ST Forum 17 Jan 07
IN REPORTING on plans to promote community ties among residents of
HDB estates, the article, 'Community ties: It's the basics that
count' (ST, Jan 
, quoted
common misperceptions of the Residents' Committees (RCs), raised at
focus- group discussions.
The purpose of the People's Association (PA) grassroots
organisations (GROs), including the RCs, is to foster active
citizenry. As part of the process, they organise community
activities, but this should not be construed as their having sole
responsibility or a monopoly in holding such activities.
It is to the credit of many individuals and groups that they also
do their part in organising activities, jointly with the GROs or
separately.
We are delighted that some residents of Block 176 in Woodlands
Street 13 hold social and community activities, and not leave
everything to the RC.
That RCs are party-political - which is cited by some as the reason
they are reluctant to join as members - is a misperception. There
is much media and public attention when RC members visit households
with their advisers. In contrast, the many frequent visits by RC
members on their own, and the good community service they render,
do not attract such notice.
RCs are part of the PA (a government
body) grassroots network, and thus an extension of the
Government. RC members serve in the interest of residents,
regardless of political affiliation. Any RC member who takes part
in party-political activities does so in his personal
capacity.
Recruitment is a challenge for all voluntary organisations. RCs
have fared well, with membership of about 11,000 and average growth
of 2.6 per cent in the last three years. About 40 per cent of RC
members are professionals, managers, executives or businessmen,
while more than one third are below 45.
The PA appreciates the efforts of grassroots volunteers in
strengthening community ties. We would like to invite more people
to join the grassroots movement for on-going leadership renewal and
to improve our activities, so as to better serve residents and
build a more cohesive community.
Ooi Hui Mei (Ms)
Director
(Corporate Communications)
for Chief Executive Director
The People's Association
