[This is a response, sent to the Today paper, to a letter published in the same paper on the 14th of May, 2009.]
I am writing with regards to an article by Alicia Wong on Advocacy Groups VS Party Politics featured on 14may, 2009 in Today.
I honestly thought that the issue on AWARE is already over & done with. The organisation has moved on and back at doing what they do best, to find ways and means to support women who are in need of their help.
Apparently I am wrong.
What does Ms. Dana Lam’s political affiliation got to do with her involvement or presidency post in AWARE?
Let’s not start a new saga. The first was Church VS AWARE and now is it Politics VS AWARE? Why can’t a person volunteer his or her time, effort, expertise etc for the good of mankind? Must everything be scrutinised?
AWARE is a non-profit organisation that was established to help but not to influence. I am a member of AWARE and I voted for PAP and I have no qualms about Ms. Lam holding the post of President for AWARE. She is passionate in helping others as a woman and as a human being but not as a WP supporter.
Please do not mix politics with NGO. The meaning of NGO, Non-Governmental Organisation, speaks for itself. When one calls the AWARE line for assistance, never before were they asked on matters on their affiliation, beliefs, race etc. Please give Ms Lam and her committee a chance to prove themselves that there is no political agenda behind their election. She said in the same article that “collaborations must be to further the objectives of AWARE” and stated that she will not “push” the agenda on whether one should join the PAP, WP or any party.
It’s time to move on and focus on other issues such as the Economic situation, on why NUS is ranked 10th amongst the universities in our region and not top 3 at the least.
Siddy ZB
S1629xxxx
[Address redacted]
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