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http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/town-council-seems-untouchable-20141217
I AM concerned by the situation at the Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC), which appears "untouchable" ("Worrying lack of transparency" by Mr Lau Hak Tiong"; last Saturday).
Untouchable because the town council has not submitted its monthly arrears report since May last year, and there seems to be nothing the authorities can do about it.
From past reports, there appears to be mismanagement and poor governance on the part of AHPETC.
If this is not true, surely, the town council ought to have responded by now to set the record straight, instead of promising again and again to give an explanation "in due course" ("WP pledges to explain handling of S&CC arrears"; last Saturday). This is unbecoming of AHPETC.
By its irrelevant and evasive replies so far, one cannot be faulted for thinking that there is really something amiss.
The next question would be: What can the authorities do if the non-compliance and silence continue indefinitely?
If an opposition party is unable to manage its constituencies, I dread the day when that party wins more seats or, worse, gets to govern Singapore.
There is legislation in place to penalise individuals and businesses for flouting the law. Thus, I am puzzled that there is none for town councils that handle millions of dollars.
David Poon Soon Cheong
I AM concerned by the situation at the Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC), which appears "untouchable" ("Worrying lack of transparency" by Mr Lau Hak Tiong"; last Saturday).
Untouchable because the town council has not submitted its monthly arrears report since May last year, and there seems to be nothing the authorities can do about it.
From past reports, there appears to be mismanagement and poor governance on the part of AHPETC.
If this is not true, surely, the town council ought to have responded by now to set the record straight, instead of promising again and again to give an explanation "in due course" ("WP pledges to explain handling of S&CC arrears"; last Saturday). This is unbecoming of AHPETC.
By its irrelevant and evasive replies so far, one cannot be faulted for thinking that there is really something amiss.
The next question would be: What can the authorities do if the non-compliance and silence continue indefinitely?
If an opposition party is unable to manage its constituencies, I dread the day when that party wins more seats or, worse, gets to govern Singapore.
There is legislation in place to penalise individuals and businesses for flouting the law. Thus, I am puzzled that there is none for town councils that handle millions of dollars.
David Poon Soon Cheong
