Netizens criticise HDB for addressing official letter to PAP advisers before elected opposition MPs

SINGAPORE: On 30 November, Louis Chua, Workers’ Party Member of Parliament for Sengkang GRC, shared positive news regarding Blocks 133–141 at Rivervale Street, which have been proposed as part of Batch 17 of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP).

In a post shared on his Facebook and Instagram accounts, Chua, who represents the Rivervale division of Sengkang GRC, shared an email exchange from his teammate, He Ting Ru, providing the latest update.

Interestingly, the email screenshot revealed that the correspondence was first addressed to advisers of Sengkang grassroots organisations (GROs), followed by Citizens’ Consultative Committee Chairpersons, and only later to He Ting Ru, who is also the Chairman of Sengkang Town Council.

Advisers to Sengkang GROs include Dr Lam Pin Min, Dr Mohamed Elmie Bin Nekmat, and Theodora Lai. Dr Lam is currently the branch chairman of the Sengkang West branch of the People’s Action Party (PAP).

Chua explained that Sengkang Town Council (SKTC) and other town councils have been nominating eligible blocks for the Housing and Development Board (HDB to consider in previous HIP exercises.

For instance, Blocks 229–236 Compassvale Walk were eventually approved under HIP Batch 16.

This time, the HDB has pre-selected the remaining HIP-eligible blocks in the town for inclusion in projects, streamlining the process to expedite the selection.

Chua assured residents that further updates will be provided once the project selection has been finalised.

He also emphasised that SKTC will continue collaborating with the HDB to ensure the smooth implementation of the HIP, along with other estate-related works in Sengkang Town.

Netizens Question HDB’s Prioritisation of Non-Elected Advisers Over MPs

Observing the comment section, it is evident that WP supporters and netizens have raised concerns over the perceived prioritisation of non-elected advisers over elected MPs in official communications from HDB.

Comments highlighted dissatisfaction with what they saw as a disregard for democratic representation, with one user labelling the arrangement as “ridiculous” as  advisers —who are often aligned with PAP— being priotised over the incumbent elected MPs which are from opposition, asserting that such a practice undermines the authority of elected representatives chosen by the people.

Another comment highlighted confusion regarding constituency development projects in Sengkang, particularly when both WP MPs and former PAP minister appear to be involved. The comment expressed hope that the WP MPs’ hard work would be distinctly recognised, especially during the General Election.

Meanwhile, law practitioner Yeoh Lian Chuan voiced his perspective, emphasising that the practice of relegating opposition wards to a lower priority—once associated with the PAP and described as an abuse of state power—should be permanently abandoned.

He urged for such ideas to be “consigned to the dustbin of history where they belong.”

Obstacles Faced by Opposition MPs in Community Engagement and Resource Access

In GE2020, the PAP candidates led by former minister Ng Chee Meng, included former Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Amrin Amin, and Raymond Lye contested in the Sengkang GRC.

The Workers’ Party team won the GRC and secured 52.13% of the votes, while the PAP received 47.87%.

Despite the loss, Dr Lam Pin Min continues to serve as a Grassroots Adviser for Sengkang West.

In June last year, Chua also expressed his surprise for not being invited to a local HDB event in the ward he represents.

Interestingly, certain PAP figures, inclduing Dr Lam, were present and actively involved in the event.

At the time, Chua remarked on Facebook, “As neither a PA-appointed grassroots adviser nor a grassroots leader, I don’t think I received an invitation from the HDB.”

Despite this oversight, Mr Chua attended the event as a community member and noted that he had the “great pleasure of connecting informally with many excited residents.”

Such incidents underscore the challenges non-PAP elected MPs face in participating in community engagement activities and accessing crucial resources for community improvement.

This includes the Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) funds, a significant government grant intended to enhance local facilities such as covered walkways, footpaths, and cycling tracks.

In April 2023, Ms He posed a parliamentary question to PAP Minister Mr Edwin Tong about the regulations governing interactions between grassroots organizations, the People’s Association (PA), and Government agency outreach efforts.

Mr Tong, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, affirmed that the PA does not conduct any activity with any political party, nor does it allow its venues to be used for partisan purposes.