SINGAPORE - Plans for the People's Association (PA) to take over six sites currently managed by opposition-run Hougang Town Council have been put on hold.
The decision comes after the defeated People's Action Party candidate for Hougang Desmond Choo discussed working together for the benefit of Hougang residents with Hougang Member of Parliament (MP) Yaw Shin Leong at a chance meeting during President Tony Tan's swearing-in ceremony.
According to The Straits Times, Mr Yaw offered to help whenever grassroots organisations in Hougang run into problems securing permission to use hard court areas and other sites for their events.
Mr Choo, who is the adviser to grassroots groups there, decided to take up Mr Yaw's offer.
Mr Yaw told The Straits Times that residents will benefit from being able to choose to attend activities organised by either the PA grassroots or the Workers' Party grassroots.
He also said that the two of them wanted to make it convenient for residents and let them have a choice.
The Hougang MP told The Straits Times: "Let's start anew." He also said to show Singaporeans that they can stand united as one people "despite political differentiation".
As for Mr Choo, he said they are two young men who are without any baggage and that both of them are willing to explore new avenues of cooperation.
The English daily also reported that Mr Choo will review the need for PA to lease six sites from the Housing Board after he asks grassroots leaders for feedback on sharing premises with the town council.
Mr Choo first mooted the idea of leasing six sites from the Housing Board after Hougang grassroots leaders reportedly encountered problems when they sought permits from Hougang Town Counil to hold events.
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