MND’s 5 June Response to AHPETC’s media release
The unresolved funding and oversight dispute could create uncertainty around estate finances and the delivery of essential services to residents under AHPETC.
MND said AHPETC had not answered questions required for safeguarded FY14/15 S&CC grant disbursement or proposed alternatives to PwC as Independent Accountants.
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MND has reached out to AHPETC to offer to disburse the S&CC grants with safeguards, but AHPETC has consistently ignored MND’s offers. A chronology of exchanges is attached at Annex A.
First, AHPETC’s request for the entire FY14/15 grant to be placed in its Sinking Funds is unusual, as ordinarily, in line with the Town Councils Act and Rules, the grant ought to be split between sinking fund and operating fund components.
Notwithstanding this, on 2 May 2015, MND informed AHPETC that MND is prepared to consider its suggestion. We asked AHPETC for the reason for its request, and its cash flow information, to ensure that its proposal, if acceded to, will not affect delivery of essential services to residents.
However, AHPETC has to date ignored MND’s offer. AHPETC wants the grants, but refuses to answer reasonable and legitimate questions, to ensure accountability for public funds.
This is a repeat of what happened in 2014. AHPETC told MND that it needed the grants critically, but when MND offered AHPETC half-grants, and asked that Ms Sylvia Lim declare that the cash-flow information she earlier provided to MND was true, she did not take up the offer. A chronology of exchanges is attached at Annex B.
Second, AHPETC continues to disagree with the proposed appointment of PwC as Independent Accountants (IAs), even though the High Court Judge found no basis for AHPETC’s objection.
Notwithstanding this, on 2 May 2015, MND informed AHPETC that MND is prepared to consider other candidates it may have, and invited AHPETC to propose names and CVs. Again, AHPETC has to date not responded to MND’s offer.
Third, AHPETC continues to resist the appointment of IAs to examine past payments and recover any lost monies, even though this is in the residents’ interest.
The Judge observed that it “is probably right in that any conditions imposed by the Minister will be unacceptable to AHPETC and this will result in further court proceedings.” MND has thus no choice but to apply to Court for a swift resolution.