Edwin Tong on term of grassroots advisers’ appointment

Grassroots advisers (GRAs) are appointed by the People’s Association (PA) - a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth - and the term of their appointment is determined by PA and is not tied to the term of Parliament. As with all Government agencies which continue to function after a Writ of Election is issued, GRAs will continue to carry out their roles. Government agencies will also continue to receive and consider appeals made by members of the public or those made on their behalf. Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong said this in Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 21). He was answering an MP’s question on whether GRA appointments cease from the day the Writ of Election is issued until the day after the results of a General Election are announced and, if not, whether GRAs can continue writing appeal letters to Government agencies on behalf of residents during this period.