Singapore, Nov. 23 -- Residents' committees (RCs) have been around for 40 years, and it is high time we revamped them to keep them relevant.
The functions of the RCs are to promote neighbourliness, harmony and cohesiveness among residents.
It is also a place where residents congregate and discuss municipal issues and make recommendations to various government agencies.
The RCs also promote good citizenry, when members volunteer themselves to help in special events.
However, an RC member needs to be nominated first, and only citizens and permanent residents who have cleared the screening process can join the committee.
The committee is hierarchical, with each member given a position to run the show.
First, I strongly feel that th...