IF YA SMELL WHAT THE HOCK IS COOKING??!!

Memories...

Sunday, March 25, 2007

ENGAGING MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT..

I attended a PAYM forum this morning at Nanyang CC, where the topic was "‘Key Challenges of Singapore's Foreign Policies, particularly in ASEAN context". Was really glad that i could engage the MPs present up close and personal, who include Mr Alvin Yeo- MP and Adviser to Hong Kah GRC GROs, Dr Amy Khor- Mayor of South West District and Adviser to Hong Kagh GRC GROs, Mr Ang Mong Seng- MP for Hong Kah GRC (Bukit Gombak) and Chairman of Hong Kah Town Council, and Mr Zaqy Mohamad- MP for Hong Kah GRC (Keat Hong).

It was indeed refreshing to debate with and to get to hear the views of our MPs on the recent issues where Singapore has been facing criticisms from our neighbours, particularly with regards to the sand ban by Indonesia, the Shincorp issue, and the accusation by Malaysia that Singapore has been indirectly causing the floods in Johor.

Mr Alvin Yeo strikes me as a very sincere and diplomatic man. Dr Army Khor strikes me as a feisty and dynamic lady, while Mr Ang Mong Seng was very much the heartlander kind of MP. Pity that Mr Yeo Cheow Tong couldn't be there as he wasn't feeling well.

I was delighted as well, to be able to link up with a few personnel from PAYM (People's Association Youth Movement). We chatted a lot, and they were pleasantly surprised that i was very keen to help out in grassroot organizations, and in particular, my interest in joining the Youth Executive Committees at the community level. Apparently YEC elections are from July to Sept, thankfully, that gives me some time to prepare and learn more about how YECs function. Also appreciated the fact that they were willing to recommend me to the YECs in my neighbourhood area, including Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang and Yew Tee.

Apple, taking into account my Political Science background, also invited me to take part in an ASEAN caucus from April 23 to 28, where i would have the chance to network and come up with working papers with other ASEAN youths from the region, and then present these working papers to the ASEAN ministers themselves~ Sounds like a great opportunity for me, and i was really excited about the challenge. But argh! The date clashes with my exams. Xianz..now i m thinking whether there's any chance for me to explain to my lecturers to let me postpone taking 2 exam papers..If not i ll have to forgo the opportunity to debate and engage at a real level with ASEAN youth leaders and ministers! That ll be really xianz for me!

In any case, I am beginning to believe that God has an alternative plan and task for me instead of NYC.. Blessing in disguise? n_n hopefully!

The Incredible Hock