Delink political affiliations of grassroots bodies

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Jun 4, 2011
Delink political affiliations of grassroots bodies
I REFER to Monday's report ('PM: Unfair to criticise grassroots activists'). Being a grassroots volunteer myself, I could not help but feel that debating whether the grassroots activists are telling MPs the truth is just barking up the wrong tree.

There is simply no incentive for grassroots activists to tell MPs things they like to hear.
Unfortunately, grassroots activists have to face the reality of often being misunderstood, suspected of and ometimes even ridiculed for serving only the ruling party, rather than the people.
For grassroots organisations to be relevant and credible, there is a direneed for them to be dissociated from all political affiliations.
As a politically neutral individual, it had not been an easy decision for me to join the neighbourhood committee. However, my desire to serve was stronger than the negative feelings I had of grassroots organisations. Sadly, many capable and passionate people in my neighbourhood just refuse to step forward to serve because of the image of such organisations.
I would like to suggest that the People's Association (PA) be run like a civil service organisation in order to single-mindedly and unmistakably carry out its sole purpose of serving the people. Board members of the PA should not hold any political office. There is then no conflict of interests.
Chang Nam Yuen
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_675943.html
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Discussed at:
ST:
04Jun2011: Delink political affiliations of grassroots bodies
MCF:
15Jun2011: ST Forum:Delink political affiliations of grassroots bodies