Why Cats, Dogs and the Environment Matter...

Some have asked me why are we taking this up when there are so many other things to sort out.  

Its not about the animals. Nor is it just about the environment (which is something I am also looking at). It is about the society we want to build. Some of you have shared -

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." --Ghandi.

Does this mean we stop worrying about other issues? Addressing these doesn't mean the rest of the work isn't done. Far from it.

My colleagues and I are fully aware of the many needs we need to cater to and indeed, the many things to be addressed. We discuss this weekly at Cabinet and within our Ministries. Things that we are able to move quickly we do. In other areas, we need to spend more time because there are different ramifications. The issues are seldom purely black and white. I realise that the expectations are there but as I have said before, things take time and we want to do it right.

FTs and FWs is one such topic. In fact, as I read your various posts and listen to my residents, I see a few key themes:

- Living space: too many too quickly, over-representation in particular areas

- Fairness and opportunity for our own Singaporeans at the workplace (including discrimination against our own), housing, schools

- Are we bringing in the right types of FTs and FWs

- Better information to be made available 

- Local and small SMEs are finding it difficult as we have tightened up foreign supply

etc

Housing:

- Prices, availability of both normal flats and rentals

- Eligibility...young couples, singles, divorcees, low income groups, elderly

- Design considerations

etc

'Singaporeans First' is another key theme that surfaces.

As I have explained. We are looking at these issues. There are also many many ongoing matters that continue to be done because we need to keep our country going. They may not be on the radar screen but doesn't mean they are not important. Many things work here. Not always perfectly but it helps provide us a good and stable environment for us and our families. We cannot slacken in these areas.

Which brings me to our cats, dogs and environment. 

When we begin to care for different aspects in society, we will begin to grow as a people. What distinguishes us as humans is our capacity to love, care and respect. Which is why such avenues, be it with animals, our environment, and indeed with fellow humans...caring for the less privileged in society, respecting elders and being there for them in their twilight years...the spirit of volunteerism and to be involved... are critical in the building of our nation, and the forging of our heart and soul.

Not everything is an economic digit. Some of the most important things in life cannot be quantified.

At the end of it all, it is about us and the society we want to build for our children. 

'Fullerton Rally' Speech - UOB Plaza, 3 May 2011

Today, we stand here and we see the Singapore River - the lifeblood of this island. Today, it is the economic heart of Singapore.

But 70 years ago, on Monday, 8 December 1941, at about 4:00 in the morning, while we were asleep, the first bombs were dropped on Singapore and amongst the various targets, bombs hit Raffles Place.

The Japanese wanted to demonstrate that they could strike at the heart of Singapore. The Air Raid sirens sounded but the streetlamps remained alight.

Death, destruction resulted when only a few days earlier, people believed that Singapore was the impregnable fortress east of the Suez.

Today, we stand here, amidst the bright sunshine. Comfortable. Pubs. Makan places. What can happen here?

We ARE safe physically. The SAF stands ready to defend our sovereignty and to ensure that this does not happen again. And no, I am not going to talk about oppositions’ defence policies!

But 70 years ago, we were caught sleeping. Complacent.

70 years later, are we similarly so? Do we take what we have as a given? That the things we have today will continue tomorrow?

How many of you here believe that the world is getting less complex and challenging? It is not isn’t it? And it is becoming even more important that we need to be united and decisive going forward because the world will pass us by if we become irrelevant.

For many of you here, are your decisions always straightforward and easy? Sometimes. Often not. Difficult choices need to be made, just as there are trade offs at every corner because of competing needs and demands.

I wish life was as simple as some argue it to be. I am not blessed with 6/6 hindsight wisdom.

What I also do know is that I am not prepared to gamble away our children's future on the basis of bravado and rhetoric, nice sounding ideas and theories. 

If we lived in a different world, I may perhaps be tempted. 

But we live in this world.

And in this world, strong governance and a strong mandate by our people has been key to our success. This mandate comes at the ballot box and it also comes with the trust and respect earned through the good times and the bad, through the big things and the little things that we do and say. And the way we do it.

For a country like Singapore, a strong mandate is important because it enables us to make the hard decisions and the long terms plans. When we lose that trust and respect, the mandate erodes, and with that, we fight from election to election, and become short-termist like others.

The big difference is that other countries can still get by because of their size and resources. We do not have that. What do you think will be our future if we are not able to carry these long term, sometimes difficult and unpopular decisions?

The key therefore is our ability to earn your trust and respect. Today, many do still support the PAP. You recognize our strengths and our ability. And deep down, many of you know that this party can lead us forward to secure our future.

But some of you have doubts and are troubled. Angry even. There is a growing frustration and angst. Some feel that you are being talked down to, that there is not enough listening, that we can be more compassionate and be less calculative. Many feel that we need to be more accommodative of differing views. Many of you dislike some of the ways with which we attack the opposition. Some question the fairness of the GRC system. Others feel aggrieved by the salary structure.

Again, at the heart of it, is that sense of trust. Whether real or not, if we are unable to address these perceptions and sentiments, our moral authority to lead will erode.

I know we need to listen and to communicate our ideas better. We need to balance efficiency and effectiveness, and to temper it with more heart. Sometimes slower is faster, less is more.

I do not believe we monopolise wisdom. I feel that if it is pro-Singapore, it matters little where those views come from. I believe we can and should embrace them in ways that make sense. Why? We need to walk this journey together. The way forward can be a depressing nightmare as we slowly slide into the dustbins of history or it can be an exciting adventure to secure our future.

The world is complex and challenging, but you can also imagine the opportunities and possibilities that abound if we get it right. Our physical transformation is exciting and we are growing our abilities across many fronts. But we also need to tend to our spirit and soul.

We are best placed to lead our country forward. We have a very strong record. Not a perfect one but one which in the cold light of day, you know has provided us with what we have and will take us forward.

BUT You want to know if we are a party with ears to listen, a heart to care, and who serves to lead.

I know I will listen with respect. I will care for those who are less able to fend for themselves. And I will have the courage to do what is right and to change what has to be changed.

Singapore is what it is because we have walked this path together. You have given us your mandate, trust and respect. We have weathered many storms together and have overcome many obstacles that would have crippled others. But here we are today. Look around you. Look at your friends standing beside you. And look inside you. There is something special and remarkable about being Singapore and being Singaporean isn’t it?

I believe and know that we will change and do better. Just as I know that we will continue to endeavour to put our people, our nation and our future first. 

I know that we can look forward with confidence and to secure our future.

I ask for your trust as we take this journey together.

What is so unique about Singapore anyway?

"What I also do know is that I am not prepared to gamble away our children's future on the basis of bravado and rhetoric, nice sounding ideas and theories." 


People like to compare cities and countries in the world. There are rankings and  commentaries galore. We sometimes point to them to either celebrate or to thumb ourselves down (as some are apt to do). However, there is little basis for comparison. Perhaps we can reflect and ask ourselves why. 

We are just over 700+ square km in size. An entire nation is squeezed into this island, a fair bit of which is reclaimed from the sea. We need land for living space, just as we do for recreation, industrial needs, transport requirements, catchment areas for water collection and so on. How do we decide the trade-offs?

Most cities in the world have other areas beyond which other economic and industrial acitivities can take place. Retirees can move out to quieter regions even as new young entrants come in to seek their fortune. For us, everything takes place within this place we call home.

We have zero natural resources to fall back on. We say it so often that we have become numb. There are no other sources of income we can depend on. We often do say that people are our most important resource...that is true. It is probably our only resource as well! But is the quality of our people a given? Or do we need to provide for and nurture it? 

We are blessed to be in a very good geographic location. But have we considered that any point along Straits of Malacca could be just as strategic since the trade flow can just as easily pass through there? What makes us strategic and relevant? 

With the end of the colonial era, countries like Burma and Philippines were seen as the bright shining prospects in South East Asia. Singapore was doing well but few could imagine it without the Malayan hinterland. How did we manage to survive economically? And continue to thrive till today? 

We co-exist as different races and I think we have something great going on here in Singapore. But in history and contemporary times, is this the natural state of affairs when we look at race and religious issues? Does it just happen by chance?

Strong economic growth. Peace. Stability. Harmonious multiracial relations. Security where we do not have to worry about our children when they come back late. Decent employment rates. The list goes on. Not everything is perfect but in the overall scheme of things, not too bad I think.

Are there any close parallels in this world we live in?

What we have is achieved amidst these realities. Is it so easy? I wish life was as simple as some argue it to be. I am not blessed with 6/6 hindsight wisdom. I will struggle with decisions...just as I know that difficult decisions will have to be made. 

I know why I am doing this, and to what end. I know that we need to change. And we will. But I also know that there are many good things that we have done that we need to build on and maintain or to strengthen.

What I also do know is that I am not prepared to gamble away our children's future on the basis of bravado and rhetoric, nice sounding ideas and theories. 

If we lived in a different world, I may perhaps be tempted. 

But we live in this world. 

Let's continue to defy the odds :) !!  

Block Visits...some initial thoughts

"The spirit of 'make the boss look good' is alive and well ... but in this case, the boss is the voter :)"

This was posted on my FB by Khia Teck, a comment to a commentary by Mr Brown on MP visits that I linked on my FB. Alot of wisdom there and a good reminder! Made sure my team was aware of this in my last few block visits.

Reception was warm and I enjoyed meeting our residents, and to have a sense of their background and concerns. What a wide range of people one gets to meet! Was in the home of this 70+ year old gentleman who very articulately shared his views about the challenges the new leadership will face. Animatedly, he went through how it was difficult to assess the quality of candidates. Just because they appear good doesn't mean that they can deliver, whether ruling party or opposition. There was a need to provide clarity and direction and not just seek views alone as it is impossible to assimilate the many ideas. A 15 minutes of passionate sharing from this retired engineer. Respect...

I asked a young couple if they were planning to have another child. "Sure, but you know, cost of living very high so if the Government can give more incentives, rebates etc, we'd sure have more kids!" Ummm. Ok, Will see what other ideas we have in our seemingly uphill task to increase our birthrate! We all know that this is one issue that is deeply personal and cannot be forced. But the stark realities of numbers stare you in the face...an ageing population, a situation that many face today, Japan being a prime example, is not a trivial matter. We better figure out what to do...and I believe it is also very much to do with the climate and society that we build that will determine if people do have more kids or not. 

There were also a few residents who were very angry with the lift upgrading as it blocked their view and airflow. Most of the people welcomed it but those affected negatively, understandably wanted solutions. Not easy as a newbie on the ground to suddenly be confronted this way, but I have learnt to listen and to see what solutions we have for them. And even if no solutions, to ensure we close the loop.

An older gentleman had a few nights ago at the MPS pressed relentlessly for more frequent buses at Ubi area, to introduce new buses and he also told us where the routes should go. I know we have gotten the buses to increase the frequency and they have. Is there more room to adjust? Where is the balance between viability of individual routes and the global optimisation (which may include sub-optimised local routes) approach? Need to learn more about the mechanics of this. I certainly have encountered crowded MRTs and buses when I go to town...but my solution is to have a book to keep myself occupied! But no joke to do it everyday I am sure.

But there were also many gems..."I am so happy with the cleanliness of this block" A few unsolicited kudos from Blk 10 in Chai Chee for the Town Council. Great job! I think praises and appreciation, which we often are quite reluctant to dish out, can go a long way for the cleaners and ah sohs who do the work to feel that their efforts are recognised and appreciated. And you know what? I suspect if the word gets to them, they will be motivated to keep at it. Several gave useful suggestions on how to improve the physical environment because of the many elderly in the area..."there should be a ramp here", "we should have sheltered pathways there"...Very good to see this strong sense of community spirit. Many shared that they got along well with their neighbours. Let's continue to see how to further this...

Need to think of more ways to integrate our residents with the range of activities going on. Not everyone is in when we come round and not everyone participates in activities. So one could end up not seeing your MP at all! Not that they necessarily want to of course! :)

Its been great thus far...thanks to all the supporting staff who helped pave the way gently and to note down the concerns and suggestions to follow up on. And thanks to our residents for their warmth and support!

Some earlier thoughts...

I had posted a few blogs in 2009 about some of the different groups we engaged during the National Day Outreach. The idea is to raise awareness in the public and at the same time allow a fair number of our young soldiers to understand a segment of society which they may not be familiar with.


http://www09.ndp.org.sg:9010/yellowribbonfriends.php

http://www09.ndp.org.sg:9010/ourfriendswithsilverribbon.php


There is much that we can do to with the activities we have...There are many angles to bring different groups into the picture and to help their effort with the less privileged.

At the same time, I'd also like to look at the range of assistance available and see if there is more that can and/ or should be done. We should take a look at the many good ideas and practices to see if they are being spread around so that everyone levels up everyone's else efforts.

Reaching Out...an initial reflection

I spent this recent weekend visiting my possible ward. On Saturday, 9th Apr 11, I went to Chai Chee to meet the residents in a simple get-together and to visit Sunlove Home 

(http://www.sunlovehome.org.sg/ChaiChee.php) which is situated there. The residents are from one room rental flats. There is a disproportionate number of elderly. Some are on their own while others seem to be staying with their young grandchildren.

There are many heart-rending stories there but this one was inspiring. There was this small-built feisty lady in her 40s (or 50s perhaps) who was living with her paralysed mother. She shared that she had 6 siblings but only saw them once at year at the most. But when you hear her tell it, there was no trace of rancour or bitterness. "I am the eldest, it is my duty." It was as simple as that. She works as a cleaner and makes do with $600 plus a month. About quarter will go to rental, utilities etc. She manages...just about. What struck me was her spirit. There was a sprightliness about her and she was almost radiantly positive in that dark spartan flat of hers. (You see, lights in these flats are often turned off where possible to help save cost.) She spoke glowingly of her employer who donated a special needs seat for her mum to use in the toilet. When asked what she needed, she just smiled and said that some adult diapers would be helpful. In a world where we are often cynical, critical and dissatisfied with the much that we have, there is perhaps some precious lesson we can learn from her?

As you walk along the corridors, you can see the credit in the utilities meter counting down. The residents pay for credits and insert the thumb drive to top-up the meter. I saw one which showed $1.51. I can imagine that if not topped up, that family would be soon be living without electricity and water.

Mr Wee Lin, Chairman of Sunlove@Chai Chee shared with me that often, there is a vicious cycle where the residents find themselves stuck in. Because of low income, they are not always able to pay as much attention to hygiene; bed bugs become a chronic problem (You can tell when you see small streaks of blood along the walls or floor...bugs that have been squished). It keeps the children up and they do not always sleep well. Saving on electricity also limits the children's time to study. Odds that have been set against them have just stacked up a little more.

But simple VWOs like Sunlove make a difference. They work with the local Ansar Resident's Committee, with funds from MCYS and other donors. They provide free medical services, food for the needy, an environment downstairs for the residents to gather and a study center where the kids receive tuition from volunteer student teachers from nearby JCs like VJC etc. Wee Lin emphasised that it was important to provide a space outside the confines of the four walls of the single room flats. Little communities are formed when they gather in the converted void deck downstairs, and the tuition helps provide whatever leg-up it can for the children.

On Sunday 10th April 11, I visited Eunos area. We had an 'integrated' center converted from a block of low-rise flats. Comprising the Tembusu Health Center and other VWOs like SOMC and the San You Wellness Center. There was also a Tembusu Senior Activity Center nearby. Simon-Peter Lum, Manager for the Tembusu Centers, shared that free health care, food, employment, therapy etc. are provided for the needy. Because it is an almost all-in-one set up, they identify the vulnerable individuals quickly and point them to the relevant set-up to assist.

Nearby, the local RC worked together with Lions Club to bus in the elderly and needy from around the ward for their monthly haircut by hairdressers who volunteer their time. As they wait their turn, food is catered as the residents chatted with each other and played Bingo. It is as much about personal grooming as it is about providing more nutrition and community living. Most will not be able to afford a good time in town, but this seemingly simple haircut exercise is no less meaningful for them in more ways than one.

There is much to learn about and reflect in this area of outreach. When we step forward to help, the beneficiary is not just those in need, but I believe those who are helping as well. I think the Government along with other partners are already doing good work. Let's see what can be replicated, what good practices that can be shared and proliferated, and how best to involve our community. Working with schools would, I imagine, be an important component of these efforts. It potentially is an important nurturing journey for our young.

I believe that as we begin to reach out to care for others, we begin to build something special in this place we call home.

NDP 2009 Website

Hooray! The NDP 2009 site is back up online and now archived along with NDP 2010. Finally sorted this out to keep it sustainable. It is very important to capture and retain our people's voices and images, and their sharing. This is part of our Nation's oral history. http://www09.ndp.org.sg:9010/home.php

Consider the 'Perspectives' page..., the 'News and Articles' tab etc.
Am trying to get the 'NDPeeps' links working...over a hundred thousand e-card and other reflections in there...

What a great adventure it was! And most importantly, it was magical and meaningful beyond imagination, especially the 8.22 Pledge Moment.

"We the citizens of Singapore..."

Prologue

My first blog...

Actually, I first began blogging awhile back in 2009 when I penned down my perspectives on a series of blogs on our National Day Parade (NDP) 09 website. I will try and link or import them here once I figure out how...

Why start this blog? After serving for nearly 24 years in Our Army, I will be leaving the service on 31 March 2011 and will embark on a whole new journey. I guess the idea is that along the way, I would jot down my thoughts and ideas that may be of interest or perhaps even entertaining.

Enjoy...

PS. I will be moderating all comments, if any, before showing them, if at all. Cheers!