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Synopsis :

In this symposium on challenges facing Residents' Committees (RCs) in the 1980s, Minister for Trade and Industry and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade constituency Goh Chok Tong notes that funds are needed to run RCs, but it is important to know what the funds are for. An RC requires funds for things like stationery and refreshments. However, projects like children's parties or picnics should be self-financing. Those who take part in these projects should pay for the activities. Mr Goh is apprehensive about allowing RC members to collect funds from the public as there could be adverse reactions from residents. They will understand self-financing projects better. He wants to promote good neighbourliness, encourage RC members to voice opinions on government policies and state clearly why they disagree on certain issues. Their MPs will raise these issues in Parliament. Mr Goh would like more volunteers to come forward and serve on RCs. Members should devise a system to discourage littering among residents. There are plans to house RCs in offices which are the size of a three room flat in the void decks. Turning to Citizens' Consultative Committees (CCCs), Mr Goh says that CCCs should work together with RCs. They are constituency based organisations and can coordinate the various activities of RCs. However, they are not superior to RCs. He stresses that CCCs are apolitical and look after the interests of the whole constituency while RCs look after one neighbourhood. CCC chairmen have been known to support opposition politicians in the past. In fact, there are not enough CCC members joining the ruling People's Action Party's Branch.