I sense from the reactions online that the Government’s acquisition of Jurong Country Club (JCC) to build the terminus for the high-speed-rail link to Kuala Lumpur is generally applauded. The basis for this sentiment is that there are already too many golf courses in Singapore.
But I feel there is justification for JCC members to feel aggrieved by the lack of adequate notice of this decision.
The possibility of locating the terminus in Jurong must have been considered before this decision was made. The relevant authorities could have warned the JCC management in advance. This would have allowed the club to make its financial decisions accordingly, instead of investing a big sum of money to upgrade its golf course and clubhouse.
The acquisition, which caught JCC members by surprise, has caused membership prices to fall and created something of a panic among members of other similar clubs.
While there is no question that the Government has the right to acquire land for the greater good of Singapore, I wonder if this instance is meant to serve as a message to all clubs to expect even greater consolidation.
