The funds for such projects are channelled through the grassroots adviser, the letter said. This is usually the MP, except in opposition wards. In Hougang, the adviser then was - and still is - the People’s Action Party’s Mr Eric Low. The state-appointed adviser’s main role is to assist in implementing programmes, like those in Housing Board upgrading. Opposition MPs cannot be appointed advisers as they do not answer to the ruling party.

Ms Fu also said that the data collection for the management report has been made “as objective as possible” for all towns.

I almost lost my eyebrows on reading this article. Clearly, I’m not the only one sceptical over the Town Council performance report.