PM Lee recently launched a new initiative in the Aljunied GRC at the Bedok Reservoir- Punggol division.
The initiative was the CARE network (Community Action, Response and Engagement). It was set up by the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol CCC but PM Lee came down on Sunday to officially launch the initiative.
They made a huge event out of it with a carnival and picnic and justified this saying that it as a "early celebration" of Singapore's national day in the ward. (Currently held by opposition)
PM Lee explained to residents that the CARE network would send out messages to residents about localised news such as outbreaks of dengue and it could also be used to give important updates about haze and other outbreaks such as SARS.
"CARE also means we care for one another, look out for one another and do our part to improve our community. We'll do this in the whole of Singapore, regardless of who the MP is or which party runs the ward. So those in Aljunied and Hougang, we hope you can encourage your friends to join too," said Mr Lee.
While the initiative is good, I wonder why the opposition MP is not the person to liaise with? If they hope to get everyone living in the area to subscribe to the messaging system, wouldn't the MP be in a better position to promote it? The MP has channels such as Meet the People Sessions (MPS) and manages the town council. Surely anyone in their right mind would agree that the messaging system would be good for the community. Surely the elected MP would not oppose this either.
Why is the grassroots advisor, who is probably going to be the future PAP candidate for the next GE present to announce the initiative and not the elected MP? Here, Victor Lye, the PAP branch chairman in the area is referred to as CCC chairman and not grassroots advisor (though he holds that title too).
PM Lee says this initiative will be implemented in other constituencies too. Why is the implementation of the CARE initiative in Aljunied so special that it necessitated a picnic, carnival and even a visit by the PM? National day is almost a month away from now. An early celebration on short notice?!
I feel that the works done by the PAP losing candidates or future candidates under the PA banner should not be politicized. That is to say, they should not use slogans like 'Always here for you' in elections when all the grassroots work under PA was supposedly non-political and has NOTHING to do with the candidate's campaign. An opposition MP if appointed as grassroots advisor could probably have done that work too. After all, most of the work is usually done by volunteers and not the grassroots advisor himself. The advisor is only present to officiate the implementation of initiatives, a largely ceremonial role.
Perhaps the familiar saying 'Buy one, get two free' is most apt here.
Aaron
TRS Contributor