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[h=2]Conflict of Interest Unlikely in Palmergate, say PAP MPs[/h]
December 17th, 2012 |
Author: Contributions
Like a well-coordinated orchestra under the baton of their PM Lee Hsien Loong, PAP MPs and the Straits Times have come out one after another to try to douse the flames precipitated by the illicit affairs of Michael Palmer and Laura Ong.
This time, their focus is on the issue of potential conflict of interest between the PAP and the PA, raised by many netizens in the aftermath of the scandal.
In a report today, the Straits Times highlighted that MPs have assured that the potential for conflict of interest in Palmergate was unlikely as “MPs have almost no contact with the constituency directors of other divisions”.
In its usual loose editorial standards, the broadsheet mentioned MPs in plural form but quoted only one MP, Ellen Lew from Sembawang GRC.
The reasoning of MPs like Ellen Lew is strange. There need not be interaction between the MP and the constituency director for there to be conflict of interest.
Conflict of interest can occur at the management levels of both the PA and the PAP, with both collaborating to advance the latter’s interest.
This has always been an open secret.
No where is this more stark than in Hougang where last year during the GE campaigning, the Workers Party’s Low Thia Khiang highlighted the many barriers put in place by the PA against Opposition Parties. One of these was the prohibition against Opposition Parties from setting up physical premises in PAP constituencies to hold activities. In contrast, the PAP was allowed to sublet the same premises from its PAP Community Foundation to advance its own interests.
Another glaring bias is the grassroots system under which the PA appoints the grassroots advisor in Opposition Wards. In Hougang, the PA has blatantly appointed Desmond Choo, the PAP’s losing candidate as the Advisor. Desmond Choo and PA’s relationship was exposed when the former applied to the latter to transfer 6 plots of land managed by Hougang Town Council to the PA.
Palmergate therefore personifies this cozy relationship between the PA and the PAP. This question will always remain as long as the PA is headed by PAP politicians.
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The Alternative View
[Source]: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Alternative-View/358759327518739
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Editor’s note: PA Chairman is PM Lee. PA Dty Chairman is Lim Swee Say. Special Adviser to Chairman of PA Board is Mr Lim Boon Heng. In fact, former MM Lee Kuan Yew admitted that himself when he told a visiting delegation of Chinese officials in 2009, rather proudly that “all CCs, CCCs and RCs are part of the PAP.” (Nov 2009, CNA)
This time, their focus is on the issue of potential conflict of interest between the PAP and the PA, raised by many netizens in the aftermath of the scandal.
In a report today, the Straits Times highlighted that MPs have assured that the potential for conflict of interest in Palmergate was unlikely as “MPs have almost no contact with the constituency directors of other divisions”.
In its usual loose editorial standards, the broadsheet mentioned MPs in plural form but quoted only one MP, Ellen Lew from Sembawang GRC.
The reasoning of MPs like Ellen Lew is strange. There need not be interaction between the MP and the constituency director for there to be conflict of interest.
Conflict of interest can occur at the management levels of both the PA and the PAP, with both collaborating to advance the latter’s interest.
This has always been an open secret.
No where is this more stark than in Hougang where last year during the GE campaigning, the Workers Party’s Low Thia Khiang highlighted the many barriers put in place by the PA against Opposition Parties. One of these was the prohibition against Opposition Parties from setting up physical premises in PAP constituencies to hold activities. In contrast, the PAP was allowed to sublet the same premises from its PAP Community Foundation to advance its own interests.
Another glaring bias is the grassroots system under which the PA appoints the grassroots advisor in Opposition Wards. In Hougang, the PA has blatantly appointed Desmond Choo, the PAP’s losing candidate as the Advisor. Desmond Choo and PA’s relationship was exposed when the former applied to the latter to transfer 6 plots of land managed by Hougang Town Council to the PA.
Palmergate therefore personifies this cozy relationship between the PA and the PAP. This question will always remain as long as the PA is headed by PAP politicians.
.
The Alternative View
[Source]: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Alternative-View/358759327518739
.
Editor’s note: PA Chairman is PM Lee. PA Dty Chairman is Lim Swee Say. Special Adviser to Chairman of PA Board is Mr Lim Boon Heng. In fact, former MM Lee Kuan Yew admitted that himself when he told a visiting delegation of Chinese officials in 2009, rather proudly that “all CCs, CCCs and RCs are part of the PAP.” (Nov 2009, CNA)
