ST (2 letters): How PA can show it's non-partisan; and not counterproductive.

The Straits Times; Published on Sep 7, 2011
How PA can show it's non-partisan 
IT WOULD be futile for the People's Association (PA) to continue denying that it is not neutral when it continues the practice of appointing defeated People's Action Party candidates as grassroots advisers in opposition wards ('PA explains rationale for choosing advisers'; last Saturday).
To prevent the public from continuing to lambaste the PA as being partisan, I would suggest that it does the following:
- Use its own officers as grassroots advisers in opposition wards;
- Second officers from other government departments to be grassroots advisers if PA is short of suitable officers; and
- Recruit and train officers to work as grassroots advisers.
The political landscape in Singapore has changed since the May General Election. Come what may, having some wards in the hands of the opposition will be a permanent feature and these officers will always find work to do in future.
Unless the PA is going to sweep all the present disquiet under the carpet, it would be worthwhile for it to review its practice of appointing grassroots advisers.
PA can then hold its head high and say that it is non-partisan.
Soh Ah Yuen
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_710005.html
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Discussed at:
A1forum:
07Sept2011: How PA can show it's non-partisan
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The Straits Times; Published on Sep 7, 2011
PA's stand counterproductive
I REFER to last Saturday's letter from the People's Association ('PA explains rationale for choosing advisers').
In promoting racial harmony and social cohesion, the PA can do its job better by receiving input from diverse sources, including all parliamentarians, irrespective of their political persuasions.
By excluding MPs who are not from the ruling party, the PA is shutting out views that represent a large section of people represented by these MPs.
This won't promote harmony, which the PA is meant to do.
Henry Tan
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_710004.html
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Discussed:
A1forum:
07Sept2011: PA's stand counterproductive
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Both:
HWZ:
10Sept2011: PA's reply on why Opposition MP cannot be GRA
10Sept2011: Yam Ah Mee Replies - Why opposition MPs can't be advisers to grassroots bodies
SGclub:
10Sept2011: Why Opposition MPs cannot be advisers: PA
A1forum:
10Sept2011: Advisers to grassroots bodies should be elected MPs