The Straits Times; Published on Sep 1, 2011
Explain why opposition MPs won't support policies
THE People's Association (PA) should explain why opposition MPs are not expected to support programmes such as anti-dengue and active ageing ('Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies'; yesterday). Are these not issues that affect all Singaporeans across party lines?
Sng Woei Shyong
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_707995.html
====================
The Straits Times; Published on Sep 1, 2011
PA should reset its attitude
THE People's Association (PA) has said that opposition MPs cannot be advisers to grassroots bodies because they 'cannot be expected' to help promote government policies and programmes such as anti-dengue and active ageing ('Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies'; yesterday).
This reflects a narrow and outdated view of the opposition as negative forces that will oppose anything and everything the Government does. It ignores the fact that opposition MPs have been elected by their constituents who believe they will work to promote their interests.
Why should opposition MPs oppose any policies or programmes that truly seek to improve the lives of Singaporeans?
If they were to oppose anything, it would be programmes that promote the interest of the People's Action Party (PAP), such as providing a platform for defeated PAP candidates to reach out to residents. As an independent, non-partisan public service organisation, the PA has no business to do this.
It goes against the objectives of the PA, which includes (under Section 8c of the People's Association Act) 'the fostering of community bonding and strengthening of social cohesion amongst the people of Singapore'.
Richard Seah
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_707996.html
===========
The Straits Times; Published on Sep 1, 2011
Social cohesion goes beyond cooking contests
THE People's Association (PA) stated yesterday that opposition MPs cannot be expected to support government policies and programmes ('Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies').
The stance goes against a founding objective of the association: promoting social cohesion.
Social cohesion cannot be achieved by merely organising cooking competitions and lantern festivals. The inter-human relationship in any given society is a complex equation.
By stating clearly that opposition MPs are not expected to support government programmes, the PA is insinuating that opposition parties are in permanent disagreement with the ruling party, which is not true.
By extension, the people who elected the MPs are the people whom PA is supposed to unite. Excluding the people's choice of MPs as possible grassroots advisers is tantamount to sowing unhappiness in the community.
It is disappointing that a statutory board chooses to consider an individual along political party lines.
Hong Weilun
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_707998.html
==================
Mentioned at :
07Sept2011: Why Opposition MPs cannot be advisers: PA
No comments:
Post a Comment