Town councils: Another “half the story” clarification?

November 21, 2014

We refer to the Ministry of National Development’s (MND) press statement on town councils’ surpluses and government grants.

Kind of like “AIM”?

Just like the AIM report – this also is like telling “half the story”.

Breakdown of flats?

Why not just give the breakdown of the types of flats in the opposition and PAP town councils, and the changes before and after the last elections due to boundary changes?

Section 34?

Since as we understand it – Section 34 of the Town Councils Act states that 100% of the accumulated surplus has to be transferred to the sinking fund if the winning party is a different one – why was Aljunied allowed to contravene the legislation and only transfer 80%?

Historical grants?

Why not give the historical year-to-year total government grants and the breakdown into the different funds, for opposition and PAP town councils, so that the people can see and judge for themselves?

No upgrading for you?

Or have we forgotten that Singaporeans were threatened for decades during elections that their flats would not be upgraded if they voted for the opposition.

S Y Lee and Leong Sze Hian

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About the Author

Leong
Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional  qualifications.