grassroots leader

English

Etymology

Compound noun formed with English elements. Compare U.S. English (grassroots) A rank used to describe a political party of bottom-up management structure.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈɡɹɑːsɹuːts ˈliːdə/

Noun

grassroots leader (plural grassroots leaders)

1. (Singapore) A government-appointed volunteer who serves in an organisation with the main purpose of bridging the gap between the Singapore Government and the people.
   • 1985, Low Mei Mei, The Straits Times (Singapore), page 12:

     Grassroots leaders still play a key role in the Government’s efforts to reach out to the people even with the setting up of the Feedback Unit.

   • 1999, Cocoa Man, “Google Groups: Grassroots leaders can help improve our lives.”, in Online:

     Can grassroots leaders really help improve our lives or are they just running dogs of the PAP.

   • 2000, Mohamad Maidin Bin PAcker Mohd, Singapore Government Media Release, page 2:

     Our grassroots leaders decided to upgrade it into a modern CC to serve residents better.

   • 2010, People's Association (Singapore) , (Online)

     Members of the public will be able to better identify their grassroots leaders and district councillors with the implementation of the new PA identity card.

   • 2017, Lim Yangchen , Straits Times, 7 Oct (Online) Bishan East-Thomson Constituency grassroots leader Edmund Lim said: "This is a way of educating our younger generation... to be aware of the importance of caring for our elderly."

Usage notes

Commonly used in newspapers, online fora and spoken English in the context of Singaporean politics.

Related terms

• grassroots organization (GRO)

References

• People's Association (Singapore) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia