Will Hougang MP want more time to pay for lift upgrading too?

May 22, 2012

 

I refer to media reports that the MP for Potong Pasir wants more time to pay for lift
upgrading. (“MP wants more time to pay for Potong Pasir lift upgrading”, Straits Times,
Apr 21).http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_791145.html

Unfair Government grants? 

Taking into account all the grants from the Government, PAP town councils like Aljunied
Town Council received $560 per household for the financial year ended March 2005. (“The
gathering storm”, Straits Times, Mar 25, 2006)

In contrast, government grants came up to just $113 per household in
Potong Pasir.

Since Potong Pasir residents received $447 less per household in just
one year, how much less did they receive during the 27 years that it
was an opposition ward?

 Forgotten promises?

Also, in the 2006 elections, Potong Pasir voters were promised $80
million for upgrading, if the current MP won.

So, some residents may have been influenced or under the impression
that they would get some upgrading help if they voted for the current
MP for Potong Pasir.

At the end of the day, even if the Ministry of National Development
(MND) approves the MP ‘s request to extend the $8.7 million owed for
upgrading by instalments and incur extra interest, ultimately it may
be the residents who have to pay through the town council’s funds.

In view of the lower government grants over the years and upgrading
promises, shouldn’t Potong Pasir residents get more upgrading help
than just getting an extension to pay with extra interest?

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.