CDCs vital in times of crisis, says PM Lee at swearing-in of mayors

PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong has commended Singapore's Community Development Councils (CDCs) for promptly helping residents in need amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

He was speaking on Wednesday at the swearing-in ceremony for a new term of CDC mayors held at the headquarters of the People's Association.

"CDCs often take a low profile, working quietly but steadily to fulfil their mission," he said. "But in times of crisis, their contributions are vital."

He cited the CDCs' immediate action when Covid-19 struck, including rolling out S$20 million in vouchers to help households with their living costs. He added that the vouchers, meant to be spent at heartland businesses, have benefited over 8,000 hawkers and small and medium-sized enterprises to date.

The CDCs also provided student meals to children from low-income families, to defray expenses incurred by the switch to home-based learning.

The prime minister further acknowledged the CDC mayors' efforts to help residents cope with the economic impact of Covid-19. An online event, SkillsFuture@CDC 2020, was held to engage residents on job-search strategies.

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He urged the newly sworn-in mayors to build on such efforts, and said that CDCs need "strong, passionate leaders, who are familiar with the local community", to fulfil their duties well.

The CDCs were established in 1997 to bond communities. They have provided social assistance in past recessions, including 2008's global financial crisis and 2003's Sars outbreak.

At Wednesday's ceremony, two new mayors - Alex Yam and Mohd Fahmi Aliman - were appointed to oversee the North West and South East District CDCs respectively.

Mr Yam takes the reins from Teo Ho Pin - Singapore's longest-serving mayor, who has helmed the North West district since his appointment in 2001.

Maliki Osman will be succeeded by Mr Fahmi in the South East District.

The remaining three mayors - Low Yen Ling (South West), Denise Phua (Central), and Desmond Choo (North East) - were re-appointed in their roles. Ms Low remains the Chairman of the Mayors' Committee.

The mayors will hold office till July 2023.