Wednesday, August 6, 2014

COMMUNITY CENTRES IN CHOA CHU KANG IN THE EARLY YEARS

EXPERIENCES OF STAFF WORKING IN THE RURAL COMMUNITY CENTRES IN CHOA CHU KANG IN THE EARLY YEARS

Ama Keng Community Centre (CC), Ama Keng Village CC, Lorong Rusuk CC, Lam Soon CC, Nan Hoe CC, Sungei Kadut 1¾ m/s CC, Sungei Kadut ¾ m/s CC, Sungei Kadut 12¾ m/s CC, Sungei Tengah CC, Lim Chu Kang CC, Lam San CC, Chua Chu Kang CC, Kranji CC, Yew Tee CC, Thong Hoe CC and Keat Hong CC were the familiar names of 16 rural community centres (CCs) in the Choa Chu Kang Constituency in 1960s and 1970s. Thio Cheng Thun was the first Member of Parliament there under the ticket of the Barisan Socialis when he won the 1963 Legislative Assembly Election. The aftermath of a boycott sparked off a walkout of the Parliament.






Tang See Chim won the 1966 By-election in March 1966 with a walkover as a PAP candidate. As the Adviser to all the Community Centre Management Committees (CCMCs) and the Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC) in Choa Chu Kang Constituency, Tang See Chim attended to the welfare and community needs of the rural areas there. Many social, sports, cultural and educational activities were organized to reach out to the rural communities to promote racial harmony and social cohesion. By then, the wooden structured rural CCs had gained the support of the villagers. The network of CCs under the People’s Association (PA) had fast become the bridge between the people and the government.

Thio Cheng Thun later became a Field Supervisor of the PA when Sim Boon Peng followed by Lee Wai Kok was the Director. Thio took charge of Organizing Secretaries (Inspectorate) in the Field Division. PA made tremendous effort to strengthen its presence on the ground. Through its network of CCs, PA rolled out many programmes to meet the social and recreational needs of residents so as to win their support for the government. Many kindergarten classes, vocational courses and sports and educational activities were organized.

Television in Singapore began on 15 February 1963. Before that, mobile film shows were screened at the rural CCs frequently. With black and white TV, the PA Supplies Section provided rural CCs with standard TV cabinets that came with locks and outdoor antenna outside the CC premises. Residents sometimes disputed over watching between Chinese and English programmes. The respective Organizing Secretaries (OSs) in-charge of the rural CCs had to settle their disputes amicably. Careful dealings with gangsters and leftists were the common safeguards in order to survive there as the staff working at the rural CCs.

Kindergarten classes were run in the morning. Vocational classes such as sewing, tailoring, cooking, cake-making, art, folkdance or beauty-culture classes were held in the evening. Basket-ball, sepak takraw, volleyball, table-tennis (乒乓ping-pong) and chess tournaments were often organized at the rural CCs regularly. However, these rural CCs were less active between 2.30 pm and 6.30 pm. Folkdancing, sports, talks, debates, adventurous and leadership training programmes were popular among the youths.



Barisan Socialis also conducted many kindergarten classes at the Wayang Stages located in the rural areas. The staff had to put in their utmost best effort to win the children over to the rural CCs.

Night soil collectors could be seen moving around because bucket toilets were used until R2 toilets were built to replace the old sanitary system in the early 1980s.

The OSs, Assistant Organizing Secretaries (AOSs), and Rural Area Liaison Officers (RALOs) usually worked seven days a week though they were entitled to one off-day each week. Some OSs even sought the help of their family members to stand in for them at the CCs when they attended to other assignments outside the CCs. They simply did not feel good to part with their duties and responsibilities by locking the premises under their care in their absence.

The OSs (I) from the PAHQ attended monthly CCMC meetings as PA representatives. They had to make sure that their meetings were scheduled in such a way to avoid a clash of dates. Such meetings were usually held in the evening. Accurate hand-written reports on single-lined foolscap papers must be submitted to the Field Supervisor without fail the following morning.

Manual type-writers were scarce. They were not made easily available to the OS (I) in those years. Cyclostyled machines were used to make multiple copies of documents for wide circulation among staff and community leaders. They must know how to write on stencils with stylus pen to make duplicate copies of large quantities. Onion papers with carbon papers had to be used when making more than one duplicate copy. White correcting fluid had not been invented yet. Corrections were therefore uncommon. Writings had to be perfect usually, though erasers were allowed to make unavoidable corrections at times.

Government subsidies were very negligible. That was why community leaders had to be well-to-do persons who could afford to make financial contribution from time to time. Public funds had to be spent sparingly and accountably. Some staff had to quietly cry over a lost chair or inventory item in their effort to account for it when the auditors came around to demand for proof of inventory stocks.

Accountability was solely an individual’s responsibility. Sleeping overnight in the CC premises was not allowed. I could remember going down to the rural CCs in the midnight to conduct surprised checks on caretakers or RALOs caught sleeping overnight in the CC premises. Such cases were referred to the disciplinary committee for follow-up actions. Log books, attendance books and account books were the most important documents to be checked regularly to prevent malpractices.

Yearly, the respective OSs (I) had to show justifications in writing and made recommendations for deserving community leaders to receive Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (BBM). That was the only National Day Award which was given out stringently to community leaders. As a result, some constituencies did not even have an award recipient for a particular year. So be it.

Meetings in the rural CCs were usually conducted in Hokkien though Mandarin was commonly used. For special reasons, Secretaries of the CCMCs were mostly government servants, teachers or school principals though there were exceptions too.

The respective OSs or AOSs normally prepared the minutes of meetings and the accounts to be read out at the meetings. Translations in English or Malay were required for the benefit of the Malay or Indian Community leaders. As a requirement, PA circulars written in English were also translated into Chinese, Malay and Tamil.

They had to travel by bus bringing along their account books, serially numbered receipt books, bank statements and cheque books for audit at the PA Audits Section without fail on a monthly basis. Failure to do so would lead to disciplinary actions strictly. They were not entitled to claim any transport allowance even when they had to carry bulky items and travelled long distance from Choa Chu Kang to the PAHQ at Kallang.

The Activity Instructors (AIs) were paid small honoraria by PA to defray their costs. Nominal fees were also collected from the participants by the CCs. Some AIs were reluctant to be assigned to rural CCs because of the distance and darkness. Yearly sewing examinations were conducted and certificates were also issued at CC functions by the Adviser in Choa Chu Kang.

PA publications namely, The Citizen and the MinChongBao (民众报) were widely distributed to the CCs on a monthly basis to keep community leaders and residents informed of the PA events.
In order to make rural roads more accessible, many Gotong Royong Road Construction or Road Repair Projects were carried out with the help of the PWD, Army and the rural residents. We experienced the tough times with such hard labour. We were happy that the residents enjoyed the benefits in the end. 

Lam Soon CC, being the key CC in the Constituency, was chosen to host the yearly National Day Dinners, National Servicemen send-off Parties and other important events. The Keat Hong CC Chinese Orchestra Troupe was formed in 1974. It became famous after winning many prestigious cultural awards.

When the CCs in the urban areas started to raise funds through the “A Dollar A Brick” campaign and other fundraising projects for building of modern CCs, that was the time when we began to find more good reasons to justify for the need to close down rural CCs in Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah, Pasir Panjang and Jurong Constituencies in the West Region in the late 1970s and early 1980s to give way for new developments.

After all the new developments, the frontline comrades who had a good memory of the good old days could no longer find their old homes, I meant the old rural CCs. Luckily, they can now live to see the newer modern CCs with more sophisticated facilities in the new housing estates they can proudly call their new homes.
 Use Your Hands Campaign at Yew Tee CC in 1980

 Certificate Presentation Ceremony



 CNY Celebration at Teck Whye CC in 1989






11 comments:

  1. Please assist to add more information you know about the CCs in the early years. You are welcomed to share your memories. Let's keep in touch to enjoy the fun of recalling many Happy Memories of the good old days. Thank you, Dear friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Everybody,
      My name is Ahmad Asnul Brunei, I contacted Mr Osman Loan Firm for a business loan amount of $250,000, Then i was told about the step of approving my requested loan amount, after taking the risk again because i was so much desperate of setting up a business to my greatest surprise, the loan amount was credited to my bank account within 24 banking hours without any stress of getting my loan. I was surprise because i was first fall a victim of scam! If you are interested of securing any loan amount & you are located in any country, I'll advise you can contact Mr Osman Loan Firm via email osmanloanserves@gmail.com

      LOAN APPLICATION INFORMATION FORM
      First name......
      Middle name.....
      2) Gender:.........
      3) Loan Amount Needed:.........
      4) Loan Duration:.........
      5) Country:.........
      6) Home Address:.........
      7) Mobile Number:.........
      8) Email address..........
      9) Monthly Income:.....................
      10) Occupation:...........................
      11)Which site did you here about us.....................
      Thanks and Best Regards.
      Whats app) +917290857361
      Derek Email osmanloanserves@gmail.com

      Delete
  2. CF Wong wrote:

    CF Wong 拜读了您的博文,觉得资料十分充足,反映当年乡村型联络所的特色!赞!同时,也引发了我的回忆:想当年刚被人协录取时,大约百多位组织秘书,就在加冷人协总部先接受大约二个星期的讲解课程,我还记得其中主讲者还包括副理事长 Mr Ong Kia Kok (KK ONG—已故),过后,便在总部分二人一组,乘人协安排好的罗里车,浩浩荡荡的前往所指定的乡村型联络所工作,那时乡村联络所还没有管理委员会,是我们拿了锁匙”开张”的!在罗里车上载了锄头、扫巴、水桶、及文具用品等等,就此展开工作!这可值得回味的,您说是吗?那时,乡村型联络所还沒水电供应,而是用公众水喉及设于乡村附近的公共厕所,电也是私人发电厂供应至下午六时,所以联络所也开放至六点,更没有电视设备。乡村型联络所可能建好很久,场地又没人清理,如水沟阻塞,充满了泥沙和污垢,我们还得拿锄头清理呢!还有:值得怀念的是在联络所附近的村民们非常热情,知道我们是來为他们的地區服务的,都很友善的对待我们,甚至还偶而帮助义务工作,还不时送茶水及食物,因为那时代,还没有所谓小贩中心!由于在乡村地区,交通不便,我还骑脚車去工作呢。又:当年我被派去罗弄泉(Lorong Chuan 1/4哩)联络所工作。还有许多值得回味的过去,以后再聊吧!也希望大家也呈现值得回味的过去与众分享。
    谢谢!
    8/8/2014........CF WONG

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Anita. I live in UK London and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $250,000.00 U.S. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Anita, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com)Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  5. Do you need an urgent loan we offer worldwide loan to who in need of loan the business opportunity you having being looking for is here again. email osmanloanserves@gmail.com



    LOAN APPLICATION FORM
    1) Full Name:
    2) Gender:
    3) Loan Amount Needed:.
    4) Loan Duration:
    5) Country:
    6) Home Address:
    7) Mobile Number:
    8)Monthly Income:
    9)Occupation:
    )Which did you here about us.
    Email osmanloanserves@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    BORROWERS APPLICATION DETAILS


    1. Name Of Applicant in Full:……..
    2. Telephone Numbers:……….
    3. Address and Location:…….
    4. Amount in request………..
    5. Repayment Period:………..
    6. Purpose Of Loan………….
    7. country…………………
    8. phone…………………..
    9. occupation………………
    10.age/sex…………………
    11.Monthly Income…………..
    12.Email……………..

    Regards.
    Managements
    Email Kindly Contact: urgentloan22@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  7. Do you need personal loan? Does your firm,company or industry need financial assistance? Do you need finance to start your business? Do you need finance to expand your business? We give out loan to interested individuals who are seeking loan with good faith. Are you seriously in need of an urgent loan contact us at Email: flourishloancredite@gmail.com
    APPLICATION DETAILS
    Your Full Details:
    Full Name:
    Loan Amount Need:
    Loan Duration:
    Phone Number:
    Applied before?
    State:
    Monthly Income:
    Country:
    You are to send this to our Company Email;flourishloancredite@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Are you a business man or woman? Are you in a financial mess or do You need funds to start your own business? Need to pay loans Their Debt or pay off your bills or start a nice business? Do you have a low credit score and you will find it hard to get Capital loan from local banks / other financial institutions? You need one Loan or funding for any reason such as:Email: info.standardonlinefinance@gmail.com

    *Personal Loans
    *Commercial Loans
    *Investments Loans
    *Development Loans
    *Consolidation Loans
    *Student Loans
    *Car Loans
    *Mortgage Loans
    *Acquisition Loans
    *Construction loans

    We offer loan at low interest rate of 3% and with collateral and not Collateral, we offer personal loans, debt consolidation loans, venture capital Capital, business loan, education loan, mortgage or Loans for any reason".

    However, our method offers the possibility to specify the amount of the loan needed and also the duration you can afford it, gives you a real Chance get the funds you need!

    Contact us via E-mail: info.standardonlinefinance@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  9. Do you need Personal Loan?
    Business Cash Loan?
    Unsecured Loan
    Fast and Simple Loan?
    Quick Application Process?
    Approvals within 24-72 Hours?
    No Hidden Fees Loan?
    Funding in less than 1 Week?
    Get unsecured working capital?
    Contact Us At :oceancashcapital@gmail.com
    Phone number :+16474864724 (Whatsapp Only)

    LOAN SERVICES AVAILABLE INCLUDE:
    ================================
    *Commercial Loans.
    *Personal Loans.
    *Business Loans.
    *Investments Loans.
    *Development Loans.
    *Acquisition Loans .
    *Construction loans.
    *Credit Card Clearance Loan
    *Debt Consolidation Loan
    *Business Loans And many More:

    LOAN APPLICATION FORM:
    =================
    Full Name:................
    Loan Amount Needed:.
    Purpose of loan:.......
    Loan Duration:..
    Gender:.............
    Marital status:....
    Location:..........
    Home Address:..
    City:............
    Country:......
    Phone:..........
    Mobile / Cell:....
    Occupation:......
    Monthly Income:....

    Contact Us At oceancashcapital@gmail.com
    Phone number :+16474864724 (Whatsapp Only)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I needed to thank you for this phenomenal read!! I unquestionably adored each and every piece of it. I have you bookmarked your site to look at the new stuff you post. Choa Chu Kang Real Estate

    ReplyDelete