh).

Public expectations of government transparency and accountability have increased. A new generation of Singaporeans seek to raise governance standards to the next level. Politicisation of grassroots bodies will effectively divide Singapore if the PAP adopts a business-as-usual attitude as they did before 7 May 2011. From the feedback I have received, an overwhelming majority of fair-minded Singaporeans want elected opposition members to participate in PA activities and initiatives. This is wholly unsurprising.

The purpose of the People’s Association is clearly laid out in section 8 of the People’s Association Act (Chapter 227). It states:

8. The objects of the Association are — (a) the organisation and the promotion of group participation in social, cultural, educational and athletic activities for the people of Singapore in order that they may realise that they belong to a multiracial community, the interests of which transcend sectional loyalties; (b) the establishment of such institutions as may be necessary for the purpose of leadership training in order to instil in leaders a sense of national identity and a spirit of dedicated service to a multiracial community; (c) the fostering of community bonding and strengthening of social cohesion amongst the people of Singapore; (d) the performance of such other functions as may be conferred upon the Association by any written law; and (e) the carrying out of such activities as appear to the Board to be advantageous towards, or necessary or convenient for, the furtherance of the objects of the Association as set out in paragraphs (a) to (d).

In view of the opinions many Singaporeans have over the role of the PA with regard to its connection with the ruling party, there is an argument to be made that the objects of the People’s Association as laid out in section 8, are not necessarily being met. In fact, a more critical reading may posit that the unique style of operation of the PA in opposition wards in particular, weakens social cohesion among Singaporeans.

In 1996, a testy exchange took place in parliament, between Workers’ Party Sec-Gen and MP for Hougang, Mr Low Thia Khiang and then Minister Wong Kan Seng on the role of the PA. Other opposition MPs manfully stepped in to state the case (the full transcript of the exchange is at the end of this article). The PAP may well come out and use the same arguments to justify excluding opposition members from taxpayer-funded grassroots activities.

But to do so would be to live in the past. We are living in a different Singapore today, where ideals of justice and equality, recently painted as “aspirational”, are growing deep and firm roots. The PAP should not lose the opportunity of reaching out to all Singaporeans and reforming the PA. So what can the PAP do?

Section 4 of the PA Act, lists the constitution of the PA.

4. —(1) The Association shall consist of —
(a) the Prime Minister as Chairman;
(b) a Minister to be appointed by the Chairman as Deputy Chairman;
(c) 8 members to be appointed by the Chairman; and
(d) one member to be appointed by the Chairman in consultation with each of the organisations mentioned in the First Schedule.
(2) All letters of appointment to the persons mentioned in subsection (1) (b), (c) and (d) shall issue from the Chairman, who may revoke any appointment at any time without assigning any reason.
(3) Members of the Association appointed by the Chairman in accordance with subsection (1) (b), (c) and (d) shall —
(a) hold office for a period of 3 years from the dates of their respective appointments; and
(b) be eligible for reappointment on completion of that period.
(4) There shall be a Secretary-Treasurer, who shall be a person appointed by the Chairman from among the members appointed under subsection (1) (c).
(5) The Board may, from time to time, by notification in the Gazette —
(a) vary the number of its members and provide in what manner additional members, if any, shall be appointed; and
(b) add to or amend the First Schedule.

In the interests of a united Singapore, it was suggested to me that the Prime Minister as Chairman should appoint some opposition members to serve as PA Board members. In principle, this does not seem like a far-fetched suggestion, provided such a proposal is not construed as mere tokenism. For that to happen, all elected MPs should expect to serve as grassroot advisers. Currently, losing PAP candidates remain as advisers to PA grassroots organisations. This practice is an anachronism of the past and must be rendered obsolete in light of new generational expectations.

Just before polling day, Former Foreign Minister George Yeo told The Straits Times that “regardless of the outcome (of the election), I see the (PAP) taking a very hard look at itself and the way it does things.”

There is alot of scope for the PA to operate as a truly independent grassroots body all Singaporeans can be proud of. With an eye on reform, it is perhaps apposite that the PAP start with the PA, a critical national institution that ought to be substantively neutral. For now, the ball is well and truly in the ruling party’s court.

Ends.

______________

Online comments on the perception of an unhealthy connection between the People’s Association and the PAP, in response to a note by one PA volunteer (link below).

https://www.facebook.com/notes/sear-hock-rong/straits-times-sniffing-out-the-grassroots-divide-in-aljunied/10150224816389580

from The Online Citizen’s Facebook page to the question: “The RC Chairman did not cry uncontrollably, says CC Chairman.”

Lim Tee Heong: How to be non partisan if you were at Bedok Stadium?
Tuesday at 11:23am · LikeUnlike 35 people

Dylan Tang: 此地无银三百两。
Tuesday at 11:23am · LikeUnlike 3 people

Shawn Byron Danker: so how come the PA is tied hand and fist to the PAP to the point that LKY has said that the PA is pap. and that the WP are not allowed to use PA facilities for MPS?
Tuesday at 11:23am · LikeUnlike · 5 people

Keith Tan: isnt the sear guy the infamous pap lapdog?
Tuesday at 11:23am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Leslie Lim: And then…….. ?????
Tuesday at 11:24am · LikeUnlike

Shawn Goh: well, maybe ur area grassroots leader didnt hand out pap forms n leaflets but my area at pioneer certainly did!
Tuesday at 11:24am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Shawn Goh: rc demolished at potong pasir when mr chiam first won there? He have to build a makeshift office after tat?
Tuesday at 11:26am · LikeUnlike 1 person

Yeow-Tong Chia ‎@Lim Tee Heong: Precisely! Sear Hock Rong is definitely a PAP supporter.
Tuesday at 11:26am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Shawn Goh: pa is definitely supporting the pap, becoz its pa.gov.sg meaning gov body n the gov are the paps!
Tuesday at 11:28am · LikeUnlike · 3 people

Chazza Boags: liar liar pants on fire
Tuesday at 11:28am · LikeUnlike · 5 people

Shawn Goh: the more they explain the more unbelievable.
Tuesday at 11:29am · LikeUnlike · 6 people

Dylan Tang: If Seah said that PA does not belong to the PAP themselves, that is to say LKY is lying . Oh no ..
Tuesday at 11:30am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Eadric Ng: ‎@Dylan- 隔壁阿二未曾偷?
Tuesday at 11:31am · LikeUnlike

Nelson Chan: He mentioned those perks are not worth the time,effort to be in PA? He must be joking =)
Tuesday at 11:34am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Jayden Loh: I noticed that the word “partisan advantage” and “politicization of PA” is not mentioned in the article. I rest my case. 🙂
Tuesday at 11:42am · LikeUnlike

Pauline Sook Kuen Ho: It is not a matter of what one wears but the actions behind it. He is either too politically naive or politically blind.
Tuesday at 11:43am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

John Yap: Sear’s notes tried saying that PA and PAP are not associated and grassroots should whole heartedly serve the communit. I agree to the latter in principle but I find it strange enough he was in Bedok Stadium on polling night. Objectively, aren’t his note and his polling night actions contradicting one another?
Tuesday at 11:47am · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Low Soon Peng: As white as night. 😛
Tuesday at 11:49am · LikeUnlike

Grace Lim: Sear Hock Rong? Srsly?
Tuesday at 11:49am · LikeUnlike

Shaun Maximusp: Hmmm but didn’t WKS once said the following: “The People’s Association is a government organisation to promote government policies.” – Wong Kan Seng, Straits Times, 22 Mar 2003
Tuesday at 11:50am · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Eadric Ng: PA and PAP are not associated…but that doesn’t mean the grassroots leaders/members can’t support PAP wholeheartedly.
Whose fault is it if the GRL/members use their position to por/tripod the PAP MPs/advisors?? The PA or the leaders/members themselves?
Tuesday at 11:50am · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Rokiah Iz: ‎@Sear Hock Rong…so wayang!!!…u learnt well fr the PAP…:(
Tuesday at 11:52am · LikeUnlike

Shawn Goh: those working in pa are civil servants, if they dun support the paps, u think they be able to hang on to their jobs? Remember the gal who lost her town council job after she attended nsp rally? Stop kidding us, sear!
Tuesday at 11:54am · LikeUnlike ·2 people like this.

Teo Ching Soon: well… we can look at the situation at a bigger picture. transport system (MRT, Bus Stop etc) are been build to justify the effort of the PAP MPs. likewise. same for the admission of the primary 1 etc. we can bring the facts and put it on the table and at the end of the day, some die-hard supporter (u know who lah) will still insist that they are neutral.
Tuesday at 11:56am · LikeUnlike

Mei Yin Ng: I do not agreed with Sear Hock Rong’s statement: “Singaporeans don’t just listen to one side of the story and be misled to think that all PA grassroots leaders are from the PAP and they join the PA for job opportunities/free parking/priority for Primary One registration.”
I know of some pple who joined PA GRO only bec of priority for Primary One registration & biz advantages.
Tuesday at 12:03pm · LikeUnlike 7 people

Vernon Voon Thian Lye: There is nothing stopping opposition supporters from applying to join the RC. I did at my RC and openly identified myself as a WP member. They still appointed me as an observer. Maybe by doing this we shall take the RC at their word and turn it non-partisan. Object to all partisan activities they are doing.
Tuesday at 12:06pm · LikeUnlike 3 people

Ramaraj Rau Peru: Has he ever heard of this term called… Conflict of Interest.
His actions and statement shows us a nice example of the above term. Lets Thank him for letting us know it clearly.
Tuesday at 12:07pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Sg Capri: Has the PA ever invited elected opposition MPs to their events and functions as guests-of-honour?
Tuesday at 12:07pm · LikeUnlike 9 people

Mei Yin Ng: Why during election rally @ Mountbatten, pple wearing NSP T shirts were not allowed to use the PA CC toilet by the PA staff. Why some of the PA volunteers & members were ‘coerced’ to attend the PAP election rallies & went to these rallies in coaches after coaches. Ai ya … so many instances, too lazy to lay all out.
Tuesday at 12:13pm · LikeUnlike · 9 people

Chua Xi Lei: This is probably the joke of the day! Trying to deny an open secret that we all know?? Thanks for treating us like idiots!
Tuesday at 12:15pm · LikeUnlike

Jimmy Lee: Mr Sear seems to be earnest in the article. And say we forgive the fact that he was at Bedok Stadium despite being non-partisan. Going forward I think Mr Sear and his colleagues can do much to change the perception of partisanship by actively reaching out to the WP MPs, even appointing them as grassroots Advisers.
Tuesday at 12:21pm · LikeUnlike 6 people

Jen Lfb: ‎”misled by untruths” what rich irony. The people have been misled by so called painted “hard truths” for so many years by MIW and their supporters. The whole set up in the PA and grassroots is designed to promote the white party , their mi…nisters and party members who often front the events and act as media spokesperson and thus gain the publicity. Mr Seah mayfeel he is non-partisan well and good. But it is the entire system that is under scrutiny not one or two neutral grassroots activists.See More
Tuesday at 12:23pm · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Winson Lem: 林恩偉 Independent? What is the .gov doing in the PA web address? Go figure.
Tuesday at 12:50pm · LikeUnlike · 3 people

Weilun Hong: Sear to get his Public Service Medal very soon? Yeah!!!!
Tuesday at 12:53pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Keith Tan: trying to troll Sear now.. will post updates
Tuesday at 12:57pm · LikeUnlike

Harvey Neo: A disingenuous article of epic proportion.
Tuesday at 12:58pm · LikeUnlike

Bernard Tan: He forgot to write that he is a ypap member.
Tuesday at 1:07pm · LikeUnlike · 5 people

Rendall Koh: Liar
Tuesday at 1:13pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Kevin Lee: ‎’These privileges combined are not enough to make up for the time, effort and sometimes, money PA grassroots leaders have spent to give back to the society. We have sacrificed our family and friends for the community. For these privileges,… how many Singaporeans are willing to come forward and serve?’Is he complaining that perks given are not enough? Or is he hinting that rumour of perks given to grassroot leaders is true?
Tuesday at 1:13pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Harvey Neo: In another controversy a few months earlier, netizens had accused YP member Sear Hock Rong, 24, of a conflict of interest, as some of the grassroots organisations with which he volunteers were also clients of his company.

After receiving com…plaints, the People’s Association investigated and said it had found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Tellingly, both these spats originated on the YP Network that will be closed.

March 18 2010, ST.See More
Tuesday at 1:17pm · LikeUnlike

Harvey Neo: I think Mr Sear should not be the person writing about non-partisan status of grassroots organizations when he is a Young PAP member himself. Let others in the grassroots who are non-politically affiliated to write that article.
Tuesday at 1:19pm · LikeUnlike 5 people

Mark K Chee: As a prominent and active YPAP member, Sear Hock Rong’s criticism against non-PAP party will have to be heavily discounted. If he really believes PA has no links with PAP, he’s trying too hard to kid the people around him. Stop behaving like PAP in treating everyone else as idiots!
Tuesday at 1:26pm · LikeUnlike

Richard Tan: Mr Sear, go and find a unlock water tank to jump in … You are in deep shit !!! Some just came out of your mouth ..
Tuesday at 1:31pm · LikeUnlike

Black Templars: They (delegates from China) discover that the People’s Action Party (PAP) has only a small office in Bedok. But everywhere they go, they see the PAP – in the RCs (residents’ committees), CCCs (citizens’ consultative committees), and the CCs (community clubs).” – Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, The Straits Times 30 December 2009
Tuesday at 1:55pm · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Ramaraj Rau Peru: ‎@Richard, not another please. we need to drink the water.
Tuesday at 1:58pm · LikeUnlike

Thomas Lim: ‎25 years only want to kpkb! He must have been blind for his entire 25 years in Eunos!
Tuesday at 2:52pm · LikeUnlike

Azlan D SpYware: Who u trying to kid?
Tuesday at 3:16pm · LikeUnlike

Steven Tan: If u r genuine abt wanting to give back to society and volunteer your time , why u still expect people to wave hello and say thanks to you ?? Doubt most will stay on if without those previlages …
Tuesday at 4:56pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Dzulemryl Bachok: Bah! Humbug. Times like these i’m glad to have sites like TOC cause stuff like these would get printed in MSM and people wont know the more complete picture.
Tuesday at 7:31pm · LikeUnlike

Oh Boshun: it seems to me that he is more interested in mud-slinging than defending the neutrality of the PA. if he were truly neutral, he wouldnt have written this note to slam the workers’ party? surely a chairman of a YEC would have a higher EQ than this?
Tuesday at 7:43pm · LikeUnlike

Oh Boshun: anyway, let him say what he want to say! he want to kaopeikaobu also can! the real volunteers who truly have a heart to serve SINGAPOREANS (not the pap) wouldnt be engaging in silly flame wars or mud-slinging. we serve with passion, not PAPssion!
Tuesday at 7:59pm · LikeUnlike

Sebastian Mugger Tan: I suppose it’s just a coincidence that sooo many PAP people are GRL then. TOC’s quote line seems to be the most interesting part of the note.
Tuesday at 9:33pm · LikeUnlike

Robin Ho: What a load of bullshit…
Tuesday at 10:15pm · LikeUnlike

Ser Yunn: LHL is chairman of PA full-stop

____________

from The Temasek Review’s Facebook page to the question “Sear Hock Rong is a YPAP leader of Eunos grassroots organizations. Do you believe him?”

Long Zijing: no.
Wednesday at 8:47am · LikeUnlike 1 person

Ian Jerico Lim: He look like a troll to me
Wednesday at 8:47am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Ivy Carcass Lim: He is a durian trying to convince Singaporeans that he is a sweet little lychee.
Wednesday at 8:48am · LikeUnlike · 8 people

Cradius Yuyuan: ‎3 words. Wait long long
Wednesday at 8:49am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Tee Ian Pang: PUI!
Wednesday at 8:51am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Arron Teo: Ohhhh really…
Wednesday at 8:55am · LikeUnlike

Ello Sponge: BULL lah
Wednesday at 8:57am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Angie Lim: Anyone connected to YPAP or NTUC – pls do not trust them at all!!!
Wednesday at 8:58am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Rayvest Toh: Serve the people of Singapore … then why thumbs up in front of Malaysia Flag ???
Wednesday at 8:58am · LikeUnlike · 4 peopleLoading…

Ello Sponge: EUNOS srsly needs upgrading
Wednesday at 8:58am · LikeUnlike

Kenny Chan: Nope. Not born yesterday.
Wednesday at 8:59am · LikeUnlike

Beyond Natural: Ha ha ha! *Sarcasm*
Wednesday at 9:01am · LikeUnlike

Joel Ng: Yes i believe he’s saying truth. 1% PA support opps perhaps.. this typical tactic of ensuring political correctness by having all signs of neutrality: logo etc
Wednesday at 9:02am · LikeUnlike

招福: just curious .. in the picture .. how come flying malaysia’s flag not singapore’s ?? ???
Wednesday at 9:03am · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading…

Michael Learns To Rot: just like a robber saying that he rob because he wants to help the singaporean…
Wednesday at 9:03am · LikeUnlike 2 people

Wee Keong Lee: lanjiao understand!??? _|_
Wednesday at 9:03am · LikeUnlike

Joel Ng: But their actions will speak otherwise.. CC/RC dun allow orange shirts to use their toilet etc during rally r just minor examples..
Wednesday at 9:04am · LikeUnlike · 5 people

Grace Yeo: all my life in singapore i have never benefitted from any RC or grassroot activities, EVER, neither have i seen the MP, not even during GE. Who else have similar experiences?
Wednesday at 9:05am · LikeUnlike · 16 people

Arnold Goh: It is hard for others to believe him and for him to be non-partisan. This is due to the fact that he belongs to one particular group. If he were to be completely unbiased, whether consciously or unconsciously, people would question his alle…giance and faith to his group, especially if he’s from PAP and the group has already built up so much bad rapport with the people. Usually people have a tendency to be ‘pro-employer’ i.e like if you work for Gardenia bread, you may say Sunshine bread not as nice.

Having said that however, I believe every organization has a few black sheeps, or in this case black shirts (pardon the lameness). While it’s not always a bad thing, they may actually be the deviant ones from what the general organizational culture is. I guess we have to admit that there were one or two good ex-PAPpies; i.e Dr Lily Neo. (Can’t think of any others liao.. LOL).

But then again, actions speak louder than words. Let’s see how much he does in this 5 years and we shall judge from there. I’m sure we people are smart enough, and have the mental capability to exercise criticial analysis on whether a person is wayanging and/or sincere in his actions. Or I might be wrong… Oh wells, just saying :PSee More
Wednesday at 9:06am · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Jason Lee He: I dunno but I have YPAP fren serving the people under Dr Lily Neo and they are really serving.
Wednesday at 9:07am · LikeUnlike 1 person

Jordan Lim: Its a known fact that PA was created by PA*beep*. So, not serving its creator, is simply not funny.
Wednesday at 9:15am · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading…

Samuel Joel Cheng: This is a picture of his holidays/vacation pictures in msia, that explains the msia flag, and the thumbs up to enjoying his time there. Those that questioned the flag, should have ur ans. 🙂
Wednesday at 9:15am · LikeUnlike

Mahfuz Wan Abdullah: How come during the election all hands of the Ccc, rc, are busy hanging PAPposters while I don’t see them helping to put up WP posters.
Wednesday at 9:21am · LikeUnlike · 10 people

招福: ‎@samuel looks like this is the only picture he has … he should take more picture .. take some infornt of our country’s flag and be PROUD of it (:
Wednesday at 9:21am · LikeUnlike

Alvin Poon: Still remember the SMS sent to the PAP volunteers and grassroot leaders, on giving any on-goings from the opposition parties, pre- GE 11? Just wonder if he’s one of them sending the SMS…
Wednesday at 9:24am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Colin Tay: Maybe he is saying this after he had repented.. ;p
Wednesday at 9:32am · LikeUnlike
Ira Khai
Quote from his facebook Page regarding this article, this guy wrote :-

“Mr Pritam Singh wants to make WP’s Aljunied Constituency Committee neutral. Have you seen their committee line-up?

Mr Low Thia Khiang is Chairman. Ms Sylvia Lim is Co-Cha…irman. Their key office bearers and members are all WP members. Their Aljunied Constituency Committee logo carries the Hammer logo. They sell their one-day tour tickets at the Meet-the-People Session. All these make a huge conflict of interest.”

Now, Do we see other constituency commitee controlled by PAP have oppo members in it? I dont think so.. So what did he expect? Pap members or grassroots to be in Aljunied committee?

On selling tickets during MPS, i think its alright since WP need to set up funds on their own, unlike PA who has a BIG FUND to dip their hands into. HUge conflict of interest?? I think PA grassroots/pap/town council has a more conflict of interest than that.

Lets face it PAP has been politicising PA grassroots for YEARS, directly or indirectly, is just whether the people are aware of it. Im aware, are you?

Who is this guy trying to kid with what hes trying to say here?

While some grassroots ppl join to really serve the community, some join have their own agenda, for the perks, to carry balls – khai
Wednesday at 9:33am · LikeUnlike · 9 people

Mohammad Nizam TransformingPap: Yes I believe him, and I also believe in UFOs and Aliens, and life on the Sun.
Wednesday at 9:37am · LikeUnlike · 8 people

Phia Moquuy: he more he trying to explian,he more untrue face is hiding behind him.
Wednesday at 9:37am · LikeUnlike · 2 peopleLoading…

Din Beramboi: bovine excrement
Wednesday at 9:38am · LikeUnlike

Sha Ika: Bullcrap. Hock Rong go fly a damned kite.
Wednesday at 9:38am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Royal Tay: His a nice guy people… Im anti pap and his pro pap but seriously he will help anyone who needs help
Wednesday at 9:40am · LikeUnlike

Ito Hiro มูน: haha. no.
Wednesday at 9:41am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Soh Kwong Hwee: Wait till Halley’s Comet comes again….maybe will believe…..
Wednesday at 9:41am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Royal Tay: But his still my friend
Wednesday at 9:41am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Fishy Cat: even PA staff told me privately that they are there to help organize the so-called “grassroots” to serve PAP’s interest. the problem is everyone in singapore knows it, LOL. Seah Hock Rong is either a brainwashed daft or a “three-legs” scumbag.
Wednesday at 9:44am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Terence Lim: As long as u are given a choice to choose, I doubt you have made a choice based on neutrality.
Wednesday at 9:56am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Alvin Ann: if WP MP are appointed as Advisor instead of from the losing PAP… i may bit of believe what he says.
Wednesday at 10:14am · LikeUnlike

Yan Hou: Talk cock la! Still tell people to wave at them! If you have genuinely served and ppl have felt it and benefitted from it, u don have to ppl to wave to you, they will do it automatically out of respect for what u have done.
Wednesday at 10:15am · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Samy Rajoo: hsa ha ha ha ha ha ha omg rofl 🙂
Wednesday at 10:21am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Leon Yap: Yes…0.1% of me believe you while the 99.9% of me don’t.
Wednesday at 10:23am · LikeUnlike

Jeric Tan: Full of crap from him..
Wednesday at 10:27am · LikeUnlike 1 person

Jamaluddin Majid: Mmmmmmm…..nope…nxt!!!
Wednesday at 10:40am · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading…
明天: ‎_l_
Wednesday at 10:43am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Bhakt Yap: Cheap publicity. Period.
Wednesday at 10:43am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Ronald Lim: Sear, you article had reveal your hidden agenda, to explain your passion to serve the citizen, you do not require to mention a single word about how Worker Party works. It turn me off once i read about the hammer logo thingy in your article, you are just trying to smear the Worker Party. You are not serving PAP? Then you are serving TNP or SPH.
Wednesday at 10:44am · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Meiling Lim: A volunteer must know which group he stands for. If he chooses yPAP, he must stand by yPAP objectives.
Wednesday at 10:44am · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Wynn Ng: Ya volunteer!! Who believe! I have a frd who is a grassroot member gg to get flat soon then the MP asked which area, which floor he want, he will help him write letter to hdb for that particular unit. Volunteer??? My foot!!
Wednesday at 10:44am · LikeUnlike · 3 people

Neo Thiam Leng: Another joker after MG CCS.
Wednesday at 10:47am · LikeUnlike

House Sparrow: I feel like little red riding hood.
Wednesday at 10:48am · LikeUnlike

Russell Teo: What is wrong with having party logo on CC and T-shirt and have e same party colour on r shirt?

Do u all really think PA will really serve Aljunied after their master lost?

Look at PP for last 29yrs and Hougang for last 20yrs.

There is not a single PA activity unless there is election
Wednesday at 10:49am · LikeUnlike · 3 people

Brian Tan: If you are really into community work, you can join organisations like NKF or Cancer Society, you can even advertise in the papers for free tuition. Why grassroots?? You want to save on season parking is it ?
Wednesday at 10:52am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Meiling Lim: You have to ask, whether a PAP volunteer equates to PAP supporter. Why do they want to serve PAP and not other volunteer groups? Why Sear Hock Rong chooses to be a non-partisan, but join yPAP? He needs to make a public clarification. There …is a conflict of interest here in what he does and represents. This is not what I know when I attended the recruitment drive at yPAP. Is there a political climate change within PAP?See More
Wednesday at 10:55am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Ronald Lim: ‎@ Russell Teo, yes you are right. Why aren’t they continue serving when Worker Party is their “boss”, When one are sincere in serving the PEOPLE, it does matter who the “boss” is or which “boss” can rewards them most.
Wednesday at 10:57am · LikeUnlike · 3 people

Bujang Teruna: ‎’We do not serve the PAP nor WP. We are volunteers who serve the people of Singapore…LIKE REAL ONLY….
Wednesday at 10:59am · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Meiling Lim: ‎@James Rodimus Prime, as we are non-partisan, I guess it is time we talk to PA grassroot leaders and recruit them under our arm. I believe there are indeed many non-partisans in there. I also believe what the article wrote is true. I guess we have to visit each PA site and do some checking. This can be our next task.
Wednesday at 11:09am · LikeUnlike · 1 personLoading…

Royal Tay: trust me , he really serves the people, not the political bodies..
Wednesday at 11:10am · LikeUnlike

Ello Sponge: TRUST MUST BE EARNED.
Wednesday at 11:11am · LikeUnlike

Royal Tay: ‎=) yeah
Wednesday at 11:12am · LikeUnlike

Royal Tay: our common enemy should be the FTs not our own people though
Wednesday at 11:12am · LikeUnlike 1 person

Leon Yap: ‎@Royal: What are you talking about? The real mastermind are the ones who let so many of the FTs in & those who serve their masters. Sadly, Mr Sear is one of their minions.
Wednesday at 11:32am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Zhao Sheng Xue: For someone who dun even dare to be open on their facebook profile, this “netrual” grassroots leader really has a lot to comment on.
Wednesday at 11:37am · LikeUnlike 1 person

Titus Leong: JIAO WEI
Wednesday at 11:39am · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Phia Moquuy: next time you see him,just point your middle finger at him
Wednesday at 12:06pm · LikeUnlike · 2 people

Pan Roger: Serving his own self interest,dun wan to trust tis guy.
Wednesday at 12:10pm · LikeUnlike · 2 people

John Loo: If the PA grassroots are truly impartial, then why does WP need to set up it’s own alternative grassroots. Now aljunid Grc has got two teams – 1. PA funded by govt and 2. WP volunteers funded by itself.
Wednesday at 12:11pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Vin Vincent: When doing the obvious but saying the opposite.
Ur words r doubtful.
Wednesday at 12:14pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

John Loo: Government funded PA not working with elected MPs to serve the people? Instead they appoint their own advisors who are PAP members. Shouldn’t they respect the people’s choice and work with leaders who has the people’s mandate.
Wednesday at 12:17pm · LikeUnlike · 4 people

HuiChuan Zhang: This guy dreaming or whar? Old man already said PA is PAP liao….
Wednesday at 12:19pm · LikeUnlike · 4 people

Wilson Tay: Wow “join the PA for job opportunities/free parking/priority for Primary One registration.” how to sign up ah?
Wednesday at 12:22pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

John Stuart Mill: Then why join YPAP and not other social groups?
Wednesday at 12:27pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Kenny Sg: if u are out to be a volunteer why must go around n ask people to wave n thanks the grassroot leader for serving the community?…typical PAP shit hock rong…lol
Wednesday at 12:54pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Erik Seeto: PA non partisan ? I guess their shit don’t smell either.
Wednesday at 1:41pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Larry Tan: Ooh Ngia Boh
Wednesday at 2:03pm · LikeUnlike ·1 person

Ng Poh Cheun: Fake. All Fakers. Young fart or old fart, all fakers!
Wednesday at 2:27pm · LikeUnlike

Derek Toh: Oh…………….. “YPAP”….. And you don’t support he MIW?
Wednesday at 2:32pm · LikeUnlike

Derek Toh http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wrong-Party-page-and-fans-are-rubbish/233500646675725
Wednesday at 2:35pm · LikeUnlike

Andrew Neo: Sear Hock Wrong
Wednesday at 2:47pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Akira Hideyo: They are all hardcore brown nosers. That ‘s how the “crooked” crumbles. 🙂
Wednesday at 2:58pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Ronald Lim: ‎@Phia Moquuy, Pointing Middle finger is an Universal Hand signal and had been overcome by the saying of ” there are actually four finger pointing at yourself”, give these guys your Ten finger pointing at him. ( can be further enhance by taking off your shoe and sock.)
Wednesday at 3:17pm · LikeUnlike

Faizal Maidin: He is just another PAP helper. Lee kuan yew has already admitted that all CDCs, CCCS, PAs and RCs are PAP.
Wednesday at 3:29pm · LikeUnlike

Muhammad Rahiz: Try this: Go to your constituency’s MPS. Introduce yourself as a supporter of an alternative party before bringing up your agenda and see how the MP or his/her assistants react.
Wednesday at 3:54pm · LikeUnlike

Royal Tay: We shud attack the master not the minions , without a brain , the minions will dissipate in due time
Wednesday at 4:53pm · LikeUnlike

Ong Weini Winnie: hopefully if wp becomes government in future, have to change the illogical laws. sometimes the volunteers or people working there can be nice but up up above it’s still controlled by pxx which is not supposed to be so. real losers, after losing the area they stop everything like upgrading etc tsk tsk tsk.
Wednesday at 8:40pm · LikeUnlike

Leon Dylen: ‎””…be misled to think that all PA grassroots leaders are from the PAP and they join the PA for job opportunities/free parking/priority for Primary One registration..”
Wednesday at 8:58pm · LikeUnlike

Leon Dylen: dont be misled indeed bcos there are much more benefits, such as priority in selecting hdb flats. go to the top of your flat (if u live in one), the top floor units usually belongs to…. guess?
Wednesday at 9:00pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Ng Poh Cheun: That Sear Idiot is an arrogant bully. Now PAP lost in Aljunied GRC then he says this kind of thing. When he thought PAP was infallible and invincible, he actually challenged me to help the oppositions bring down PAP.
Wednesday at 9:14pm · LikeUnlike · 1 person

Loo See How Micheal: Sear Hock Rong.. wait long long wave for YPAP
Wednesday at 9:38pm · LikeUnlike

Elizabeth Lim: Is the chief of YPAP still that fella who owns nuffnang?
Wednesday at 10:20pm · LikeUnlike

Abner Koh: wow, Poh Chuen seems to hate the PAP a lot 🙂
Wednesday at 11:29pm · LikeUnlike

Ng Poh Cheun: ‎@Abner, you another Sear? Which of your eyes saw I hate PAP?
21 hours ago · LikeUnlike

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The People’s Association (Amendment) Bill

Parliament No:8
Session No:2
Volume No:66
Sitting No:8
Sitting Date: 1996-10-10
Title: PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL
MPs Speaking: Mr Wong Kan Seng (Minister for Home Affairs); Mr Cheo Chai Chen; Mr Chiam See Tong; Mr Low Thia Khiang; Mr Tan Soo Khoon (Mr Speaker);

PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL

Order for Second Reading read.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Wong Kan Seng): Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, “That the Bill be now read a Second time.”

This Bill seeks to amend the People’s Association (PA) Act to enlarge its objects and powers and to provide protection from personal liability to grassroots leaders and staff of the People’s Association.

Establishment of the Community Development Councils

Sir, as Singapore progresses economically, it must constantly be on guard against social stratification. We must take active measures to mitigate this should it happen. To preserve and maintain social harmony, there must be social cohesion between the successful and the less successful. The more able Singaporeans must have a sense of obligation to society and to help the less able. All Singaporeans, regardless of race and religion, have a responsibility to help foster community bonding.

Hence, the Government proposes to set up Community Development Councils (CDCs) to strengthen the social glue that holds our people together and foster community bonding. The CDCs will allow Singaporeans a greater say in the development and management of the social infrastructure within their community. The more successful Singaporeans, especially those who are not already serving in grassroots organisations, can be inducted to serve in the CDCs to care for and help the less successful. Through this process of self-help, more Singaporeans will be involved in a localised form of participative Government. We already have the Town Councils to look after the estate management. The CDCs will look after the social infrastructure.

The CDC will:

(a) have responsibility and funds to develop bonding among members of each local community; and

(b) induct the more successful Singaporeans, especially those not presently involved in grassroots organisations, to serve, care for and help the less successful.

A few CDCs will first be set up as a pilot scheme. Eventually, CDCs will be established to cover the whole country.

Objects and Powers of the PA

Sir, the Government proposes to establish the CDCs initially under the People’s Association Act. However, the existing objects and powers of the PA specified in section 9 of the PA Act are not wide enough to cover all the activities of the CDCs. The proposed amendments will enlarge the functions of the PA Act to cover the activities of the CDCs. When formed under the PA Act, the CDCs will become committees of the PA. Clause 2 of the Bill amends section 9(1) of this Act to provide for this.

In time, as more experience is gained, a new legislation could be introduced for the CDCs after they have been in operation for some years and when their role expands. That was also how Town Councils were developed. The Ang Mo Kio Town Council, for example, was established about two years before the Town Councils Act was enacted in 1988. As a “pilot” Town Council, the Ang Mo Kio Town Council was managing and maintaining the common properties of the HDB estates in Ang Mo Kio, delegated by the HDB.

Protection from Personal Liability

Sir, in view of the enlarged functions of the PA, there is also a need to protect its grassroots leaders and staff from being personally liable while acting under the direction of the PA or its committees. Protection from personal liability is a standard provision in the Acts of statutory boards, including the Town Councils Act. The PA Act does not have this provision. Hence, clause 3 provides a new section 9A to protect grassroots leaders and staff of the PA from personal liability when they act in good faith under the direction of the PA Board.

Sir, I beg to move.

Question proposed.

Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the People’s Association is formed with the objective of fostering community bonding and enhancing the social cohesiveness of the people. In order to achieve this objective, it must be done regardless of race, religious and political beliefs. However, nowadays, the community-based organisations under the People’s Association such as the CCCs and RCs have become grassroots organisations of the People’s Action Party.

In the past, when there were no opposition parties in Parliament, the elected Members of Parliament were automatically appointed advisors to the grassroots organisations in their respective constituencies. However, since the Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party, Mr Jeyaretnam, was returned to Parliament, the arrangement was changed. A PAP Member of Parliament of another constituency was appointed advisor to the grassroots organisations there, and a second advisor was appointed to supervise grassroots organisation in an opposition constituency. As we all know, the second advisor would eventually become the PAP candidate in the next general election. Now the second advisors can work the ground in the constituency and gain political capital. On the other hand, the Opposition MP who was elected by the people to represent them in Parliament cannot make use of the facilities and resources of the community-based organisations. He is, in fact, excluded from these community-based organisations. This once again shows that the PAP Government does not respect the decision of the people. Are community-based organisations under the People’s Association really formed for the purpose of enhancing the cohesiveness of the people? Or are they actually enhancing the cohesiveness of the PAP supporters?

In order to remedy this, we should also amend the People’s Association Act to give the following effect: that elected Members of Parliament of all the single constituencies and GRCs shall be consulted in all activities carried out by the People’s Association in the constituencies, and the elected Members of Parliament shall be appointed advisors to the grassroots organisations therein, in order to achieve the objectives of the People’s Association.

Mr Cheo Chai Chen (Nee Soon Central)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the People’s Association (Amendment) Bill 1996 seeks to enhance the social cohesiveness of the people. In order to enhance social cohesiveness, the elected Member of Parliament should be allowed to participate in the grassroots organisations because he is the representative elected by the people. He has the support of the majority of the constituents. Logically, he should be automatically appointed advisor to the grassroots organisations in the constituency to lead and motivate the residents into participating in activities organised by these grassroots organisations. However, there is no such provision in this Amendment Bill. Accordingly, I propose that there should be a provision in the People’s Association Act that the elected Member of Parliament for the constituency should automatically become the advisor to the grassroots organisations therein.

Mr Chiam See Tong (Potong Pasir): Sir, there is a glaring discrimination against the Opposition MPs. All Opposition MPs are not appointed advisors to the grassroots organisations whereas all PAP Members of Parliament are automatically appointed advisors to grassroots organisations. The Board of the People’s Association in this respect is going against the wishes of the people. The constituents want their elected representatives to be their advisors in the grassroots organisations but the People’s Association thinks otherwise. In fact, the PA has elevated a defeated PAP candidate at the polls to a higher status than the elected Opposition MP at Potong Pasir. The defeated PAP candidate is given all the facilities to win back the seat. He has been given special facilities such as a room in the void deck to hold meetings and to hold his meet-the-people sessions. That room is fully air-conditioned and fully equipped with computers and other clerical aids. On the other hand, the elected Opposition MP has to work from a table that is placed in the open void deck, no different from a fortune teller plying his trade on a five-foot way.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Another Singapore’s first.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Such is the humiliation accorded to an elected Member of Parliament. But the people of Singapore are mature. They know what is going on and such shabby treatment of an Opposition MP shall be counter-productive.

I support Mr Low’s suggestion that the Act be amended to allow all elected Opposition MPs to be appointed as advisors to the grassroots organisations. It is not just right to appoint a defeated PAP candidate to be the advisor of grassroots organisations, such as in Potong Pasir, it is an incongruity which must be put right. At Potong Pasir, as an elected MP, in fact I have to make applications for CIPC funds to the Chairman of the CCC for which the defeated candidate is the advisor. How do you think the defeated candidate will advise the CCC? To give support to the Opposition’s application? Naturally not. My Town Council’s applications for CIPC funds have been rejected. I am not surprised at those rejections. How can one expect a defeated candidate, who is trying hard to unseat the incumbent Member of Parliament, to support that MP in his community projects for which he will gain credit, and to make his own chances of success to be elected more remote?

If the Opposition Member of Parliament is not made an advisor to the grassroots organisations, the Opposition constituency shall be deprived of CIPC funds and other benefits and it shall be put in a most disadvantageous position. So I call upon the Minister to amend the Act.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, it came as no surprise to me that the three Opposition MPs have raised the same point. I suppose they may have discussed among themselves. But this is not a new point. It is a question which has been raised on many occasions, ever since I was the Minister for Community Development. A question was raised by Mr Chiam about the role of grassroots organisations and the advisors and the role of the Opposition. And I have explained many times too that grassroots organisations and the PA serve the interest of the Government. The Government’s objective is to ensure that its programmes are carried out, its policies are understood, facilities are open to the public, and to make sure that they come in and enjoy the facilities and at the same time to take part in discussions and feedback and various other activities. So, from time to time, the grassroots organisations carry out all these Government policies.

I have also said in the past that I find it very difficult to believe that Opposition MPs will serve this role well, compared to the people that the Government will appoint. And, in this instance, we happen to appoint all our Members of Parliament to be the advisors of grassroots organisations and people whom we think can carry out Government policies to be their advisors. So, for the same reason now, I am telling the three Members here that we do not think that they can really perform the role that the Government envisages of the advisors of the grassroots organisations and therefore they will not be appointed as advisors.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, clarification. The Minister has just mentioned that the grassroots organisations serve the PAP Government’s interest. That is what he has mentioned.

Some hon. Members: Serve the Government.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: So perhaps the grassroots organisations should be separated from the community organisations. The Amendment Bill says “the fostering of community bonding and strengthening of social cohesion amongst the people of Singapore”. If the grassroots organisation is going to be termed as a community organisation, and where a constituency is held by the Opposition, the people clearly voted for the Opposition, how do you propose to bond the people of Singapore? I would suggest that maybe it is more appropriate to say, “the fostering of community bonding and strengthening of social cohesion amongst the PAP supporters of Singapore.” What is the view of the Minister?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, I mentioned the Government’s programmes and policies. Of course, this is a PAP Government. There is no doubt about that. But Government’s interest is to look after every Singaporean’s interest. Therefore, social cohesion is one of the objectives and you must find the organisation that will serve this objective. There is nothing to stop the four Members of the Opposition from having their own committees to do the same thing. But as far as the organisations that the PA has, these are to serve the Government’s interest and the Government’s programmes.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister saying that if the Opposition were to form a committee, it would be recognised as a community-based committee and thereby accorded the same status and privilege as those committees under the PA?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, right now, the Opposition already have facilities to do that. They have access to town councils. They can do projects within the town councils. If you look at the Town Councils Act, it gives you enough leeway to do what you think is necessary for this purpose.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, my question was whether if such committee is formed by the Opposition, it will be recognised and accorded the same privilege as these committees under the PA. And I wish to remind the Minister that the Town Councils Act is going to be amended today as well which would make it difficult.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, the People’s Association Act does not provide for such committees to be formed outside the Act, as required by the Member for Hougang. The PA Act has its own committees and organisations.

Mr Low Thia Khiang rose —

Mr Speaker: Mr Low, may I remind you that the debate has ended and I have allowed you to seek clarification. But I will not allow you to continue with the questioning.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, a clarification

Mr Speaker: All right. One last clarification.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: I wish to clarify. How does the Minister propose to foster community bonding and promote community spirit when the Opposition is excluded from the community by the Act and by the actual appointment of advisor?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, what he is saying is that the Opposition Member of Parliament is excluded. But by excluding the Opposition Member of Parliament from the grassroots organisations does not mean that these grassroots organisations cannot perform the role of fostering community spirit and social cohesion. There are other leaders and people whom we can find to do the job, and they are much better than the Opposition.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Further clarification, Sir. Does the Minister say that the people who are doing the community work should be politically neutral to serve the interest of the community or are they supposed to serve the PAP Government?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, the Government does not question the political inclination of the grassroots leaders. It is up to them. In fact, they may support the PAP.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, may I have a clarification from the Minister?, I suppose fostering of community bonding would mean the bonding of the different races – Malay, Chinese, Indians and others. And with regard to social cohesion, this would probably mean the cohesion of different class levels – working class and people who are not in the working class and of different professions. Can I have a clarification on this, please?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Fostering community spirit and social cohesion cover all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion.

Mr Chiam See Tong: What does the Minister understand by these two phrases? Can I have a clarification? What is community bonding and what is strengthening of social cohesion?

Mr Speaker: Order. It appears to me that the hon. Members are questioning the Minister when in effect the debate has ended. I would like to remind the Members that in seeking clarification, they should actually confine themselves to seeking clarification as defined under the Standing Orders. But it appears to me that they are putting new questions to the Minister under the guise of seeking clarification.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, I was going to follow up with another question.

Mr Speaker: Mr Chiam, you should have asked these questions during the course of your speech. That is the point that I am trying to make to you.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Can I ask the Minister then, how does he intend to have community bonding and strengthening of social cohesion when he keeps out a representative who represents 70% of the constituents? How are you going to achieve your ends?

Mr Speaker: I think these points have been raised by the Minister in the course of his speech. Mr Wong, do you still wish to reply?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: I think Mr Chiam did not understand my answer. I have already answered the question.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, the Minister, by practice and the Act, is keeping out the elected representative of the constituency from grassroots activities and he represents 70% of the constituents. If 70% of the constituents are not represented in these grassroots organisations, how is he going to achieve this end of community bonding and social cohesion? That is my question.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, I thought I have answered all these questions. He did not quite understand it. Let me repeat it one more time. These community organisations and grassroots organisations serve everyone in the constituency. It does not need the Opposition MP to be the advisor.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, the leader that he is talking about only represents 30% of the constituents. How is he going to achieve the objectives?

Mr Speaker: Order. Mr Chiam, I do not think you are seeking clarification. I think you are repeating yourself. I will put an end to the debate now.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have a further clarification.

Mr Speaker: Yes.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Under clause 2(e), it says “the carrying out of such activities as appear to the Board to be advantageous towards, or necessary or convenient for, the furtherance of the objects …”. I would like the Minister to clarify what are “such activities” referred to in the Bill. Is an activity like pasar malam considered as an activity to further the Board’s objects?

Mr Speaker: Order. Mr Low, you are not seeking clarification on the point raised by the Minister in the course of his speech. You are in fact introducing new material into the debate. I will disallow that.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House.

The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Mr Wong Kan Seng].

Bill considered in Committee.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 2 –

Mr Low Thia Khiang: Sir, I have asked the question just now. What do “such activities” refer to under clause 2 of the Amendment Bill? Is an activity like pasar malam considered as an activity to further the objects of the People’s Association?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, there are many kinds of activities that we cannot anticipate. That is why this clause is worded this way, ie, to carry out such activities as they further the objects of the Act. If pasar malam happens to help foster community bonding and gets the grassroots leaders to work together with the residents and if it provides them with an opportunity to get together, it will fall under the ambit of this Amendment Bill.

Mr Low Thia Khiang: A further clarification, Sir. What would be the principle in considering activities which would deem to be fostering community bonding? Are there any criteria or standards to decide on such activities, or just any activity as you wish?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Sir, for example, if an organisation wants to have a gambling pasar malam, a session for gambling, that definitely will not be the kind of activity that we envisage. But if an activity that helps to bring people together, provides them with a place to go to and brings the people together so that they know each other better, that will be within the spirit of this Bill.

Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Bill reported without amendment, read a Third time and passed.

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