PA must stay neutral

The Straits Times; Published on Sep 1, 2011
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
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_708159.html
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