Impact of Writ of Election on Validity of Appointment as Grassroot Adviser
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether Grassroots Adviser (GRA) appointments cease during the election period and if they can continue writing appeals for residents. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong Chun Fai stated that GRA terms are determined by the People’s Association and are not tied to the term of Parliament. He explained that GRAs continue their duties after the Writ of Election is issued, as Government agencies remain functional and continue to consider appeals from the public. Regarding the status of Members of Parliament, the Minister noted that they vacate their offices once the Writ is issued and are considered members of the public. Consequently, any appeals submitted by former Members of Parliament during this period are treated as requests made on behalf of another member of the public.
Transcript
24 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the appointments of grassroot adviser (GRA) cease from the day the Writ of Election is issued to the day after the results of the General Election are announced; and (b) if not, whether GRAs can continue writing appeal letters to Government agencies on behalf of residents during this period.
The Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai): Sir, Grassroots Advisers, or GRAs, are appointed by the People's Association (PA), a Statutory Board which is under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). They help the PA with its mission to foster social cohesion and also connect with and engage people on Government policies and schemes.
The term of a GRA's appointment is determined by PA and is not tied to the term of Parliament. As with all Government agencies, which continue to function after a Writ of Election is issued, GRAs continue to discharge their responsibilities. In this period of time, Government agencies also continue to receive and will duly consider appeals made by members of the public, or those made on their behalf.
Mr Speaker: Mr Gerald Giam.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Can I clarify with the Minister what he means when he says members of public. Does that include the Members of Parliament as well or the former Members of Parliament, who are now members of public after the Writ of Election is issued?
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: Sir, as the Member knows, after the Writ of Elections is issued, Members of Parliament vacate their offices. And so, they are no longer Members of Parliament. So, to that extent, they are not Members of Parliament. Therefore, the appeal, if any is filed by that person, it will be treated as a request made on behalf of another member of public. I hope that clarifies.