29th April 2014
By Fabian Wong
Feedback from a numbers of quarters has led the Government to consider putting on trial a number of public facilities for use by citizens only. These will include crèches, public swimming pools, public libraries and many other facilities funded by the public purse which have yet to be identified. Daniel Patrick, Director and Head of the newly formed body Citizens First which will be fall under the umbrella of the Ministry of Social & Culture Development will spearhead the move.
Joo Chiat grassroots leader, Tan Chye Eng said that many of the residents have stopped using the facilities due to overcrowding while others feel alienated as the majority of the users are foreigners. He added that he welcomed foreigners as they contribute to Singapore but felt that the numbers are overwhelming especially for the elderly.
Haslinda Mahmood felt that days of Sepak Takraw played by the Malays followed by badminton and basketball by the Chinese has gone. Now just basketball with Filipino teams taking turns to take to the courts. She felt sad that a part of Singapore life has been lost forever.
Daniel Patrick cautioned people that only a certain number will be set aside for the pilot phase. It's usage will be monitored and only if there is sufficient usage will it be converted to permanent use for citizens. Citizens are therefore urged to use them but should understand that if it is reverted to general use by all, it's because of low usage by citizens.
Asked how citizens will be identified prior to admission, he said that a citizens pass for listed facilities will be issued by the People Association. He also said that PA is working with a number of sponsors including Starbucks and Burger King to consider operating at these facilities and be part of a loyalty programme.
Lee Ee Sun, a CEC member of SUP who contested the last elections felt that it was yet another campaign to encourage permanent residents to citizens and at the same time capture votes for the coming elections.
Minister of Industrial Safety, Lawrence Ang said that this and other initiatives will be rolled out systematically to catch out those who fabricate stories as well as those who have no clue who their ministers are, the opposition identities or just the general nature of politics of Singapore. He also suggested that we all take a break and enjoy life within the gaps that we find in our busy lives.
By Fabian Wong
Feedback from a numbers of quarters has led the Government to consider putting on trial a number of public facilities for use by citizens only. These will include crèches, public swimming pools, public libraries and many other facilities funded by the public purse which have yet to be identified. Daniel Patrick, Director and Head of the newly formed body Citizens First which will be fall under the umbrella of the Ministry of Social & Culture Development will spearhead the move.
Joo Chiat grassroots leader, Tan Chye Eng said that many of the residents have stopped using the facilities due to overcrowding while others feel alienated as the majority of the users are foreigners. He added that he welcomed foreigners as they contribute to Singapore but felt that the numbers are overwhelming especially for the elderly.
Haslinda Mahmood felt that days of Sepak Takraw played by the Malays followed by badminton and basketball by the Chinese has gone. Now just basketball with Filipino teams taking turns to take to the courts. She felt sad that a part of Singapore life has been lost forever.
Daniel Patrick cautioned people that only a certain number will be set aside for the pilot phase. It's usage will be monitored and only if there is sufficient usage will it be converted to permanent use for citizens. Citizens are therefore urged to use them but should understand that if it is reverted to general use by all, it's because of low usage by citizens.
Asked how citizens will be identified prior to admission, he said that a citizens pass for listed facilities will be issued by the People Association. He also said that PA is working with a number of sponsors including Starbucks and Burger King to consider operating at these facilities and be part of a loyalty programme.
Lee Ee Sun, a CEC member of SUP who contested the last elections felt that it was yet another campaign to encourage permanent residents to citizens and at the same time capture votes for the coming elections.
Minister of Industrial Safety, Lawrence Ang said that this and other initiatives will be rolled out systematically to catch out those who fabricate stories as well as those who have no clue who their ministers are, the opposition identities or just the general nature of politics of Singapore. He also suggested that we all take a break and enjoy life within the gaps that we find in our busy lives.
