By: Forever Vagabond
It was reported that the Woodlands Zone 9 RC was selling $2 tickets in order for residents in the area to “chit chat” with their elected representative to the Parliament, MP Ong Teng Koon (https://theindependent.sg.sg/
Ong Teng Koon is an MP in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC. He is the son of former Nee Soon Central MP Ong Ah Heng. As early as in 2001 just after he graduated, he was already following his father in walkabouts, supporting the PAP during the previous GEs (http://news.asiaone.com/
The $2 per pax charge was probably levied to cover the cost of food provided at the chit-chat session. Still, considering the fact that taxpayers are already funding some $900 million (http://www.singaporebudget.
PA’s website said, “PA offers a wide range of programmes to cater to Singaporeans from all walks of life – connecting people to people, and people and government. We do this through our network of 1,800 grassroots organisations (GROs), over 100 Community Clubs, five Community Development Councils, National Community Leadership Institute and Water-Venture.”
So, since this is a “connecting people and government” activity, shouldn’t PA pay for the food at the “chit chat” session with MP Ong Teng Koon from its $900 million budget?
For that matter, what if some residents had already taken their breakfast at home and just wanted to meet the MP to give him feedback? Since the emphasis is to connect the people with the government through “chat chatting”, food should be secondary.
No need to buy tickets to chit chat with MP Chen Show Mao
Perhaps the PAP grassroots members and MPs should learn a thing or two from our opposition MPs.
The following was a brochure inviting residents to meet WP MP Chen Show Mao in Aljunied GRC 2 years ago. Do you see MP Chen asking the residents to go buy tickets first and further telling them that “Tickets selling fast!” ?
