Petition
Speakers
Summary
This statement concerns the presentation of a petition by Non-Constituency Member Mr Leong Mun Wai on behalf of five residents affected by the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3. The petitioners allege unfair treatment and a lack of transparency, requesting a comprehensive review of SERS that includes independent site evaluations and public disclosure of reclaimed land use. They further argue for improved relocation priority, the waiver of resale levies and fees, and the provision of ex gratia payments to assist with renovation costs. Additionally, the petitioners call for a moratorium on SERS until a full review of the scheme is completed and its findings are deliberated in Parliament. Mr Deputy Speaker concluded the proceedings by referring the petition to the Public Petitions Committee pursuant to the Standing Orders.
Transcript
Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. Presentation of Petition. The Non-Constituency Member Mr Leong Mun Wai wishes to present a Petition.
To be fair to you, Mr Leong, I should point out that under Standing Order No 18(2), you are allowed to provide a brief statement when presenting a Petition. I should highlight that the Standing Order states that you – or for that matter, any Member presenting a Petition – shall confine himself or herself to a brief statement. That statement should contain the parties from whom it comes, the number of signatures attached to it – in this case, I see from the papers you have shared that there are five signatures – and the material points contained in it, specifically the prayers you are seeking.
So, I would be grateful if you would contain yourself to a brief statement, Mr Leong.
1.32 pm
Mr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member): Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Mr Deputy Speaker, I present to Parliament a Petition from Ms Chua Shanyu, Mr Lim Cheng Kiang and others of like opinion. Including the two petitioners named above, there are a total of five valid signatures.
The petitioners are the affected residents under the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme or SERS, of Blocks 562, 563, 564 and 565 of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3. They allege that there is a lack of transparency concerning various aspects of the SERS project and the treatment given to them is unfair. They are also concerned that this project may set a precedent which affects future SERS residents negatively.
The petitioners pray, and I quote the following points (a) to (f).
(a) Review SERS in its entirety, which includes a transparent and independent evaluation of the reclaimed and replacement sites, options of compensation and Lease Buyback Scheme for senior citizens.
(b) Consider in its review the intended use of the reclaimed site be made public so as to assess the actual and potential value of the site.
(c) Consider in its review the priority of ensuring residents affected by SERS be relocated within the vicinity of the reclaimed site.
(d) Consider in its review the waiver of the Resale Levy and full reimbursement of stamp and legal fees for the affected residents are applicable in all future exercise of SERS.
(e) Consider in its review an ex gratia payment to affected residents to help defray renovation costs and for such a sum to be adjusted for inflation and other factors.
(f) Consider in its review a moratorium on SERS until such a time that a review on SERS is conducted and the findings and recommendations be made for Parliament to deliberate. I will now hand the Petition to the Clerk.
Petition handed to the Clerk at the Table.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Pursuant to Standing Order No 18(6), the Petition shall stand referred to the Public Petitions Committee. Order. Questions for Oral Answer.