SWAMI Home, which hosted a PAP press conference introducing the candidates for Sembawang GRC last Friday has been ticked off by the authorities to abide by its constitution, after SPP politician Ravi Philemon lodged a complaint with the Registrar of Societies over the matter.
SWAMI’s constitution explicitly states that it cannot take part in any political activity or allow its funds or premises to be used for political purposes.
A MHA spokeman said: “SWAMI was advised by the Registry of Societies on Aug 17, 2015 to ensure strict adherence to its constitution”.
Mr Philemon had in a blog post raised this issue based on his experience working in other similar volunteer welfare organisations. He is familiar that most of them have constitutions which forbids them from getting involved in political activities.
In response, SWAMI Home’s president Low Chang Yee said the home had not checked its constitution when it agreed to rent its premises to the PAP and they agreed to it as it was helpful to them on commercial terms. SWAMI also clarified that it has never used its funds to help any political party and the rental earned was used to help run the home and other charitable causes.
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