Debate on Community Disputes Resolution Bill – MP Lee Li Lian

By MP for Punggol East SMC, Lee Li Lian
[Delivered in Parliament on 13 Mar 2015]

This Bill seeks to establish a tribunal to hear difficult cases of dispute between neighbours after efforts such as community mediation have been exhausted. [i]The latest SHS (Sample Household Survey) which was conducted by HDB revealed a drop in residents’ satisfaction with their flat and their neighbourhood.  Respondents cited inconsiderate neighbours as the main reason.

I am sure everyone in this House, including agencies such as HDB, Town Councils and even SPF has their fair share of experience dealing with neighbor’s dispute brought up by our respective constituents.

Most people wish to live harmoniously and believe in the Chinese saying, 远亲不如近邻. Unfortunately, some disputes have soured relationships so badly that neighbours seek ways to get back at each other or escalate their quarrels to the media and internet.

As much as I do not wish to see neighbours ending up in court to settle their differences, I hope that this Bill will encourage more people to resolve their disputes at the Community Mediation Centre and legislation should be the last resort. I have several clarifications on the implementation of the Bill and hope that the Minister can address them.

Clause 4 of this Bill provided a list of scenarios in which interference is caused.

I would like to point out 3 different types of cases that are not mentioned in clause 4 and how can the Bill help to address these situations.

1) Rented unit

Owner rented the whole unit out and went overseas for work. Tenant and neighbours got into some conflicts.  The parties will have to face the music.  What implications does it have on the owner of the flat?

2) Parties are uncontactable

Resident in a unit has been making a lot of noise in the middle of the night causing disturbances.  TC, HDB, FSC, MP, SPF have tried knocking on the door to speak to the resident but were not successful.  There is no chance to speak to the resident, not to even mention organising a session at CMC.  How can this Bill assist?

3) Mental illness

For residents who suffered from mental illness, how does the Bill resolves conflicts involving them?

4) Sensitive issues

I know it is sensitive for the bill to cover matters which could potentially involve religious practice at home. To ensure religious harmony between neighbours and residents, how can this bill mitigate the potential conflicts arising from religious practices?

Lastly, I noted that this Bill does cover dispute that happens in the unit.  There are certain behaviors at home that could affect the comfort and peace of neighbors as we are now living closer to one another.  However, people also value their privacy and freedom at home and that they should have the right to enjoy what they like to do in the place they call home. I would like to clarify how can this Bill balance the respect for each individual’s privacy in the sanctuary of their personal space and the common interest of other residents living together in the community.

Thank you.