In light of the recent incidents involving the town councils, from the AIM saga to the recent dispute between NEA and the Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC) over the cleaning of hawker centres, SMU Assistant Professor of Law and NMP Eugene Tan felt that Singaporeans lack an understanding about the roles and functions of town councils, especially with regards to their political characteristics. He suggested that the town council leadership be selected by the residents, so as to highlight the fact that they are a form of local governance, and to serve as a political education for residents. Despite the autonomy enjoyed by the individual town councils, Assistant Prof Tan felt that their service quality should not differ too much, and suggested for their management to be more professional.