Stallholders in row with Workers Party town council

[aurvandil]

The link to the 2 petitions is here:

http://app2.nea.gov.sg/docs/default...awkers-petition-letters-to-press.pdf?sfvrsn=0

There do not appear to be any signatures. Why is NEA displaying the documents without the signatures?

According to news report, it did contain signatures of all but 4 hawkers.

Goh Meng Seng

 

[tanwahp]

The link to the 2 petitions is here:

http://app2.nea.gov.sg/docs/default...awkers-petition-letters-to-press.pdf?sfvrsn=0

There do not appear to be any signatures. Why is NEA displaying the documents without the signatures?

They scared someone go and withdraw money from the hawker bank accounts?

 

[SgParent]

The stakes are up now; Vivian say Sylvia Lim is arrogant and wrong and Pritam Singh is telling a lie.

Boss Low should come and whack Vivian?
.........

No need. Ah Singh has challenge that boy-with-a-girl's-name or a 100% girl all along

http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread....itam-s-meeting-invitation-to-present-evidence
Confuseous
Default Will Vivien have the bola to accept Pritam's meeting invitation to present evidence?

By Tessa Wong

The Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC) has invited the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan to a dialogue with the MPs in the council to "settle any outstanding matters".

Its vice-chairman, Workers' Party MP Pritam Singh, made this invitation at the end of statement on Monday evening, continuing the ongoing argument between the Government and AHPETC over the cleaning of hawker centres in Aljunied GRC.

Mr Singh sought to rebut suggestions made on Sunday that he had been untruthful over the matter of whether hawkers had been asked to pay extra for the ceiling of the hawker centres to be cleaned. National Environment Agency (NEA) has said that hawkers in Block 538 and 511 have been asked to pay more. Mr Singh stressed that AHPETC had made no such request.

Dr Balakrishnan had issued a fiercely worded statement on Sunday in response to accusations from AHPETC chairman Sylvia Lim that the National Environment Agency was "politically motivated" to tarnish the name of the town council.

 

[winnipegjets]

If there is any journalistic talent, we would have known more about this mysterious Hawker Association.

How much does each hawker stall have to pay to this 'Hawker Association'?
How is the 'Hawker Association' managed?
How is the 'Hawker Association' monies spent?
What kind of benefits do the hawkers enjoy from this membership?
Who heads this 'Hawker Association' and does this individual have any associations with the PAP?

 

[beetoo]

Who is Ng kok Khim? Why did he ask for a quotation?

Edit: Nvm .found his name in here : http://maintmp.pap.org.sg/uploads/ap/987/documents/pap_awards_2011_recipients_list.pdf

so is this Ng Kok Khim a town council member? or is he from hawkers association?

 

[tanwahp]

If there is any journalistic talent, we would have known more about this mysterious Hawker Association.

How much does each hawker stall have to pay to this 'Hawker Association'?
How is the 'Hawker Association' managed?
How is the 'Hawker Association' monies spent?
What kind of benefits do the hawkers enjoy from this membership?
Who heads this 'Hawker Association' and does this individual have any associations with the PAP?

These will be the questions GMS will automatic ask if we replace "HA" with "WP".

 

[fanta]

Pritam fights back

WP urges dialogue to settle ‘outstanding issues’

Pritam Singh says Balakrishnan’s comments uncalled for, asks ministry to present proof of town council’s ‘dishonesty’

10 June 2013

SINGAPORE — The Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC) is “always prepared” to cooperate with government agencies for the benefit of its residents, said its Vice-Chairman Pritam Singh, who described Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s comments on the spat over the cleaning of two food centres as “belated” and “uncalled for”.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Singh also refuted the suggestion that he had been untruthful in his account of the dispute.

On Sunday, Dr Balakrishnan had charged that “either Pritam Singh or the hawkers are telling the truth. It is obvious that the hawkers are speaking the truth”.

Mr Singh said: “I have been truthful in communicating the town council’s position on the facts of the matter concerned. Equally, there is no reason to doubt the honesty of AHPETC staff in this matter. If the minister has any proof to the contrary, he should present these, rather than make sweeping allegations.”

Last month, it was reported that hawkers at two food centres in Bedok North — at Block 511 and 538 — complained that they had to bear the cost of putting up scaffolding to clean high areas in the food centres, sparking an exchange of accusations and rebuttals between the hawkers, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Workers’ Party (WP)-run town council.

Dr Balakrishnan waded into the controversy on Sunday, saying that the AHPETC has caused a “completely unnecessary distraction”, and called on it to “fulfil its obligations”. He also said WP Chairman Sylvia Lim was “arrogant and wrong” to accuse the NEA of being “politically motivated”.

Yesterday, Mr Singh said the town council is prepared to cooperate with government agencies, pointing to previous statements where the AHPETC indicated its willingness to resolve the issue amicably. “However, the minister should not mistake this to mean that AHPETC can be bullied or is an easy target to be used by the Government to score political points,” he added.

Mr Singh said the hawkers and AHPETC had been satisfied with the outcome of a meeting with the NEA on June 6. “Why is the minister weighing in now ... Is the minister fair in his statement, resorting to name-calling and character assassination?”

He noted that while the People’s Action Party constantly warns Singaporeans against divisive politics, Dr Balakrishnan’s approach “appears to perpetuate the opposite”.

“Accusing the elected members of AHPETC of arrogance and being untruthful does not help resolve matters,” Mr Singh said.

He also invited Dr Balakrishnan to a dialogue with the elected members of AHPETC to “settle any outstanding matters, on this or any other matter in future, should he wish to do so”.

Channel News Asia

 

[winnipegjets]

On Sunday, Dr Balakrishnan had charged that “either Pritam Singh or the hawkers are telling the truth. It is obvious that the hawkers are speaking the truth”.

Pritam should consider suing Ms Vivian if the latter doesn't apologise.

 

[Goh Meng Seng]

Pritam has outdone himself again with this silly press statement.

First, WP MPs like him doesnt want to talk to hawkers directly once the issue blown up, even insisted only want to meet only NEA, now he double talk and say the minister should reach out to all parties to show leadership. Hey, where is WP leadership in the first place? This is afterall WP own wards lah...

Now he wants a minister of the ruling party to sit down and talk to him to solve his own hot potato of his own TC? For this kacang puteh issue ? WP and PAP already form coalition government meh? Shake head lah

Goh Meng Seng

 

[aurvandil]

VB should have remained silent and let the departing NEA CEO Andrew Tan take responsibility for the mess he created.

Instead he issued a statemennt and dragged the PAP directly into this.

Now all WP needs to do is stand firm. In doing so, they will be perceived as standing up to the PAP who are abusing the powers of state of fix the opposition.

Over at the 2 hawkker centres, there is gossip filtering out that the petitions are "kei"(fake). People are questioning the media claim that all but 4 hawkers signed. Apparently, there were many who did not want to get involved. Even worse is that among the hawkers, there are quite a few who are actual WP supporters. Together, these two groups appear to number much more than 4. A more realistic incidence would be that the petitions were probably signed by between 20 per cent to 40 per cent of the hawkers.The fact that NEA chose to release unsigned versions of the petitions is lending credibilty and support to these claims.

 

[fanta]

Pritam should consider suing Ms Vivian if the latter doesn't apologise.

It can be a double edge sword because if Pritam doesn't sue Vivian, it implied Pritam agrees with Vivian that it is obvious that the hawkers are speaking the truth. For his integrity and image, he should demand apology from Vivian immediately, if no apology, then legal action.

 

[winnipegjets]

It can be a double edge sword because if Pritam doesn't sue Vivian, it implied Pritam agrees with Vivian that it is obvious that the hawkers are speaking the truth. For his integrity and image, he should demand apology from Vivian immediately, if no apology, then legal action.

WP should crowd source world-wide to raise money for this legal action.

 

[SgParent]

Pritam has outdone himself again with this silly press statement.

First, WP MPs like him doesnt want to talk to hawkers directly once the issue blown up, even insisted only want to meet only NEA, now he double talk and say the minister should reach out to all parties to show leadership. Hey, where is WP leadership in the first place? This is afterall WP own wards lah...

Now he wants a minister of the ruling party to sit down and talk to him to solve his own hot potato of his own TC? For this kacang puteh issue ? WP and PAP already form coalition government meh? Shake head lah

Goh Meng Seng

Disagree.

WP/Ah Singh had all along wanted NEA to lead the negotiation to settle these disputes. After boy-with-a-girl's-name Ministar opened his big mouth, of course then he became the right person to do that.

If WP/Ah Singh continue to only wanting to talk to NEA then people with brain damage or with personal agenda will say they no big no small.

 

[SgParent]

Over at the 2 hawkker centres, there is gossip filtering out that the petitions are "kei"(fake). People are questioning the media claim that all but 4 hawkers signed. Apparently, there were many who did not want to get involved. Even worse is that among the hawkers, there are quite a few who are actual WP supporters. Together, these two groups appear to number much more than 4. A more realistic incidence would be that the petitions were probably signed by between 20 per cent to 40 per cent of the hawkers.The fact that NEA chose to release unsigned versions of the petitions is lending credibilty and support to these claims.

Shocking!!!!!!!!!!

I thought Rabid GohMS aka Mr I'm-always-correct aka Mr I-always-have-the-last-word said he had seen all the signatures in a report? He can't be lying just to perpetuate his allegations right?

So now who is going to sue who 1st? Rabid Goh or you?

 

[SgParent]

It can be a double edge sword because if Pritam doesn't sue Vivian, it implied Pritam agrees with Vivian that it is obvious that the hawkers are speaking the truth. For his integrity and image, he should demand apology from Vivian immediately, if no apology, then legal action.

Take legal action in Singapore with its infamous judiciary system? Better reconsider

I'd say demand an apology while reserving the rights to claim damage would be enough.

If girl-girl apologize then case close. If girl-girl kept quiet, also case close (like Minibond TeoHP kept quiet like that)

If girl-girl dare to repeat the allegation then WP must file for damage.

 

[tanwahp]

Pritam has outdone himself again with this silly press statement.

First, WP MPs like him doesnt want to talk to hawkers directly once the issue blown up, even insisted only want to meet only NEA, now he double talk and say the minister should reach out to all parties to show leadership. Hey, where is WP leadership in the first place? This is afterall WP own wards lah...

Now he wants a minister of the ruling party to sit down and talk to him to solve his own hot potato of his own TC? For this kacang puteh issue ? WP and PAP already form coalition government meh? Shake head lah

Goh Meng Seng

WP expects NEA to play a certain role and knows hawkers have a certain role that is not arbitration.

Just like how you expect WP to play a certain role isn't it? WP failed all accounts and NEA passed all the same accounts because you expect WP to play a role. If you disagree with Pritam's way of handling things which are same as yours, aren't you "double talking" too?

 

[Debonerman]

The Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong son of Lee Kuan Yew should take note what ever statuary boards like the Nea and Cabinet ministers with girl names do, right or wrong, the buck stops at your table. And I am seeing dishonesty manifest at its worst!

 

[Thick Face Black Heart]

Minister’s Belated Statement Uncalled For

I refer to the statement of Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on 9 June 2013.

I have been truthful in communicating the Town Council’s position on the facts of the matter concerned. Equally, there is no reason to doubt the honesty of Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (“AHPETC”) staff in this matter. If the Minister has any proof to the contrary, he should present these, rather than make sweeping allegations.

The Minister asked AHPETC to cooperate with the National Environment Agency (“NEA”). I refer the Minister to the various AHPETC media statements below:

1st Media Release on 1st June 2013 – AHPETC stated: “We will use our best endeavors to work with all stakeholders to bring any outstanding issues to an amicable resolution.”

2nd Media Release on 3rd June 2013 – AHPETC stated: “The AHPETC is committed to fulfilling all its obligations. We hope the NEA will adopt a solution-focused approach to the matter.”

3rd Media Release on 4th June 2013 – AHPETC stated: “Any matter involving public health and safety can be resolved administratively in good faith. AHPETC is committed to dealing with all public agencies in good faith, as both parties, Town Councils and government bodies like the NEA, ultimately serve the people of Singapore, albeit in different capacities.”

4th Media Release on 7th June 2013 – in response to attack made by the NEA that AHPETC deflected the blame (which NEA issued on 6th June just after AHPETC had met NEA to resolve matters), the AHPETC media release still stated, even under such an attack: “AHPETC is always prepared to work with the relevant government agencies for the benefit of the residents it serves.”

AHPETC has been consistent in its attitude and is always prepared to cooperate with government agencies for the benefit of the residents it serves. However, the Minister should not mistake this to mean that AHPETC can be bullied or is an easy target to be used by the government to score political points.

As this episode wore on and even earlier in April 2013, the Minister visited the hawker centres at various markets in Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East (AHPE) town. In doing so, the Minister could have used his not insignificant powers as Minister overseeing the NEA and exercised his leadership to reach out to all parties, including both the Hawkers Association and AHPETC, to resolve any matter amicably. We expected that as Minister, he would use his office to play a positive and constructive role in this episode, but this was apparently not to be.

The Minister also said that NEA was doing its job. The hawkers and AHPETC were satisfied with the outcome of meeting with the NEA on 6 June 2013. Why is the Minister weighing in now, after the issue has been resolved? Is the Minister fair in his statement, resorting to name-calling and character assassination?

The PAP constantly warns Singaporeans of divisive politics and clamours for an inclusive Singapore. However, the Minister’s approach appears to perpetuate the opposite. Accusing the elected members of AHPETC of arrogance and being untruthful does not help resolve matters. The elected members of AHPETC are committed to serving all residents to the best of our abilities.

We invite the Minister to a dialogue with the elected members of AHPETC to settle any outstanding matters, on this or any other matter in future, should he wish to do so.

PRITAM SINGH
VICE-CHAIRMAN
ALJUNIED-HOUGANG-PUNGGOL EAST TOWN COUNCIL
10 June 2013

 

[aurvandil]

GMS was highlighting the msm report. He did not indicate that he had personally seen the petition documents.

I thought Rabid GohMS aka Mr I'm-always-correct aka Mr I-always-have-the-last-word said he had seen all the signatures in a report? He can't be lying just to perpetuate his allegations right?

 

[aurvandil]

Nicely done. They have cornered VB.

If VB does not attend, he will appear to be weak and afraid.

If VB attends, he cannot afford to be disruptive.

His only option is to attend and be a happy camper, giving WP the victory.

We invite the Minister to a dialogue with the elected members of AHPETC to settle any outstanding matters, on this or any other matter in future, should he wish to do so.