Hazel Poa on Community Disputes Resolution (Amendment) Bill

A “tough” Bill, but one that provides necessary measures to tackle issues that have disrupted the lives of many residents - that is how NCMP Hazel Poa described the Community Disputes Resolution (Amendment) Bill in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 12). She said the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) supports granting HDB powers to compulsorily acquire a flat in some cases as “an absolute last resort”, calling it “drastic but necessary to enforce compliance”. However, she said there must be appropriate checks and balances in enforcement. Ms Poa asked how many cases of compulsory flat acquisition can be expected in a year, based on analysis of past cases by HDB, the Community Mediation Centre and the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals. She wanted to know how the provision will be judiciously enforced, especially in cases where the root of the issue may lie in lack of understanding of the law due to educational or mental health challenges. She also asked about the formula for compensation. Ms Poa sought clarification on dismissal of complaints that are deemed to be in bad faith. She asked for examples of such cases, whether officers will get appropriate training to make such decisions and what recourse is available to complainants whose cases are dismissed.