COMMUNITY LEADERS SERVING IN CIVIL DEFENCE COORDINATING COMMITTEE (Recognition for)

Dr Ho Tat Kin asked the Minister for Home Affairs if he will consider some form of recognition for community leaders serving in the Civil Defence Coordinating Committee, such as long service awards and priority in Housing and Development Board and HUDC housing allocation, awards similar to those given to community leaders serving in other community organizations.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs (Dr Lee Boon Yang) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister.

Sir, since the launching of our Civil Defence Programme in 1982, many Singaporeans have been involved in various Civil Defence activities, including emergency exercises such as water and blood collection, food distribution and shelter exercises. Civil Defence Coordinating Committees (CDCCs) have been formed in every constituency. CDCC leaders play complementary roles as community leaders to those in other grassroots organizations. In fact, many of them are also serving as members of RCs, CCCs or CCMCs. The untiring efforts of the Chairmen and members of the CDCCs have been a major factor in making our Civil Defence Programme a success so far.

My Ministry agrees with the Member that the efforts and contributions of these CDCC members must be given due recognition. CDCC members like other grassroots leaders are invited to State functions. They have also been included in the schemes of recognition available to members of other grassroots organizations. These include Long Service Awards under the Ministry of Community Development and the Community Service Awards under the Singapore Civil Defence Force. Last year, 56 CDCC members were individually honoured by the Force for their 5-year contribution to the Civil Defence Programme.

My Ministry will liaise with other relevant Ministries to see in what other ways CDCC members can be given recognition for their contributions.