People's Association Policy to Grant Elected Opposition MPs Fair and Equitable Access to Community Centre Facilities within Their Own Constituencies

86 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the Government will adjust the People's Association (PA) policy to grant elected opposition Members of Parliament fair and equitable access to community centre facilities for community engagement and welfare activities within their own constituencies; and (b) if so, when.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: I am answering in my capacity as the Minister charged with the responsibility for the People's Association (PA). PA is set up to serve the Government of the day as a Statutory Board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Its mission includes fostering social cohesion and racial harmony, connecting the Government to the people, people to people and the people to the Government. PA also canvasses views and feedback on Government policy, taking care to explain Government policy to people, as well as assist in the implementation of such policy.

The PA's role is manifold. It includes, amongst other things, the last mile connection on the ground, explaining Government policies and the reasons for such policies, which, as an illustration, can range from the need for tax increases to explaining how the progressive tax system works and the application of Housing and Development Board policies. In doing so, PA also gets people to support initiatives of the Government, which, as an illustration, can range from healthier lifestyle choices, helping to protect oneself from scams, supporting local businesses and also explaining initiatives announced during the Budget and at other speeches; helping to build a more united Singapore and a more harmonious society, improving race relations and build strong links across religious lines; and helping to build stronger local communities through a variety of events.

All the functions that PA undertakes, whether through events, programmes or activities at any of the spaces and facilities run by PA, is consistent with the above stated role, to serve the Government of the day and implement Government policies. The Government will appoint persons as grassroots advisers (GRAs) whom it has the confidence in, to help lead the grassroots organisations and volunteers to perform the above roles. GRA must be able to do all of the above, including explaining the Government policies honestly, help the Government govern, which is a key part of the role of the Civil Service, by assisting to implement Government policies on the ground.

However, PA does not conduct any political activity with any political party. PA does not allow its events or venues to be used for partisan purposes by any political party, nor does it allow them to be used for religious and/or unlawful purposes.

The PA's mission is as stated above. And in discharging this role, PA provides common spaces at which PA runs its programmes and activities, including community facilities for members of the public to utilise for social and recreational activities. PA's spaces and activities are open to every resident, regardless of which constituency they reside in, their background and political affiliation. This principle ensures that PA facilities serve the broader community while fulfilling our statutory mandate.