A Q U A R T E R LY P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E P E O P L E ' S A C T I O N P A R T Y
January 2014
OUR NEW WAY FORWARD
IN THIS ISSUE
MPs' local help schemes pg14 Down-to-earth Low Yen Ling pg21
PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman Lawrence Wong Vice-Chairman Seah Kian Peng Secretary Lim Wee Kiak Members Alvin Yeo, Arthur Fong, Baey Yam Keng, Devi Vasantha Haridas, Kalyani Ramasamy, Chiang Heng Liang, Abdul Jafar Darwis District Representative Diana Pang Young PAP Hamidah Aidillah PAP Policy Forum Malminderjit Singh PAP WW Teo Lin Lee Editor Lim Huan Chiang Editorial and Design Focus Publishing Limited (Tel: 6319-2392) Printer KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd Photos Singapore Press Holdings, istockphoto.com
MCI(P) 106/02/2013 Petir is published by the People’s Action Party Central Executive Committee. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior consent of the publisher. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the PAP or the Government. All rights reserved. PAP Headquarters Block 57B, New Upper Changi Road, #01-1402, PCF Building, Singapore 463057 Telephone: 6244-4600 Telefax: 6243-0114 Internet: www.pap.org.sg
4
January 2014
06
PAP CONVENTION
Together, our new way forward The PAP must continue to provide Singapore with leadership and take the country forward, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who is also the Party Secretary-General.
10
PAP AWARDS
Unsung heroes’ sterling commitment Our activists beaver away quietly, some for decades, to help their fellow citizens. Find out what motivates three of them all these years.
12
TRANSPORT
Moving ahead Singaporeans can look forward to a much improved transport system under the Land Transport Master Plan 2013.
14
POVERTY
Reinforcing a fair and just society There is broad-based government assistance to help the needy that is supplemented by additional assistance at the local level. These local help schemes are spearheaded by MPs to suit the needs of their individual constituency.
20
SHORTIES
A summary of major new policies and news in numbers.
21
CONVERSATION
Family advocate Life was tough during Low Yen Ling’s childhood and she is now shaping policies as the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Social and Family Development to ensure it does not have to be for today’s young children and families in Singapore.
24
GROUNDWORK BRANCHING OUT
Empowering the Bukit Gombak activists Once a rural backwater of Singapore, Bukit Gombak has been transformed over the decades into a thriving constituency.
27
YOUNG PAP
Ball’s in your court A member of the so-called “Strawberry Generation’’ dispels the perception that they lack resilience and perseverance. Far from it, Ǥ ơ generation a platform to prove they can be counted on.
12 MOVING AHEAD
14
January 2014
Contents
06
28
Please send feedback, suggestions and comments to paphq@pap. org.sg.
21 28
WOMEN'S WING
24
5HƪHFWLRQV RQ RXU HGXFDWLRQ V\VWHP
Some key recommendations from Women’s Wing (some members have school-going children) to create an inclusive education system.
30
CAUGHT ON THE NET
What others say on the Internet.
31
BACKBENCHER'S BITE
7KH DJH DGYDQWDJH ǯ Ƥ sportsmen and sportswomen.
32
QUOTE & UNQUOTE
Thought-provoking quotes from parliamentarians.
January 2014
5
PARTY CONVENTION
Together, our new way
forward
6
January 2014
T
he People’s Action Party has a special responsibility for Singapore, and has always been a party of action, not of words, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who is the Party’s Secretary-General. ƪ point in its evolution, there must be a new way forward for the PAP, which has been entrusted by Singaporeans to lead time after time, since 1959. Noting the crucial role that the PAP has played in Singapore’s history and progress, Comrade Lee said the party’s role is, among others, to provide good leadership, and to be a responsive and responsible government. Above all, it must give people hope and Ƥ Ǥ He said: “The PAP has got to continue offering Singaporeans the leadership to implement plans and take Singapore forward.” To ensure that Singapore continues on the right path, Mr Lee expounded on two key goals: upholding an open and compassionate meritocracy, and building a fair and just society. They were among the key goals adopted by the Party Resolution at the Convention held on December 8, 2013. Ƥ equality of opportunity, while moderating the inequality of outcomes. Comrade Lee pointed out that the country is now at a higher level of development, and that social mobility is harder to maintain. The party must therefore ensure that an individual’s success does not depend on social background or family circumstances, by helping those who are born with less get to a good starting point. Comrade Lee declared: “We will provide diverse pathways of success, treat all with dignity and respect, whether it is white collar, blue collar, any colour, any collar. Thereby, we can keep our society open and mobile, and enable our people to rise.”
People’s Action Party Resolution 2013 Ş 2SQDMFSGDM NTQ 2HMF@ONQD@M Identity Ş "QD@SD .OONQSTMHSHDR ENQ @KK Singaporeans Ş 4OGNKC @M .ODM @MC Compassionate Meritocracy Ş #DUDKNO @ 2TRS@HM@AKD Model of Social Welfare Ş !THKC @ %@HQ @MC )TRS 2NBHDSX Ş #DUDKNO @ #DLNBQ@BX NE #DDCR Ş !D @ 1DRONMRHUD @MC 1DRONMRHAKD &NUDQMLDMS
TOP: Party cadres taking the PAP Pledge. BOTTOM: The PAP Policy Forum team responsible for putting together the 2013 edition of the Party Convention.
More help must also be given to those who are struggling, while those who do well must give back to society. Secondly, a fair and just society means that individuals are rewarded fairly for their ơ ǡ groups are not left behind and the elderly are given special care. To that end, policies such as MediShieldLife will provide more assurance that everyone can meet their health-care needs. Comrade Lee also highlighted the Pioneer Generation Package, which will focus especially on their medical needs to recognise our pioneers’ special contribution to Singapore. Details of the Pioneer Generation Package are expected to be announced in the next Budget in February 2014. Furthermore, the PAP Seniors Group will be set up to focus on ageing issues as well as enable senior party activists to mentor ƥ Ǥ ȋ Ȍ Comrade Lee also elaborated on the other key points in the Party Resolution: strengthening the Singaporean identity, creating opportunities for all Singaporeans, developing a democracy of deeds and being a responsive and responsible government. As Singapore is now a more diverse society with a more contested political landscape, the new strategic approach for the PAP will be vital. Ending the Convention on a light-hearted note, Comrade Lee referred to activist Khartini bte Abdul Halid’s earlier comment about Singaporeans’ tendency to ‘Kow Bei Kow Buǯ ȋ Ȍ in the face of adversity. ǣ Dz ǡ Ƥ you believe in, change what is not good and help the ’Zhenghuǯ ȋ Ȍ there is less need for other people to ‘Kow Bei Kow Bu’.
Formation of PAP Seniors Group The PAP Seniors Group, or PAP.SG, will champion elderly causes. Chaired by Speaker Halimah Yaacob, it will work with the PAP Community Foundation to pilot new solutions to eldercare needs such as their quality of life and security. PAP.SG will also engage senior party activists to LDMSNQ XNTMFDQ NƧBDQR 3GD FQNTOŗR DWDBTSHUD BNLLHSSDD VHKK BNLOQHRD @ BQNRR RDBSHNM NE LDLADQR QDƦDBSHMF SGD BNTMSQXŗR RNBH@K L@JD TO MDDCR @MC @ROHQ@SHNMR $2, &NG "GNJ 3NMF VHKK AD / / 2&ŗR @CUHRNQ
January 2014
7
PARTY CONVENTION
“Solving the problem is not the only measure of success.We must touch the hearts and minds of our people.” - Comrade Chan Chun Sing
3-2-1 road map T
here are three key issues the People’s Action Party must come to grips with, said Comrade Chan Chun Sing. These are: the pain points of Singaporeans must be quickly addressed, the basis for ơ cated and the party organisation must be strengthened to meet evolving challenges and changing demographics. Addressing some 1,400 party members at the biennial party convention on 8 December 2013, the Young PAP chairman elaborated on the PAP’s 3-2-1 Plan for the coming years. These refer to: three national priorities, two local areas of focus and one resolution at party level.
8
January 2014
At the national level, the PAP must Deliver, Enable and Communicate. The party must deliver a better life for Singaporeans ơ such as housing and transport. At the same time, the government must also enable people to seek and develop solutions for themselves and their communities, so as to engender a sense of commitment to community and nation. The way that the party communicates its message must be customised and simpliƤ Ǥ ǡ ǡ the common space for people to speak up must be “continuously and strenuously” defended.
At the local level, the party must Contact and Connect. Where national policies are not well connected at the local level, the MPs must connect them to deliver across the last mile. But Comrade Chan pointed out: “Solving the problem is not the only measure of success. We must touch the hearts and minds of our people.” And at party level, PAP Resolution 2013 spells out the way forward. Comrade Chan concluded: “We must do our best. We must not fail Singapore and Singaporeans. This is our promise. We must do the right things and we must do things right.”
Views from our activists Rahul Shah
Benjamin Tay
ÎRahul Shah and Hamidah Aidillah Mustafa: The true potential of young people must be nurtured, and the passion for servant KD@CDQRGHO QD HFMHSDC (M NQCDQ SN CN RN SGDQD LTRS AD @ BG@MFD HM SGD V@X SG@S EDKKNV O@QSX @BSHUHRSR @MC 2HMF@ONQD@MR @QD DMF@FDC 1@GTK 2G@G @MC '@LHC@G HCHKK@G ,TRS@E@ NE SGD Young PAP therefore urged the party to change its old perception of being “rigid, unforgiving and harsh”. Comrade Hamidah added: “It is the wish of the Young PAP to see the Party evolve SN ADBNLHMF LNQD @OOQN@BG@AKD @SSQ@BSHUD @MC Ŕ HE ( L@X R@X Ŕ @ RDWHDQ /@QSX Ś
ÎChan Hui Min: "NLQ@CD "G@M 'TH ,HM NE SGD 6NLDMŗR 6HMF B@KKDC ENQ @ ř2HKUDQ 6HMFŚ NE SGD / / SN AD formed, made up of senior citizen activists. Given that a large segment of the population VHKK AD BNLHMF HMSN SGDHQ řRHKUDQ XD@QRŚ VHSGHM SGD MDWS SVN CDB@CDR SGDQD HR @M TQFDMS MDDC to address ageing issues. Comrade Chan stressed: “It is important to provide for the ageing ONOTK@SHNM HM @ RTRS@HM@AKD V@X RN SG@S HS QDL@HMR E@HQ ENQ XNTMFDQ S@WO@XDQR Ś
ÎBenjamin Joshua: ř#N MNS VQHSD TR NƤʖŚ V@R SGD Q@KKXHMF BQX EQNL "NLQ@CD !DMI@LHM )NRGT@ @ RDMHNQ activist from the Punggol East branch. While he was heartened by the sight of young and old activists working alongside each other, Comrade Joshua urged the party to tap on the “institutional intelligence and memory” of senior members. He added: “It is only right that VD CN LNQD SN QDBNFMHRD @MC @OOQDBH@SD SGD DƤNQSR NE NTQ RDMHNQ LDLADQR DRODBH@KKX SGD pioneer generation among us, who helped to build the party and to build the Singapore that we have today.” Chan Hui Min
Hamidah Aidillah Mustafa
Kartini bte Abdul Khalid
Benjamin Joshua
ÎKartini bte Abdul Khalid: Singapore may not quite be a paradise, but it is the system of meritocracy that enables TR SN RSQHUD @MC CN VDKK ř.MD NE SGD SGHMFR SG@S SGD / / G@R CNMD QHFGS @MC LTRS BNMSHMTD SN CN HR HM SGD OQNUHRHNM NE @ RXRSDL SG@S HR E@HQ @MC ITRS @MC NMD SG@S TRDR DCTB@SHNM @R @ LD@MR to social mobility,” said Comrade Kartini bte Abdul Khalid of the Joo Chiat branch. She urged: “We must not allow ourselves to get carried away and measure a person's worth only by his ability, intelligence or wealth.”
ÎBenjamin Tay: ,DQHSNBQ@BX OK@XR @ JDX QNKD HM BQD@SHMF @ E@HQ @MC ITRS RNBHDSX ATS HS B@M @KRN AQDDC DWBDRRHUD BNLODSHSHNM @MC CHUHRHNM 6GHKD "NLQ@CD !DMI@LHM 3@X MNSDC SG@S GHR NVM AQNSGDQ
HM K@V ADMDƥSSDC EQNL FNUDQMLDMS RBGNK@QRGHOR GD @CCDC ř/DQG@OR HS HR SHLD SN BNMRHCDQ what version of meritocracy is most in line with our founding mission.” He added that as far @R ONRRHAKD D@BG BGHKC RGNTKC G@UD @M DPT@K BG@MBD SN DWBDK @MC KD@C @ ETKK KHED HM ROHSD NE SGD HMDPT@KHSHDR VGHBG VHKK @KV@XR DWHRS HM QD@KHSX
January 2014
9
PARTY AWARDS
Between them, they have given nearly 70 years of service to the People’s Action Party. In the eyes of Party Chairman Khaw Boon Wan, they are veteran PAP activists who deserve respect for their sincerity and humility as they tirelessly toil the ground. This year’s three Commendation medal winners – Lim How Kim, Kuek Chiew Peng and Samuel Ling – topped the honours list. A total of 353 party activists were recognised for their hard work at the party awards held at the Kallang Theatre on December 7, 2013. Petir meets with the trio to find out what motivates these unsung heroes.
Unsung heroes'
sterling commitment Lim How Kim
Age: 61 Branch: Jalan Kayu Position: Branch secretary Years of service: 19
W
hile most people his age might be planning their retirement, Mr Lim How Kim isn’t quite slowing down just yet. The 61-year-old deftly juggles his day job as a senior lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic and an equally demanding schedule at the Jalan Kayu branch. Be it managing the meet-the-people sessions (MPS) or helping with community activities, Mr Lim says the work never really stops. Being a part of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s Ang Mo Kio GRC also means that there is always that “higher expectation” from the residents to perform and deliver, he added. Not that he is complaining. He clearly enjoys the adrenaline rush as well as the Ǧ Ƥ and energy to help the party succeed. “The bond that we share is very strong. Many of us have been friends for more than 10 years and I enjoy working with all of them,” says Mr Lim, the current branch secretary. He notes that many of his activists put in long hours, especially on Thursdays when the MPS usually ends past midnight due to the number of cases. The activists work hard, but they know how to play hard too. A group of 50 of them, led by Jalan Kayu MP Dr Intan Azura Mohktar (part of Ang Mo Kio GRC), spent a weekend in Batam recently where they played team-building games, sang ơǤ Mr Lim prefers to downplay his Commendation medal, saying it only means that he and his team will have to work even harder in the coming years. “I’m very grateful to Dr Intan and the PAP HQ for recognising my contributions and past activities over the years. I hope I can do even better and take the party to greater heights,” he says.
10
January 2014
Kuek Chiew Peng Age: 58 Branch: Boon Lay Position: Vice chairman Years of service: 28
A
fter more than two decades as the branch secretary of Boon Lay, Mr Kuek Chiew Peng decided it was time to make way for some fresh young blood. In April 2013, the 58-year-old businessman stepped down from the top post and took the vice-chairman job to provide continuity. Mr Kuek’s wish is that the party will continue to attract more young people into its ranks, a task he admits is not easy. “The youngsters are good in areas such as social media and IT, which are increasingly becoming part and parcel of everyday life. We need to be strong in these areas so that we can better connect with all segments of society,â€? he says. ’ƒ”–› Â?‡Â?„‡” •‹Â?…‡ Í?ͼͤͥǥ ” —‡Â? Šƒ• ™ƒ–…Š‡† –Š‡ ƪ‘—”‹•Š ‹Â? –ƒÂ?†‡Â? ™‹–Š ‹Â?gapore. The fact that PAP has never wavered in its policies from day one is what drives his commitment to the party, he pointed out. Dz ‡ Šƒ˜‡ †‘Â?‡ ƒ ‰‘‘† Œ‘„ •‘ ˆƒ” –‘ ‰”‘™ ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ –‘ „‡ ™Š‡”‡ ‹– ‹• –‘†ƒ›Ǥ …‘Â?–‹Â?—‡ –‘ Šƒ˜‡ –Šƒ– ˆƒ‹–Š ‹Â? –Š‡ ’ƒ”–› –‘ …‘Â?–‹Â?—‡ •‡”˜‹Â?‰ ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ƒÂ?• ™‹–Š ƒ ÂŠÂ‡ÂƒÂ”Â–ÇĄ ƒÂ?† –Š‹• ‹• ™Šƒ– keeps the team and myself going,â€? he says. ‡‡‹Â?‰ –Š‡ •Â?‹Ž‡• ‘Â? –Š‡ ”‡•‹†‡Â?–•ǯ ˆƒ…‡• ‹• Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? ‡Â?‘—‰Š ”‡™ƒ”† ˆ‘” Š‹Â?Ǥ Dz ‡ †‘Â?ǯ– ‰‘ Ž‘‘Â?‹Â?‰ ˆ‘” ”‡™ƒ”†•Ǥ ˜‡”›–Š‹Â?‰ ™‡ †‘ ‹• ˆ‘” –Š‡ „‡Â?‡Ƥ– ‘ˆ –Š‡ …‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–›Ǥ That said, I still feel honoured and proud and I want to continue to serve as best as I can,â€? promises Mr Kuek.
Samuel Ling Teck Seng Age: 54 Branch: Changi-Simei Position: Member Years of service: 22
Scan the QR code to access the Party Covention and Awards microsite for full listings of award winners, photo galleries and more.
T
Š‡ Í?ÍĽÍĽÍ? ‰‡Â?‡”ƒŽ ‡Ž‡…–‹‘Â? ™ƒ• ƒÂ? ‡›‡nj‘’‡Â?‡” ˆ‘” ” ƒÂ?—‡Ž ‹Â?‰ ‡…Â? ‡Â?‰Ǥ ƒ˜‹Â?‰ Œ‘‹Â?‡† –Š‡ –Š‡Â? ‹Â?‡‹ •‹Â?‰Ž‡njÂ?‡Â?„‡” …‘Â?stituency just months earlier, he was thrust into the thick of the action as the campaign got underway. ‡ Šƒ† ƒ ”‹Â?‰nj•‹†‡ Â•Â‡ÂƒÂ–ÇĄ ™ƒ–…Š‹Â?‰ Š‘™ –Š‡Â? ‹Â?…—Â?„‡Â?– ÇĄ ” ‡‘ Chong Tee, retained his seat with 53 per cent of the votes in what was ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Šƒ– ǯ• –‘—‰Š‡•– Ƥ‰Š–•Ǥ “When the result was announced, many of us felt quite sad. We thought we had done a good job but the margin turned out to be so narrow. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, because we were all motivated to work even harder to meet the aspirations of the people,â€? he recalls. ” ‹Â?‰ ‡˜‡Â?–—ƒŽŽ› „‡…ƒÂ?‡ „”ƒÂ?…Š •‡…”‡–ƒ”› ‘ˆ ŠƒÂ?‰‹nj ‹Â?‡‹ǥ which is now part of East Coast GRC. After nine years as branch secretary, the 54-year-old businessman retired but remains as active as ever. ‡ ‡Â?Œ‘›• Â?‡‡–‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ”‡•‹†‡Â?–•ǥ ‡•’‡…‹ƒŽŽ› †—”‹Â?‰ Š‘—•‡ ˜‹•‹–• ƒÂ?† on incumbent MP Jessica Tan’s regular walkabouts. It’s a privileged position to be able to help others in need, he explained. ” ‹Â?‰ ‹• …‘Â?Ƥ†‡Â?– –Šƒ– ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ ”‡Â?ƒ‹Â?• ‹Â? ‰‘‘† ŠƒÂ?†• „‡…ƒ—•‡ the leadership believes in having a long-term strategy for the country. “The PAP is a far-sighted party that tries to identify the possible problems 20 to 30 years down the road, and then come up with the right policies to address them,â€? he says. “I have real faith in what the party is doing and I’m glad to have played my small part in this process.â€?
January 2014
11
TRANSPORT Petir brings you a summary of key improvements under Singapore’s Land Transport Master Plan 2013 GRAPHIC DESIGN: PATRIC HONG
Moving
Ahead
Key Improvement
1
IMPROVING RAIL NETWORK AND SERVICES A new train line
or extension opening nearly every year from 2013 to 2021 !X @QNTMC LNQD SG@M of buildings in the CBD will be a
5-minute walk to an MRT station
Complete re-signalling of North-South Line in 2016, enabling trains to run at
100-second intervals during peak hours instead of the current 120-second interval. This will increase capacity by a RHFMHÆ¥B@MS Similar improvements will be undertaken on
East-West Line by 2018
Key Improvement
2
SAFER ROADS
Extend the Green Man Plus RBGDLD SN @MNSGDQ SQ@ƧB light crossings by 2015
12
January 2014
Key Improvement
3
MORE TAXIS ON THE ROAD Increase the number of taxis on the road during peak periods from the current
65-70% to
80-85%
by 2015
Key Improvement
4
IMPROVING BUS SERVICES 800 new buses
NQ HMBQD@RD NE ATR ƦDDS NUDQ SGD MDWS ƥUD XD@QR BBDKDQ@SDC CDKHUDQX of 550 buses by 2014
90% of all bus services to operate at scheduled intervals of 12 minutes or less
95% of feeder bus services to run at scheduled intervals of 10 minutes or less. Morning and evening peak hours increased to two hours instead of the current one hour by 2014
Key Improvement
5
GREATER MOBILITY FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE LESS MOBILE
Key Improvement
6
EXPANSION OF ROAD NETWORK
8 in 10 households living within a 10-minute walk from a train station
85%
of public transport journeys (less than 20km) completed within 60 minutes
75%
Install lifts in six overhead bridges by the end of 2013, and lifts in another 40 overhead bridges in the QH[W Æ©YH \HDUV
All public buses wheelchair-accessible by 2020, up from the current 64%
Achievements by 2030
of all journeys North-South Expressway to be completed around 2020
during peak hours undertaken on public journeys
January 2014
13
POVERTY
Reinforcing a
fair and just society At the PAP Convention last year, we re-affirmed our democratic socialist ideals and renewed our pledge to build a fair and just society. This was the Party’s founding mission in 1954, and it is even more relevant today, as we confront the forces of globalisation and rapid technological change. LAWRENCE WONG The writer is the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information
What is the government doing for the lower-income? Take a low-income couple at the 10th percentile of the income ladder. Such a Ƥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǧ ǡ ǯ Ȃ Ǥ How about the elderly? Ǧ Ǥ ǡ ͜͠τ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Why not just impose a minimum wage? ơ Ǥ ǡ ǡ Ǥ entire economy. When the price of labour Ƥ ǡ Ƥ
14
January 2014
Ǥ OK, but can we do more for the poor? ǡ Ƥ Ǥ ǣ Ǥ ǡ ǯ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ȃ Ǥ It seems like the government is doing a lot, but the assistance schemes are not well communicated? ƥ Ǥ Ǥ ͟ Ǧ Ǥ ǯ ǡ ǡ Ǥ
ǡ Ǥ So at the end of day, what does it mean to have a fair and just society?
ǯ ǡ Ǥ ǯ ȋ Ȍ Ȃ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǣ ǯ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ Ȃ Ȃ Ǥ
TARGET MEASURES
PLUS
The "Kueh Lapis" Lines of Assistance
Local Help Schemes
Government help covers a broad spectrum to ensure the diverse needs of Singaporeans are met
administered by our MPs ÎTurn to page 18 for details
Public Assistance
About 3,000
Medifund
587,000 applications in FY12
ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance Workfare Income Supplement
>10,000 Number of Ƥ Ȁ
>480,000
MOE Financial Assistance Scheme
>100,000
CDC/CCC Bursary for Post Secondary Students
>100,000
Kindergarten & Student Care Subsidies Additional CPF Housing Grant
>4,200 – >8,500
12,130
Schemes for Persons with Disabilities (ATF) Special CPF Housing Grant
>250
700
MOE Bursary for Post Secondary Students
>100,000
Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)
About 340,000
Programmes for Person with Disabilities (EIPIC, DSP)
900-1,100 per month
Childcare Subsidies
74,000
Programmes for Person with Disabilities (DAC, ADH)
600-700 per month
Intermediate & Long Term Care Subsidies
>40,000
Transport Concessions
>1,200,000
GST Voucher – Cash, U-Save, Medisave
370,000-1.4 million
Subsidies for Education, Healthcare & Housing LOW INCOME
MIDDLE INCOME
UPPER-MIDDLE INCOME
Source: Ministry of Social and Family Development
January 2014
15
POVERTY
P E T I R
S P E A K S
T O
B E N E F I C I A R I E S
W H O
CASE STUDY ONE
M
ichael Nonis, 60, was a manager in charge of products and inventories at an American multinational company when the stress of the job took its toll on him and he decided to switch jobs in 1999. He went to work at a friend’s security Ƥ”Â?ÇĄ ŠƒÂ?†Ž‹Â?‰ ĠÂ?‹Â?‹•–”ƒ–‹˜‡ Â?ƒ––‡”•Ǥ Two years later, however, he had a stroke ™Š‹…Š Žƒ‹† Š‹Â? ‘ƥ ™‘”Â? ˆ‘” •‡˜‡”ƒŽ Â?‘Â?–Š•Ǥ Unfortunately, a second stroke hit him in November 2009, during which he also suffered three heart attacks and kidney failure, forcing him into early retirement. He initially relied on his savings for his living and medical expenses. The widower of more than 30 years who has no children, also had received some ƤÂ?ƒÂ?…‹ƒŽ ƒ••‹•–ƒÂ?…‡ ˆ”‘Â? Š‹• ‰‘†•‘Â?ÇĄ ÂƒÂ”Â›ÂŽÇĄ whom he had helped to raise since he was a –‘††Ž‡”Ǥ ƒ”›Ž ˆ‘‘–‡† Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? ŠƒŽˆ ‘ˆ Š‹• $2,650-a month expense for dialysis, with the rest covered by medical insurance. But as his savings dwindled, he began to receive monthly vouchers as well as other food staples like rice and cooking oil †‡Ž‹˜‡”‡† –‘ Š‹• –Š”‡‡nj”‘‘Â? ĆŞÂƒÂ– ‹Â? ‘”‘Â?‰ ‡™ ‹ƒÂ?Ǥ Â?‹–‹ƒŽŽ› ‹– …ƒÂ?‡ ˆ”‘Â? –Š‡ ƒ–‹‘Â?ƒŽ Kidney Foundation (NKF) in 2010, followed by the Eurasian Association in 2012, which gave him bi-monthly vouchers. ”‘—Â?† ‡„”—ƒ”› ͜͞Í?ÍœÇĄ ƒ”›Ž „”‘—‰Š– him to see Mr Seah Kian Peng, MP for Braddell Heights under the Marine Parade GRC, for assistance in getting a maid as a daily caregiver. Dz ™ƒ•Â?ǯ– ›‡– Í˘Íœ –Š‡Â? ƒÂ?† ™ƒ• ǎ•‹Â?‰Ž‡ǯ ƒÂ?† so could not hire a maid unless the Ministry of Manpower permits it,â€? Mr Nonis explains, adding that his godson has since been footing his maid’s expenses. Mr Seah, he said, subsequently also facilitated the arrangements for his thrice-weekly dialysis treatments to be moved from the NKF Simei Centre to one closer to his home at Serangoon Central. The MP also helped to get him a new wheelchair to replace the ǎ”‹…Â?‡–›ǥ ‘Ž† ‘Â?‡ǯ ‰‹˜‡Â? –‘ Š‹Â? „› ƒ ˆ‘”Â?‡” colleague. Grassroots volunteers and activists from Braddell Heights are also regular visitors,
16
January 2014
Grateful for help after multiple ailments delivering the "WeCare Pack" which contains items such as instant noodles, canned food, biscuits, beverages and a medical kit to his home. Mr Nonis is very grateful for all the assistance as he can now go to both the supermarket and his dialysis treatments near his home, pushed by his helper in the wheelchair. He added that other than his twice-a-year visits to Tan Tock Seng Hospital on the MRT for his medical check-ups, he rarely goes out, preferring to stay in touch with his former
MICHAEL NONIS
Age: 60 Family: Widower of more than 30 years, no children Help received: Godson Daryl (helper's cost); NKF; Eurasian Association (food staples and vouchers); Braddell Heights MP (new wheelchair, WeCare /@BJ NSGDQ MNM ĆĽM@MBH@K @HC such as getting approval for a maid, and transfer to a dialysis centre nearer to home.)
…‘ŽŽ‡ƒ‰—‡• ƒÂ?† ”‡Žƒ–‹˜‡• ˜‹ƒ –Š‡ Â?–‡”Â?‡– through emails and facebook. Dz ƒÂ? —Â?…‘Â?ˆ‘”–ƒ„Ž‡ –Šƒ– •‘Â?‡‘Â?‡ ™‹ŽŽ Šƒ˜‡ –‘ ’—•Š –Š‡ ™Š‡‡Ž…Šƒ‹”Ǥ Š‘—‰Š …ƒÂ? ™ƒŽÂ? ȋ™‹–Š ƒ …ƒÂ?Â‡ČŒÇĄ †‘ ‰‡– –‹”‡† ƒˆ–‡” Í?͜͜ –‘ 200 metres,â€? he says. Meanwhile, he hopes that his savings – which are used mainly to pay for his utility bills – will be able to last him till 65 – when Š‡ …ƒÂ? •–ƒ”– –‘ ™‹–Š†”ƒ™ Š‹• •ƒ˜‹Â?‰•Ǥ Dz Šƒ˜‡ ‡Â?‘—‰Š –‘ ‰‡– „›Ǥ Ž‹˜‡ ƒ •‹Â?’Ž‡ ÂŽÂ‹ÂˆÂ‡ÇĄÇł says Mr Nonis.
H A V E
R E C E I V E D
H E L P
Braddell Heights’ layers of assistance for residents Braddell Heights has various schemes from corporate sponsors and private benefactors to help the needy in the constituency. These include:
1
NTUC FAIRPRICE VOUCHERS & FOOD RATION SCHEME The NTUC FairPrice vouchers are popular as they are as a good as cash. The food ration scheme, which is in its third year, is funded by a group of doctors and a Braddell Heights resident who has his own business. It provides food rations and household necessities valued at $50 each month to about MDDCX E@LHKHDR 2S@Ƥ NE SGD ATRHMDRRL@M @MC students from Nanyang Junior College help grassroots activists with the packing and distribution. The food ration scheme has an annual budget of about $50,000 to $60,000.
2
COMCARE 2 The ComCare 2 Fund is a supplement to the state’s ComCare programme. Established since 2011, it has an annual budget of about $50,000. It BNUDQR NMD NƤ OTQBG@RDR @MC DWODMRDR SG@SŗR MNS provided by ComCare and enables assistance for longer periods to a larger pool of needy residents. ComCare 2’s money comes from a religious institution. Its assistance helps some 40 to 60 residents.
3
JOB & TRAINING FUND Funded by a businessman who lives in the ward, it helps residents with training that improves their employability or tides them over when they are learning new job skills. The $100,000 donation is used to pay for course fees as well as transport and meal allowances for residents in low-paying jobs to encourage them to remain employed.
Grassroots volunteers and activists from Braddell Heights are also regular visitors, delivering the “WeCare Pack� which contains items such as instant noodles, canned food, biscuits, beverages and a medical kit to his home.
F R O M
T H E I R
M P s
I
t’s called Project Love and that’s exactly what it dispenses to the old, poor and needy families in Teck Ghee constituency. And one of Project Love’s „‡Â?Â‡Ć¤Â…Â‹ÂƒÂ”Â‹Â‡Â• ‹• ” Š—Â?‰ ƒ– ÂƒÂŠÇĄ ͣͤǤ Š‡ ™‹†‘™‡”ǥ ™Š‘ Ž‹˜‡• ‹Â? Â?‰ ‘ ‹‘ ‡™ ‘™Â?ÇĄ ‹• ƒÂ?‘Â?‰ –Š‡ ’‹‘Â?‡‡” ‰‡Â?‡”ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ƒÂ?• ™Š‘Â? –Š‡ ‹• ”‡ƒ…Š‹Â?‰ ‘—– –‘Ǥ ” Š—Â?‰ǥ ™Š‘ •’‡Â?– ŠƒŽˆ ƒ …‡Â?–—”› ‹Â? –Š‡ …‘Â?•–”—…–‹‘Â? ‹Â?†—•–”›ǥ Œ‘‹Â?‡† –Š‡ –”ƒ†‡ ƒ– Í?ͤǥ ™‘”Â?‹Â?‰ ‹Â? ›ƒÂ?Â?ƒ” ‹Â? –Š‡ Žƒ–‡ Í?ÍĽÍ ÍœÂ• ƒÂ?† ÂŽÂƒÂ–Â‡Â”ÇĄ ƒŽƒ›•‹ƒ ˆ‘” more than a decade. ‡ ƒÂ?† Š‹• Žƒ–‡ ™‹ˆ‡ Ž‹˜‡† ‹Â? —Â?‹– ‘ ™‡‡ „‡ˆ‘”‡ –Š‡ ‹‰ ‹”‡ ‘ˆ Í?ͼ͢Í?ÇĄ ƒÂ?† ™‡”‡ ”‡•‡––Ž‡† ‹Â? ƒ ”‡Â?–ƒŽ ĆŞÂƒÂ– ‹Â? ƒŽŽƒÂ?‰ǥ ƒˆ–‡” ™Š‹…Š –Š‡› „‘—‰Š– –Š‡‹” ‘™Â? Í&#x;nj”‘‘Â? ĆŞÂƒÂ– ‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‰ ‘ ‹‘ ‡™ ‘™Â? ‹Â? –Š‡ Žƒ–‡ Í?ÍĽÍŁÍœÂ•Ç¤
– ™ƒ• ƒ”‘—Â?† Í?ÍĽÍŁÍ Â–ÂŠÂ‘Â—Â‰ÂŠÇĄ –Šƒ– Š‹• ™‹ˆ‡ •—ƥ‡”‡† Â?ܠÂ?‡› ˆƒ‹Ž—”‡ ™Š‹…Š ”‡“—‹”‡† Â–ÂŠÂ”Â‹Â…Â‡ÇŚÂƒÇŚÂ™Â‡Â‡Â? †‹ƒŽ›•‹• –”‡ƒ–Â?‡Â?–•Ǥ ’‡ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ ‹Â? ƒÂ?†ƒ”‹Â?ÇĄ ” Š—Â?‰ Â•ÂƒÂ›Â•ÇŁ Dz Š‘•‡ ™‡”‡ –Š‡ †ƒ›• ™Š‡Â? –Š‡”‡ ™ƒ• Â?‘ ‡†‹•ƒ˜‡ ‘” ‡†‹ Š‹‡Ž† ƒÂ?† ›‘— Šƒ˜‡ –‘ ’ƒ› …ƒ•Š ˆ‘” –”‡ƒ–Â?‡Â?–•ǥ ™Š‹…Š …‘•– ÍŠÍ ÍœÍœ ƒ ™‡‡Â?Ǥdz Š‡ ƒ–‹‘Â?ƒŽ ܠÂ?‡› ‘—Â?†ƒ–‹‘Â? †‹† Ž‘™‡” ‹– ‡˜‡Â?–—ƒŽŽ› –‘ ÍŠÍĄÍœ ƒ Â?‘Â?–Š „—– „› –Š‡Â?ÇĄ –Š‡ …‘—’Ž‡ Šƒ† •‘Ž† –Š‡‹” ĆŞÂƒÂ– ƒÂ?† †‘™Â?‰”ƒ†‡† –‘ ƒ ͞nj”‘‘Â? ”‡Â?–ƒŽ ĆŞÂƒÂ– ‹Â? ‘ƒ ƒ›‘Š ƒÂ?† ÂŽÂƒÂ–Â‡Â”ÇĄ ƒ Í?nj”‘‘Â? „ƒ…Â? ‹Â? Â?‰ ‘ ‹‘ ™Š‡”‡ Š‡ •–‹ŽŽ ÂŽÂ‹Â˜Â‡Â•ÇĄ ƒˆ–‡” Š‹• ™‹ˆ‡ ’ƒ••‡† ƒ™ƒ› ˆ‘—” ›‡ƒ”• ƒ‰‘Ǥ ‹–Š ˆ—Â?†• ƒÂ?† •ƒ˜‹Â?‰• ™‹’‡† ‘ƥ ›‡ƒ”• ƒ‰‘ „‡…ƒ—•‡ ‘ˆ Š‹• Â™Â‹ÂˆÂ‡ÇŻÂ• Â?‡†‹…ƒŽ „‹ŽŽ•ǥ ” Š—Â?‰ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ‘Â? ’—„Ž‹… ƒ••‹•–ƒÂ?…‡ Č‹ ČŒ •‹Â?…‡ Š‡ ”‡–‹”‡† ƒ„‘—– Í?Íœ ›‡ƒ”• ƒ‰‘Ǥ ‡ †‘‡• not have to pay for medical treatment under the PA scheme. Project Love, a pro‰”ƒÂ?Â?‡ —Â?†‡”–ƒÂ?‡Â? „› ‘—Â?‰ ‡…Â? Š‡‡ǥ •—’’Ž‡Â?‡Â?–• ” Š—Â?‰ǯ• ÂŽÂ‹Â˜Â‡ÂŽÂ‹ÂŠÂ‘Â‘Â†ÇĄ ‰‹˜‹Â?‰ Š‹Â? monthly food rations such as rice and other basic necessities. They also help •’”‹Â?Â‰ÇŚÂ…ÂŽÂ‡ÂƒÂ? Š‹• ĆŞÂƒÂ–Ç¤ He also receives free meals from the Lions Befrienders ‡Â?–”‡ ˆ‘” •‡Â?‹‘” …‹–‹œ‡Â?• CASE STUDY TWO at the foot of his block ‘ˆ ĆŞÂƒÂ–Â•ÇĄ ƒÂ?† ˜‘—…Šers which he uses at nearby hawker centres ƒÂ?† ƒ‹” ”‹…‡ supermarkets. A collector of caps and mini liquor bottles from his early peripatetic days, his mementoes include framed photos –ƒÂ?‡Â? ™‹–Š •ǥ ‡•’‡…‹ƒŽŽ› –Š‘•‡ ˆ”‘Â? Â?‰ ‘ ‹‘ ÇĄ ‹Â?…Ž—†‹Â?‰ •‡˜‡”ƒŽ •Â?ƒ’•Š‘–• ™‹–Š ”‹Â?‡ ‹Â?‹•–‡” ‡‡ •‹‡Â? ‘‘Â?‰Ǥ
Young PAP Teck Ghee helps pioneer citizen January 2014
17
POVERTY
NOTE: These are examples of various schemes undertaken by MPs to help their residents. The listing is by no means comprehensive as every MP will have his/her own localised help schemes.
More kueh lapis layers at
local level Local help schemes spearheaded by the MPs
FOOD Food rations – Jurong Central, Kampong-Chai Chee, Woodgrove, Pasir Ris West, Hong Kah North, Boon Lay 400 bags of rice disbursed each month – Nee Soon South Grocery, sundry and/or meal voucher scheme – Teck Ghee, Queenstown, Hong Kah North, Bukit Batok Project Love provides home improvement works and food rations – Teck Ghee Food Connect programme – Ayer Rajah Breakfast/Bread on the wall where residents can pay for a suspended breakfast/a loaf of bread for the needy – Yew Tee Welfare fund provides groceries to needy families every month – Ang Mo KioHougang Hearty meal provides meals at $1 per meal – Ang Mo KioHougang
18
January 2014
MEDICAL Free TCM and Western clinic services – Jurong Central Medical transport allowance – Ayer Rajah Free clinic for bone and joint conditions – Queenstown Taxi voucher for regular medical checkups at hospitals – Kampong-Chai Chee
ELDERLY Community employment programme creates jobs in the community for the elderly – Northeast District Home alone senior support scheme – Ang Mo KioHougang
EDUCATION Yew Tee – EASB scholarship scheme Book voucher and educational bursary – Teck Ghee PCF Yuhua Trust for school children Free tuition and book vouchers – Nee Soon East Local bursary scheme – Ayer Rajah Woodgrove continuous learning bursary for adults Woodgrove educational bursary for students IT courses for seniors – Woodgrove University scholarships and book vouchers – Hong Kah North Poly headstart bursaries – Ang Mo Kio-Hougang Community scholarships for polytechnic and university students – Pasir Ris West
CASH/ VOUCHERS New Year Hongbao – Teck Ghee, Nee Soon East, Hong Kah North, Boon Lay
OTHERS Single Mothers’ programme helps single mothers cope – Tampines Changkat Bukit Batok community welfare fund provides bursaries, free tuition, food and groceries Bukit Batok fresh start programme provides holistic help for a second chance in life Project helping hands provides basic furniture such as bed, cupboard as well as window grilles for households with young children – Jurong Central Funds from annual golf tournament helps residents pay school tuition, buy computers, wheelchairs, pay utilities bills and more – Nee Soon South Adopt-a-family programme – Yew Tee Bakery scheme sells cookies baked by low-income families – Teck Ghee Provision of technical aids such as walking frames, wheelchairs, and walking sticks – Teck Ghee Project Care and Share Initiative provides regular grocery supplies, and regular outings – Chua Chu Kang Micro loan scheme for residents who do not qualify for any national help schemes – Woodlands Charity funeral service – Queenstown 6D "@QD ƥM@MBH@K @RRHRS@MBD RBGDLD provides short-term (3 months) help for families with income ceiling higher than $1,800 – Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC /QNIDBS 2 4 " " $ 2 2 GDKOR QDRHCDMSR ƥMC jobs – Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC
MPs’ take on the
importance of localised help
“We knock on doors to see what needs to be done (for the needy residents). Follow up closely and bring them to the MPS. While this is being done, we activate our local ComCare 2 scheme or what I call my 19th layer of kueh lapis.’’
“I run a few charity programmes outside of the usual help groups, and they are co-funded by private individ Ƥ Ǥ
ƥ service as many towkays will let me know of job openings and I can refer unemployed residents directly.’’
MP Seah Kian Peng (Braddell Heights)
MP Chia Shi-Lu (Queenstown)
“The additional layers of kueh lapis are actually important and seldom recognised. It is the most immedi ƪ those in need.’’ MP Alex Yam (Yew Tee)
January 2014
19
SHORTIES Register for government feedback
N
etizens must register if they want to post comments on Â‡ÂƒÂ…ÂŠÇĄ –Š‡ ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?–ǯ• ˆ‡‡†„ƒ…Â? —Â?‹–Ǥ Š‡ ”‡‰‹•–”ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ™Š‹…Š …ƒÂ?‡ ‹Â?–‘ ‡ƥ‡…– ‹Â? ‡…‡Â?„‡” ͜͞Í?Í&#x;ÇĄ ™ƒ• ƒÂ?Â?‘—Â?…‡† by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Registration via log-ins will deter users from hiding behind ˆƒÂ?‡ Â?ƒÂ?‡• ƒÂ?† ’”‡˜‡Â?– ‘Â?Ž‹Â?‡ †‡„ƒ–‡• ˆ”‘Â? †‡–‡”‹‘”ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‹Â?–‘ harsh exchanges and hate-mongering. The move also came in the ™ƒÂ?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ Šƒ…Â?‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ •‡˜‡”ƒŽ ‹Â?‰ƒ’‘”‡ ™‡„•‹–‡•Ǥ
PAP town councils are tops
A
ll town councils managed by the PAP improved on their performance compared to previous years, according to the Ministry of National Development (MND). They were tops in estate cleanliness, lift performance and corporate governance. The MND assessed all 15 town councils, of which 14 are managed by the PAP. The assessment period covered April 2012 to March 2013. Separately, cleaners at PAP town councils received a $200-pay ”‹•‡ǥ „‡Â?‡Ƥ–‹Â?‰ ƒ„‘—– ÍžÇĄÍĄÍœÍœ …Ž‡ƒÂ?‡”•Ǥ Š‡ ”ƒ‹•‡ –‘‘Â? ’Žƒ…‡ ‹Â? November 2013.
NEWS IN NUMBERS
500,000
2,600
65%
1.7 million
+@MC ENQ @ANTS G@KE @ LHKKHNM MDV GNLDR LNRSKX OTAKHB GNTRHMF VHKK AD @U@HK@AKD TMCDQ SGD #Q@ES ,@RSDQ /K@M VGHBG FTHCDR K@MC TRD NUDQ SGD MDWS SN XD@QR 3GDX VHKK AD ENTMC HM MDV GNTRHMF @QD@R @S !HC@C@QH 3@LOHMDR -NQSG @R VDKK @R DRS@AKHRGDC DRS@SDR RTBG @R "GT@ "GT *@MF
$ƤNQSR SN @SSQ@BS NKCDQ VNQJDQR HMSN SGD VNQJENQBD G@UD O@HC NƤ (M O@QSHBTK@Q LNQD NKCDQ VNLDM ENTMC DLOKNXLDMS $LOKNXLDMS NE QDRHCDMSR @FDC SN RSNNC @S ODQ BDMS HM 1D@K HMBNLD FQNVSG NE ODQ BDMS K@RS XD@Q V@R @KRN SGD GHFGDRS RHMBD @BBNQCHMF SN @ ,HMHRSQX NE ,@MONVDQ QDONQS
20
January 2014
3HFGSDMHMF NE $LOKNXLDMS /@RR $/ PT@KHEXHMF BQHSDQH@ G@R QDRTKSDC HM SGD MNM QDMDV@K NE RNLD $LOKNX
LDMS /@RRDR HM SGD ĆĽQRS G@KE NE 3GD $/ GNKCDQR VDQD ENTMC L@HMKX HM VGNKDR@KD @MC QDS@HK SQ@CD @MC OQNEDR
RHNM@K RDQUHBDR R NE )TMD SGDQD VDQD $/ GNKCDQR
ANTS LHKKHNM BNLLTSDQR VHKK DMINX BNMBDRRHNMR TO EQNL SGD BTQQDMS LHKKHNM TMCDQ E@QD BNMBDRRHNMR OQNONRDC AX SGD %@QD 1DUHDV ,DBG@MHRL "NLLHSSDD LNMF SGD "NLLHSSDDĹ—R QDBNLLDMC@SHNMR VDQD KNVDQ E@QDR ENQ @ANTS KNV HMBNLD VNQJDQR @MC ODNOKD VHSG CHR@AHKHSHDR
CONVERSATION
Family advocate A difficult childhood has influenced Ms Low Yen Ling’s strong views on family bonds. In a soul-baring interview, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Social and Family Development tells Wong Sher Maine about her early years and the impact that remains
L
ow Yen Ling is today an advocate for strong families because she did not come from one herself. The newly-appointed Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) was the only daughter of parents who ran a tailoring business. She has a brother. ‡…ƒ—•‡ –Š‡› …‘—Ž† Â?‘– ÂƒĆĄÂ‘Â”Â† –Š‡‹” ‘™Â? Š‘Â?‡ ƒÂ?† Šƒ† –‘ Ž‹˜‡ ‹Â? ”‡Â?–‡† ÂˆÂƒÂ…Â–Â‘Â”Â‹Â‡Â•ÇĄ •Š‡ ™ƒ• ”ƒ‹•‡† „› Š‡” ‰”ƒÂ?†Â?‘–Š‡” —Â?–‹Ž –Š‡ ƒ‰‡ ‘ˆ Ć¤Â˜Â‡Ç¤ Š‡ ‹Â?’ƒ…– ‘ˆ Š‡” †‹Ƽ…—Ž– …Š‹Ž†Š‘‘† ”—Â?• †‡‡’ǥ ‡˜‡Â? Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? Í&#x;Íœ years later. Š‡Â? Š‡” Ƥ”•– …Š‹Ž† ™ƒ• „‘”Â?ÇĄ • ‘™ǥ Ž‹Â?‡ ƒÂ?› ‘–Š‡” ‡š…‹–‡† Ƥ”•–nj –‹Â?‡ Â?‘–Š‡”ǥ ™ƒÂ?–‡† –‘ Â?Â?‘™ ‹ˆ Š‡ Ž‘‘Â?‡† Ž‹Â?‡ Š‡” ™Š‡Â? •Š‡ ™ƒ• ƒ „ƒ„›Ǥ Š‡ ĥÂ?‡† Š‡” Â?‘–Š‡” ™Š‘•‡ ”‡’Ž› ™ƒ• ƒŽ™ƒ›• ƒÂ?„‹‰—‘—•Ǥ Dz Š‡Â? ‘Â?‡ Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ Â?› Â?‘–Š‡” –‘Ž† Â?‡ –Šƒ– •Š‡ †‹†Â?ǯ– Â?Â?‘™Ǥ Š‡ Šƒ† Â?‘ ”‡…‘ŽŽ‡…–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ ™Šƒ– Ž‘‘Â?‡† Ž‹Â?‡ ƒÂ?† •Š‡ …”‹‡†Ǥ Š‡”‡ ™‡”‡ ˜‡”› ˆ‡™
’Š‘–‘• ‘ˆ Â?‡ǥdz •ƒ›• • ‘™ǥ Š‡” ˜‘‹…‡ –Š‹…Â? ™‹–Š –‡ƒ”•Ǥ Dz – ™ƒ• ƒ †‡ƤÂ?‹Â?‰ Â?‘Â?‡Â?– ˆ‘” Â?‡ „‡…ƒ—•‡ ”‡ƒŽ‹•‡† –Šƒ– Â?› ’ƒ”‡Â?–• had tried their level best but they were also in pain,â€? says the mother of two boys. Knowing the importance of family, she raised a silent cheer when the former Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports was reÂ?ƒÂ?‡† ‹Â? ‘˜‡Â?„‡” ͜͞Í?Íž –‘ ”‡ƪ‡…– –Š‡ ˆƒÂ?‹Ž› …‘Â?’‘Â?‡Â?–Ǥ “When we have healthy families, we have a thriving society,â€? she says, simply. Now in charge of family and women-related issues at MSF’s family †‡˜‡Ž‘’Â?‡Â?– ƒÂ?† •—’’‘”– †‹˜‹•‹‘Â?ÇĄ •Š‡ Â?‘–‡•ǣ Dz ‡ ™ƒÂ?– –‘ ™‘”Â? ™‹–Š the community and schools so that we can empower families with more „ƒ•‹… –‹’• –‘ ™‘”Â? ƒ– –Š‡‹” ”‡Žƒ–‹‘Â?•Š‹’•Ǥdz ‡” ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡ ƒŽŽ‘™• Š‡” –‘ ‡Â?’Šƒ–Š‹•‡ ˆ—ŽŽ› ™‹–Š –Š‘•‡ •Š‡ ‹• –”›‹Â?‰
January 2014
21
CONVERSATION to help. During a visit to the Jamiyah Children’s Home, for instance, she shared with the disadvantaged children she met that she, like them, had spent some years away from her parents. And getting families closer is always on her mind. For instance, a high point in her two-year political career was when she, together with her team, revamped the Edusave and bursary awards ceremony. It was previously a long-drawn four-hour ơ sit on rows of chairs awaiting their turn to receive their awards from the guest of honour while their parents stood behind. “The children were often so nervous they could not smile. There was little chance for the children to receive the award with their family,” she observes. From January 2013, she broke up the ceremony into intimate tete-a-tete sessions comprising about 25 children and their families for each ceremony, allowing for greater interaction. However, it also meant Ms Low was on her feet to attend more Edusave sessions – all 51 of them over two days. But at the end of it, it was not physical fatigue which overwhelmed her that she could barely eat. “I was tired because of the emotional toll. There were tears at every one of the 51 sessions, even from the fathers. When they
cry, you are also touched.” The tears possibly fell faster because Ms Low cajoled the children and parents into hugging each other. “Hugging may make us feel awkward in Asian culture. A few years ago I started to ơ her. It took her a while to get used to it,” says Ms Low, whose father died 3 ½ years ago. “Now, she hugs us warmly.” In the last two years, she has championed family and educational causes, speaking up for stay-at-home and working mothers, children with learning disabilities and the importance of early childhood education. “I really think every child deserves a fair chance at life. For that to happen, every ơ able education.” She has a soft spot for the elderly, originating from her close relationship with her grandmother. She also hopes that more women can step out onto the political platform. “It’s important to have women’s voices in Ǥ ơ ǡ bring to the table priorities that need new attention. “It need not be a big step in coming up to be a political candidate. It can simply be giving voice and being part of policy advocacy ơ Ǥdz
RIGHT: Ms Low Yen Ling together with Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing at the opening of a new Day Activity Centre run by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS).
LOW YEN LING
Age: 39 Family: Married with two boys aged 6 and 8 Favourite food: Yong tau foo Favourite radio station: Bilingual stations like FM88.3 Favourite exercise: Jogging Pet peeve ( ƥMC HS CHƧBTKS to hide my disgust at people who do not respect the elderly
of them short love notes on coloured paper and place it on their desks for them to read in the morning. I ask about their day and talk a bit about mine. It’s therapeutic for me to write these letters when I reach home.
How do you keep this up?
Sincerely, Mummy How do you foster your relationship with your sons, given you are so busy and hardly see them? I write simple, daily love letters to them. When I cannot be home to read short stories and tuck them into bed, I write each
22
January 2014
I have to be disciplined to make sure that I spend time with my family. The other night, I ended late, but I went to Changi Airport for supper with my husband at 1 am. It’s up to me to squeeze out daily contact time with my family.
Who helps you out? I’m very fortunate to have good family support, including my engineer husband, my mum and a reliable helper. He cut down his travelling a lot when I entered politics so he can be there with the children.
Connecting with KHU GRZQ WR HDUWK QDWXUH
What made you step up to the demands of political OLIH LQ WKH ƩUVW SODFH" As a mum living in an Asian society, you do think about whether I can be there for the family. I think about whether I will look back in time and see that I am not there in their formative years. These are things that will forever hold you back. But the way I see it, I was stepping up to serve. It’s an extension of my public service journey. I also want to be a role model for my children.
“But the way I see it, I was stepping up to serve. It’s an extension of my public service journey. I also want to be a role model for my children.”
Switching from the corporate trappings of the Economic Development Board to the grit of community work in 2011 marked a big change for Ms Low. For the community veterans of Bukit Gombak whom she had to lead, the polished young lady was also a far cry from salt-of-the-earth Ang Mong Seng (Ms Low’s predecessor) whom they had worked with since 2001. Says the Bukit Gombak MP: “I knew I had to work hard to earn their trust and respect. But I also believe in being true to myself and not putting up a false front.” She reckons what has helped to win the activists over is her downto-earth nature. “I’m very ‘tu’,” she said, using a Chinese word which is commonly translated to mean ‘country bumpkin’ but which more accurately alludes to a lack of pretension. The Dunman High and Temasek Junior College alumnus has no qualms about breaking into a rousing Mandarin getai-like spiel at temple events she is invited to, ending with a Q@BTNTR ƥRS OTLOHMF řHuat ah!” which means prosper in Hokkien. With a laugh as she demonstrated it, she says: “I’m quite at ease with such greetings. It’s a Chinese tradition to wish others well. I think it also helps me to relate.” 3G@S RGD HR DƤDBSHUDKX AHKHMFT@K HR a plus. Comfortable in both English and Mandarin, Ms Low grew up speaking Mandarin and currently sits on several organisations and committees to promote the language, including the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning, Singapore Centre for Chinese Language Limited and the Chinese Development Assistance Council. “It could be my Mandarin-speaking background or the fact that I come from a heartlander family,” says Ms +NV VGN RS@XR HM @ ƥUD QNNL Ʀ@S VHSG her family.
January 2014
23
G RO U N DWO R K
>
B R A N CH I N G O U T
(PSRZHULQJ WKH Bukit Gombak activists
“There were no complaints in the past. Now, people can complain about anything and everything.�
Koh Wan Seng Ĺž K@MCRB@OD BNMSQ@BSNQ Ĺž 5HBD BG@HQL@M LDLADQ RHMBD
Mr Koh Wan Seng started serving at the branch in the earlyy 1970s when Mr Chai Chong Yii was the MP. “My friends had asked me to come and help out as they were short-handed,â€? hee recalls. Since then, he has made it a point to “help outâ€? at the meet-the-people sessions (MPS) almost every week, acting as the assistant to the MP. • Š‡ ‹• ƪ—‡Â?– ‹Â? ƒŽƒ› ƒÂ?† •‘Â?‡ Š‹Â?‡•‡ †‹ƒŽ‡…–• Ž‹Â?‡ Hokkien and Teochew, he also sometimes steps in to help interpret. Over the years, Mr Koh has also cultivated strong relations with the local Chinese religious groups which proved tremen-dously helpful in the 1996 general election. “We had fought hard on the ground to counteract Ling How Doong (from the Singapore Democratic Party). It was especially sweet when most of the temple groups swayed to support the PAP. I knew our strategy to connect with the temples had worked.â€? When asked about the changes over the years, Mr Koh laments that “everything has changed.â€? “It’s very tough on our MPs nowadays when the expectations are so high and so varied. Last time, we don’t even have Ž‹‰Š–• ƒÂ?† ”—Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ™ƒ–‡” ƒ– ‘—” „”ƒÂ?…Š ‘Ƽ…‡Ǥ –ǯ• ƒ ˜‡”› †‹ƥ‡”ent world now.â€?
24
January 2014
Meet the Bukit Gombak activists
Just some 40 years ago, Bukit Gombak was a laid back rural area where wild dogs roamed and residents grew vegetables, rambutan and durian trees. The resident profile then was predominantly Mandarin and Chinese dialect speaking. Today, it has transformed into a constituency where 65 per cent of the residents live in private housing estates. Less Chinese dialects and more English are spoken. In keeping with the times, the branch has also rejuvenated itself with new members and a new leadership structure. The branch secretary is flanked by as many as six assistants, each looking after a very specific function. Branch secretary Dr Kee Wei Heong explains the new structure empowers the members and is a recognition of the activist’s role in the branch. Petir speaks to a long-time activist and three assistant branch secretaries to find out what has changed.
Kelvin Low
“I connect with the branch members and suss them out with the dissemination of su information on dialogues and talks.� in
Leslie Kang Les Ĺž Ĺž KDBSTQDQ Ĺž RRHRS@MS AQ@MBG RDBQDS@QX HM BG@QFD NE CH@KNFTDR S@KJR RR @MC @MC RDLHM@QR LDLADQ RHMBD M Mr Leslie Kang was inspired to join the Party after attending a talk by Minister Grace Fu some four years ago. It is only apt tthat he is now in charge of coordinating matters related to dialo dialogues and talks in the branch. Dz Dz ‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– Â?‡Â?„‡”• Šƒ˜‡ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ‹Â?–‡”‡•–•Ǥ ‘Â?‡ ƒ”‡ ‹Â?–‡”‡•–‡† ‡•–‡† ‹Â? ƤÂ?†‹Â?‰ ‘—– Š‘™ ‘—” …‘—Â?–”› ‹• ‰‘˜‡”Â?‡†ǥ ™Š‹Ž‡ •‘Â?‡ are more m hands-on and prefer to help out at MPS,â€? observes Mr Kang Kang. H He believes that the various dialogue sessions have a –”ƒÂ?• –”ƒÂ?•ˆ‘”Â?ƒ–‹˜‡ ‡ƥ‡…– ‘Â? ’‡‘’Ž‡Ǥ Dz Š‡› Â?ƒ› Â?‘– •’‡ƒÂ? —’ –Š‡ Ƥ”•– Ƥ”•– ˆ‡™ –‹Â?‡• –Š‡› ƒ––‡Â?† –Š‡ •‡••‹‘Â?•ǥ „—– ‘˜‡” –‹Â?‡ǥ –Š‡› ™‹ŽŽ open up and give feedback. This is how we can engage them and g get them involved. They may also form informal networks amongst themselves.â€? Mr Kang’s key role is to make the talks accessible for every branch member and keep them updated Leslie Kang about what’s available at the HQ and Lim Koh Kee Hee Wan Wei district-level as well Leng Seng Heong as at the branch.
G RO U N DWO R K
>
B R A N CH I N G O U T “With the new IT system, we make sure that the ”‡•‹†‡Â?–• ƒ”‡ ƒ––‡Â?†‡† –‘ Ƥ”•–ǥ …—– †‘™Â? –Š‡ waiting time for them and the entire process is Â?‘”‡ Â‡ĆĄÂ‡Â…Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡Ç¤Çł
Kelvin Low Ĺž ENQDHFM VNQJDQRĹ— CNQLHSNQX L@M@FDQ Ĺž RRHRS@MS AQ@MBG RDBQDS@QX HM BG@QFD NE ,/2 LDLADQ RHMBD
“We designed a new type of house visit card that can be hooked onto the door knobs.�
Lim Hee Leng Ĺž OQNODQSX L@M@FDQ Ĺž RRHRS@MS AQ@MBG RDBQDS@QX HM BG@QFD NE QDKHFHNTR FQNTOR LDLADQ RHMBD Other than mentoring new activists on the art of petition letter-writing and working with Mr Koh to liaise with the Chinese temple groups, Mr Lim Hee Ling performs another key function: the house visit planner. Being in an area dominated by private housing and landed properties, planning how to “walk the roadsâ€? is not as “straightÂˆÂ‘Â”Â™ÂƒÂ”Â†Çł ĥ ˜‹•‹–‹Â?‰ „Ž‘…Â?• ‘ˆ ĆŞÂƒÂ–Â•ÇĄ ‘„•‡”˜‡• ” ‹Â?Ǥ Planning the routes around the private estates requires one to be extremely familiar with the roads and streets, something that is completely up Mr Lim’s alley for he has worked as a property manager with the local town council for many years. “We try our best to plan to visit when there is the most number of people present in the house, but we still sometimes miss the residents. So we would put a house visit card at the door. “Our card used to be an A5-sized card, and for some reason, they are easily lost and people always complain that they never see their MP.â€? So, the branch designed a new house visit card that looks like a “Do not disturbâ€? door hanger. It can be hooked to the door knob when the MP comes knocking and no one is at home. “Now, we don’t hear people commenting that they hardly see the MP around,â€? points out Mr Lim.
Mr Kelvin Low is a branch newbie on the fast-track. With just two-and-a-half years of service under his belt, Mr Low is already the go-to person for all things related to the weekly MPS, ranging from the IT system to the coordination of the 30 over volunteers. Branch secretary Dr Kee describes him as someone who “has the ability to write concise and meaningful lettersâ€? and “understands the IT system completely.â€? Shortly after Mr Low started serving at the weekly MPS, immediately after the 2011 general election, he spearheaded a revamp in the letter-writing system where the computers are Â?‡–™‘”Â?‡† ƒÂ?† ‹Â?ˆ‘”Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ ‡ƒ…Š ’”‘ƤŽ‡ ‹• „‡‹Â?‰ ƒ”…Š‹˜‡† ‹Â? a data-base. The process of attending to the residents was also improved, reducing waiting time. ” ‘™ ĠÂ?‹–• –Šƒ– ĥ ƒ Â?‡™…‘Â?‡”ǥ Š‡ Šƒ† †‹Ƽ…—Ž–‹‡• mobilising the activists initially. But time has helped him to overcome it. “I was pushed in (to take charge) just after six months. Now, I’ve been here for two and a half years.â€? Bukit Gombak may have transformed but the work to serve residents continues.
“Different members have different interests. Some are LQWHUHVWHG LQ Ă€QGLQJ RXW KRZ our country is governed, while some are more hands-on and prefer to help out at MPS.â€? - Leslie Kang, Assistant branch secretary
%XNLW *RPEDN LV DQ DUHD ZKHUH +'% GZHOOHUV RQO\ PDNH XS SHU FHQW RI WKH HOHFWRUDWH
January 2014
G RO U N DWO RK
>
YO U N G PA P
%DOO V LQ \RXU FRXUW Harness young people’s energy to develop Singapore
I
became involved in politics for a simple reason – to understand and help those around me, especially the less fortunate. It led me to volunteer my time at the weekly meet-the-people session in 2010. Since then, my participation in various Party and grassroots activities has awakened me to an issue of greater importance – the involvement of young people in politics and the community. Why does it matter that youth get involved in politics? Youth have to learn the societal needs of our time. This is a good place to start, consid Ƥ Ǧ about Singapore’s past, especially the long and arduous journey that led to today’s successes. After decades of economic progress, modern Singapore is facing a new set of challenges: keeping the income gap in check, creating equal opportunities for all, addressing a declining birthrate and so on. It is impossible to truly understand a mul-
ti-faceted society from afar. Greater concern for the community and participation in the grassroots is the key as it provides opportunities for experiential learning, where youth are ơ ent backgrounds and immerse themselves in the lives of others. As stewards of Singapore’s future, young people need to demonstrate we have what it takes to assume the custodianship of our country in future. Sometimes mis-labelled “The Strawberry Generation” – a generation that’s lacking in resilience and perseverance – today’s youth have to consider the gargantuan tasks ahead, such as taking Singapore to the next level of success, upholding the standards set by our predecessors and being entrusted to safeguard our present, while securing our future. ơ Ǥ ơ show they are fully capable of being responsible citizens. Through their involvement, they
demonstrate their values, skills and most importantly, the willingness to serve the community. ơ untested generation to showcase their viewpoints and opinions, and be open to constructive criticism from the general public. This helps us gain a deeper understanding of the policy-making process and what it takes to craft robust policies that serve the nation. Of greatest importance and challenge is to prevent youth from being cynical towards politics. Cynicism arises when one loses faith in the government, its principles and doubts ơ ǯ standards. To do so, politics needs to be welcoming to us, show us that it is open to our inputs. Too often, men of experience expect youths to be “seen but not heard”. This might be a folly, for nobody is too young to start to contribute towards a cause and make a ơ Ǥ ǡ ourselves about policies to recognise and analyse what’s good for the public. Recognising our role in shaping Singapore’s future through engagement and outreach is important, as failure will lead to the grave misconception that our voting system is a mere lip service to democracy. A cynical population leads to voter apathy, and this could deprive Singapore’s political leadership of a strong mandate to lead the country through challenging times. Politics need not be divisive. It can be used as a tool of unity and a place for the con Ǥ Ƥ Ǧ voters are youths, and we will form opinions of our own too. What is crucial is that we ơ ǡ rather achieve a common understanding through discussions and dialogues – that we all care for the well-being of the nation that has cared for us. Now, more than ever, in our youth, it’s time to harness our enthusiasm and energy to continue developing Singapore from strength to strength. The ball is in our court, so let’s not drop it.
'$9,' &+,$ :(( 0(1* The writer is a YP member from Taman Jurong branch.
January 2014
27
G RO U N DWO R K
>
WO M E N ' S WI N G
Reflections RQ RXU education system
In a post-National Day Rally dialogue with MPs Denise Phua, Ellen Lee and Low Yen Ling, Women’s Wing (WW) members talked about their concerns and offered suggestions to improve the education system. Ms Denise Phua shares with Petir her views on the current state of affairs
Q&A with Denise Phua
Q
What is your personal view about high-stakes exams such as the PSLE? For the longest time, the most prominent KPI of whether a school is desirable or not has been its scores in high-stakes exams. It’s a mindset that is entrenched not only in parents but also among educators and employers. Parents who are competitive will still rely on these tangible benchmarks to measure their children's success. Employers, including the civil service will consider the academic results as a measure of a candidate's worth, even as they lament that school graduates Ǧ Ƥ character or soft skills. It will take some time to switch to a mindset that values and celebrates other forms of intelligences, character and soft skills. We
28
January 2014
will need to press on and to further identify other levers that will further the mindset shift.
seriously study alternate models which allow for rigorous standards as well as having fewer high-stakes exams.
MOE policies made good I am heartened that Education Minister Heng Swee Keat has been consistent and steadfast in helming MOE in its new strategic thrusts. He is a leader who keeps his promises and has turned them into action.
&KDQJLQJ UROH RI WHDFKHUV LQ GLJLWDO DJH The traditional model of the teacher being the dispenser of theories and formulae will not stick in the digital age. Ƥ anything, anywhere, anytime in a digital age. The role of the educator becomes one of a facilitator to help signpost, guide and provide counsel to students in their growing up years. This new role should have some bearing on the way we select and train our educators.
7KURXJK WUDLQ V\VWHP WR UHGXFH H[DP VWUHVV There are education systems in the world where a through-train primary to secondary school system has worked well without the need for a high-stakes exam such as the PSLE in Year 6. One less high-stakes exam is one less exam preparation and unnecessary stress! I personally feel there is a strong need to
Q
What is your view on tuition? PISA 2009 (Programme for International Student Assessment, a triennial
G RO U N DWO R K international survey which evaluates education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students) has revealed that Singapore has the highest number of students who had one-on-one private tuition while in primary school, or group tuition. And many continue to have private tuition through their secondary school and JC years. Rather than ignore the elephant in the room, we should confront and tame it. There are always some students who, for some reason, do not access what is taught in class and will need additional help in the form of private tuition or additional help in school. ‘Â?…‡”–‡† ‡ƥ‘”–• Â?—•– „‡ Â?ƒ†‡ –‘ •Žƒ› the tuition monster. Tuition for better performing students takes away the initiative for self-driven learning which is essential for survival in the 21st century. It will take several stakeholders to slay it. Schools, for instance, can provide support in the form of online lectures for revision, or study groups where there is peer coaching or the provision of readily available helplines.
Q
Special education is something that is close to your heart. What more should the government do in this area? Kudos must go to the government in the last seven years for the greater attention and resource allocation to special education (SPED). Funding for special schools has grown tremendously and the remuneration of SPED teachers has improved. More graduates are entering the SPED profession and the quality of teaching and learning has been enhanced. While there is greater awareness of students with special needs at the institutions of higher learning, there is still a lack of systemic support and interventions. In many tertiary institutions in the West, there are ƒŽ™ƒ›• ‹•ƒ„‹Ž‹–› —’’‘”– Ƽ…‡• ™Š‹…Š •‡”˜‡ as the hub to which students with special education needs are channeled. Singapore tertiary institutions are still very lacking in this regard. But the great news is that MOE is actively looking into it at the moment. In summary, I believe there is a space for the co-creation of alternate school systems that can hopefully lead to better outcomes in inclusion, partnerships with families, character building while retaining Singapore's strong international academic performance.
>
WO ME N ' S WI N G
What WW likes about the Singapore education system • Academic excellence and the international QDBNFMHSHNM NE 2HMF@ONQD DCTB@SHNM PT@KHƼB@SHNMR Ş %HM@MBH@K @RRHRS@MBD ENQ SGNRD VGN QDPTHQD HS Ş &QD@SDQ @V@QDMDRR NE RSTCDMSR VHSG RODBH@K MDDCR Ş 2SQNMF ETMCHMF QDRTKSHMF HM FNNC HMEQ@RSQTBSTQD @MC QDRNTQBDR HMBKTCHMF (3 Ş 'NKHRSHB DCTB@SHNM VHSG "" R LTRHB @QS KHED RJHKKR "(/ @MC BG@Q@BSDQ ATHKCHMF
Their key concerns Ĺž "G@KKDMFDR HM @SSQ@BSHMF @MC QDS@HMHMF PT@KHSX SD@BGDQR ENQ OQD RBGNNK DCTB@SHNM Ĺž .UDQ DLOG@RHR NM @B@CDLHB ODQENQL@MBD Ĺž -DDC ENQ LNQD BG@Q@BSDQ ATHKCHMF Ĺž 2SQDRR QDRTKSHMF EQNL RSQD@LHMF @S / /2+$ 2DB Ĺž -DDC ENQ LNQD RSQHMFDMS RDKDBSHNM BQHSDQH@ NE SD@BGDQR HM SDQLR NE PT@KHSX @MC BG@Q@BSDQ Ĺž 4MDUDM PT@KHSX @LNMF RBGNNKR
Their key suggestions Ĺž !DSSDQ BNLODMR@SHNM ENQ OQDRBGNNK DCTB@SNQR Ĺž ,NQD DLOG@RHR NM BG@Q@BSDQ ATHKCHMF U@KTDR HMBTKB@SHNM @MC SGHMJHMF BQD@SHUD RJHKKR Ĺž (LOQNUDC RDKDBSHNM development and retention NE PT@KHSX SD@BGDQR Ĺž 2SQNMFDQ RTOONQS ENQ VD@JDQ RSTCDMSR @MC KD@QMHMF A@RDC NM @AHKHSHDR Ĺž "KNRD F@OR ADSVDDM RBGNNKR @MC DMRTQD SG@S @R L@MX RBGNNKR @R ONRRHAKD ADBNLD RBGNNKR NE BGNHBD VHSG O@QDMSR
January 2014
29
CAUGHT ON THE NET We bring you a flavour of the bread-and-butter issues discussed online COMMENTARIES
7KRVH ZKR VWDQG IRU QRWKLQJ IDOO IRU DQ\WKLQJ The recent dialogue over the hijab issue has ”‡˜‡ƒŽ‡† •‹‰Â?Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ?– †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?…‡• ‹Â? –Š‡ ™ƒ› ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ‘’’‘•‹–‹‘Â? ’ƒ”–‹‡• –ƒ…Â?Ž‡ †‹Ƽ…—Ž– ‹••—‡•ǥ said MPs Indranee Rajah and Hri Kumar Nair in separate postings on their Facebook accounts. Both noted that the Workers' Party (WP) have refused to take a clear stand on this issue – as well as on several other potentially thorny matters – but have preferred instead to “[straddle] both sides of the fence and merely [call] for public dialogue.â€? “This does little to help resolve a delicate and †‹Ƽ…—Ž– Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?ƒŽ ‹••—‡ ƒÂ?† ”—Â?• –Š‡ †ƒÂ?‰‡” ‘ˆ encouraging groups, including those from other communities, to take rhetorical positions and Â?ƒÂ?‡ ’—„Ž‹… †‡Â?ƒÂ?†• ™Š‹…Š –Š‡› Â?ƒ› –Š‡Â? ƤÂ?† †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ Â?‘˜‡ ˆ”‘Â?ÇĄÇł •ƒ‹† • Â?†”ƒÂ?‡‡Ǥ In his post, Mr Nair said: “On almost every contentious issue, where taking a position risks loss of support, the WP has either sat on the fence ‘” Šƒ• Š‡ƒ˜‹Ž› Â“Â—ÂƒÂŽÂ‹Ć¤Â‡Â† ‹–• ’‘•‹–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ™Š‹Ž‡ ‰‹˜‹Â?‰ the impression that it has seriously considered the matter.â€?
2B@M SGD 01 BNCD SN QD@C NM
COMMENTARIES
(QJDJLQJ UHVLGHQWV LQ WKH FKDQJLQJ landscape MPs are confronting the new reality in today's ƪ—‹† ŽƒÂ?†•…ƒ’‡ ĥ –Š‡› ‡Â?‰ƒ‰‡ ™‹–Š –Š‡‹” ”‡•‹†‡Â?–• ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ™‹†‡” …‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–› ‘Â?Ž‹Â?‡ ƒÂ?† ‘ƍ‹Â?‡Ǥ This calls for new approaches when dealing with residents who resort to veiled threats when their demands are not met or heard. An example would be the threat to vote for another political party, which is a threat not uncommon to MPs. Sharing such a threat by an irate netizen on his Facebook page on Saturday, Acting Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin explained the processes for his various communication channels.
COMMENTARIES
6RPH WKRXJKWV RQ /LWWOH ,QGLD ULRW Acting Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin penned his thoughts on the Little India riot in a Facebook post. ‡ ‘ƥ‡”‡† Š‹• ’‡”•’‡…–‹˜‡• ‘Â? ™Šƒ– Šƒ’’‡Â?‡† and why the riot had happened. He also urged netizens to take this chance to Dz”‡ƪ‡…– ƒÂ?† ĥÂ? Â?‘– Dz™Š‡”‡ ™‡”‡ ›‘— ™Š‡Â? –Š‡ riots happened?â€?, but “what did you say, what did you do when it did?’â€?
COMMENTARIES
2B@M SGD 01 BNCD SN QD@C NM
ABOUT THIS WEBSITE The PAP website is updated daily with speeches, commentaries and op-ed pieces written by Ministers, MPs and party activists. You can also ĆĽMC NTS SGD K@SDRS MDVR @MC @MMNTMBDLDMSR related to the PAP on this website.
ZZZ SDS RUJ VJ 30
January 2014
2B@M SGD 01 BNCD SN QD@C NM
7DNH D VWDQG DJDLQVW F\EHU DWWDFNV The recent spate of events on the cyber frontier is an attack against Singapore, and these disruptions can cause severe implications downstream, said MP for Moulmein-Kallang GRC Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim in a Facebook post. Noting the gravity of such attacks, he said that such attacks can “even endanger livesâ€?. Dr Yaacob, who is also the Minister for Communications and Information, compared such attacks – regardless of its intent – to be akin to robbery. Earlier on November 20, MP for Nee Soon GRC ƒÂ?† Ī ƒÂ?† ‘”‡‹‰Â? ĆĄÂƒÂ‹Â”Â• ‹Â?‹•–‡” ” Ǥ ŠƒÂ?Â?—gam said that these cyber attacks are “nothing short of terrorismâ€? due to the high dependency of critical services on IT infrastructure, such as power grids, air Â–Â”ÂƒĆĽÂ… …‘Â?–”‘Žǥ Š‘•’‹–ƒŽ• ƒÂ?† ”‘ƒ† Â–Â”ÂƒĆĽÂ… •‹‰Â?ƒŽ•Ǥ
2B@M SGD 01 BNCD SN QD@C NM
BACKBENCHER'S BITE WHO: David Ong Kim Huat, MP for the Bukit Batok Ward in Jurong GRC. He entered politics in 2011 and is currently the managing director of RedDot Publishing, which specialises in tourism-related publications. WHERE: "NƤDDRGNO @S !TJHS !@SNJ "" Bukit Batok Central. Mr Ong and his activists frequently go there for their meals, before or after their meetings at the CC.
ON THE MENU
ÂŞ Wanton noodles ($3.30)
The age advantage
H
e laughed when reminded that he was one of the oldest of the 24 new faces unveiled by the People’s Action Party at the 2011 General Election. But for 52-year-old David Ong, age is just a number. What’s more important, he says, is to have the heart and desire to serve the people. The father-of-three has more than a decade of grassroots experience at the Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng constituency before he was Ƥ‡Ž†‡† ‹� —”‘�‰ Ǥ Petir meets him on a recent Friday morning – a quiet pocket of time in his busy schedule – for breakfast.
Feeling the ground The demographics in Bukit Batok are
“—‹–‡ †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ˆ”‘Â? ”‡–ƒ ›‡”nj ‹Â? ‡Â?‰Ǥ The community in Bukit Batok is relatively younger, and there are fewer rental blocks. My immediate tasks were to quickly understand the ground, connect with the residents, tackle the key municipal issues and ensure that the people who need help, receive it. Age, his advantage Being older does have its advantages. In my earlier years, I was given the opportunity to serve in grassroots. My roles in the ‹–‹œ‡Â?• ‘Â?•—Ž–ƒ–‹˜‡ ‘Â?Â?‹––‡‡ǥ ‡ƒ…Š ˆ‡‡†„ƒ…Â? —Â?‹–ǥ ‘Â?Â?—Â?‹–› ‡˜‡Ž‘’Â?‡Â?– ‘—Â?…‹Ž ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ‡‘’Ž‡̽• ••‘…‹ƒ–‹‘Â?̽• …–‹˜‡ ‰‡‹Â?‰ ‘—Â?…‹Ž ƒŽŽ‘™‡† Â?‡ –‘ •‡‡ ‹••—‡• ˆ”‘Â? †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– ’‡”•’‡…–‹˜‡• ™Š‹…Š Šƒ˜‡ Žƒ‹† ƒ strong foundation in my MP work.
In fact, age should not matter at all. Whether you’re 20 years old or 70 so long as you serve with sincerity, you can make a †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?…‡ ‹Â? ™Šƒ– ›‘— †‘Ǥ Shaping policies I have a keen interest in sports and the desire to see our sportsmen and sportswomen do well for Singapore. One issue I spoke about recently in Parliament was National Service (NS) deferment for top male athletes. So I was particularly cheered when Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced –Šƒ– •™‹Â?Â?‡” ‘•‡’Š …Š‘‘Ž‹Â?‰ …‘—Ž† defer his NS to train for the 2016 Summer Olympics. This is a good start for the sporting fraternity. Now our top sportsmen will be given the opportunity and support to realise their true potential. Given the ageing population, I have also been championing seniors’ issues such as fair treatment of our senior workforce, retirement age, health care as well as extending MediShield coverage till the end of life. Thus, I was heartened when Medishield Life was announced at this year’s ƒ–‹‘Â?ƒŽ ƒ› ƒŽŽ›Ǥ › ‰‘ƒŽ ‹• –‘ ‰‡– ĥ Â?ƒÂ?› of the seniors in my ward out of their homes, make friends with their neighbours and embrace a shared activity or hobby. It’s indeed a privilege to be able to serve, help shape policies and to do my part to make life better for all Singaporeans.
January 2014
31
QUOTE & UNQUOTE “Yes, you can attend whatever schools and can come through whatever system, but you have to be able to see things from another person's perspective, see it through their lenses, wear their shoes. We can all do that, regardless of whether you are from an elite school or non-elite school.” - Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew’s point that it does not matter if one comes from an elite or non-elite school. He added he received a C6 for Maths in Secondary 4.
“Don't just look at a tree and give up the forest.”
And ƩQDOO\ “Employers' roles can be likened to cutting and polishing raw gems. Each one can excel if you create for them the conditions to do so.” - Senior Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan on the importance of employers in improving their employees’ level of service.
“As you can see, I'm now more relaxed, my hair has even turned black.’’ - National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan who pointed out that he is more relaxed these days because the number of foreign property buyers, who was partly responsible for rising property rises, has fallen. 32
January 2014
- MP Ang Hin Kee on how LTA should also consider other problems that taxi drivers face in order to resolve taxi demand problems.