OUR NEW WAY FORWARD MPs' local help schemes pg14 Down-to-earth Low Yen Ling pg21 - People's Action Party
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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
MPs' local help schemes pg14
IN THIS ISSUE
Down-to-earth Low Yen Ling pg21
PUBLICITY AND
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE 06 PAP CONVENTION Together, our new way forward
Chairman The PAP must continue to provide Singapore with leadership and take
Lawrence Wong the country forward, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who is also
Vice-Chairman the Party Secretary-General.
Seah Kian Peng
Secretary 10 PAP AWARDS Unsung heroes’ sterling commitment
Lim Wee Kiak Our activists beaver away quietly, some for decades, to help their fellow
Members citizens. Find out what motivates three of them all these years.
Alvin Yeo, Arthur Fong, Baey Yam
Keng, Devi Vasantha Haridas, 12 TRANSPORT Moving ahead
Kalyani Ramasamy, Chiang Heng
Singaporeans can look forward to a much improved transport
Liang, Abdul Jafar Darwis
system under the Land Transport Master Plan 2013.
District Representative
Diana Pang
Young PAP
14 POVERTY Reinforcing a fair and just society
There is broad-based government assistance to help the needy that is
Hamidah Aidillah
PAP Policy Forum
supplemented by additional assistance at the local level. These local
Malminderjit Singh help schemes are spearheaded by MPs to suit the needs of their
PAP WW individual constituency.
Teo Lin Lee
Editor 20 SHORTIES A summary of major new policies and news in numbers.
Lim Huan Chiang
21 CONVERSATION Family advocate
Editorial and Design Life was tough during Low Yen Ling’s childhood and she is now
Focus Publishing Limited shaping policies as the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of
(Tel: 6319-2392) Social and Family Development to ensure it does not have to be for
Printer today’s young children and families in Singapore.
KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd
Photos GROUNDWORK
Singapore Press Holdings, 24 BRANCHING OUT Empowering the Bukit Gombak activists
istockphoto.com Once a rural backwater of Singapore, Bukit Gombak has been
transformed over the decades into a thriving constituency.
MCI(P) 106/02/2013
27 YOUNG PAP Ball’s in your court
Petir is published by the
A member of the so-called “Strawberry Generation’’ dispels the
People’s Action Party Central
perception that they lack resilience and perseverance. Far from it,
Executive Committee. Material
Ǥ ơ
in this publication may not be
generation a platform to prove they can be counted on.
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.
12
PAP Headquarters
Block 57B, New Upper Changi
Road, #01-1402, PCF Building,
Singapore 463057
Telephone: 6244-4600
Telefax: 6243-0114 MOVING
Internet: www.pap.org.sg
AHEAD 14
4 January 2014
January 2014
Contents
06
28 Please send
feedback,
suggestions and
comments to
paphq@pap.
org.sg.
21
28 WOMEN'S WING 5HƪHFWLRQVRQRXUHGXFDWLRQV\VWHP
Some key recommendations from Women’s Wing (some members have school-going children) to
24
create an inclusive education system.
30 CAUGHT ON THE NET What others say on the Internet.
31 BACKBENCHER'S BITE 7KHDJHDGYDQWDJH
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 More help must also be given to those
responsibility for Singapore, and has who are struggling, while those who do well
always been a party of action, not of
words, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
People’s must give back to society.
Secondly, a fair and just society means
who is the Party’s Secretary-General. Action Party that individuals are rewarded fairly for their
ƪ Resolution 2013 ơǡ
point in its evolution, there must be a new groups are not left behind and the elderly
Ş 2SQDMFSGDMNTQ2HMF@ONQD@M
way forward for the PAP, which has been are given special care.
Identity
entrusted by Singaporeans to lead time after To that end, policies such as MediShield-
time, since 1959.
Ş "QD@SD.OONQSTMHSHDRENQ@KK Life will provide more assurance that every-
Noting the crucial role that the PAP has Singaporeans one can meet their health-care needs.
played in Singapore’s history and progress, Ş 4OGNKC@M.ODM@MC Comrade Lee also highlighted the
Comrade Lee said the party’s role is, among Compassionate Meritocracy Pioneer Generation Package, which will
others, to provide good leadership, and to be Ş #DUDKNO@2TRS@HM@AKD focus especially on their medical needs to
a responsive and responsible government. Model of Social Welfare recognise our pioneers’ special contribution
Above all, it must give people hope and Ş !THKC@%@HQ@MC)TRS2NBHDSX to Singapore.
Ƥ Ǥ Ş #DUDKNO@#DLNBQ@BXNE Details of the Pioneer Generation Pack-
He said: “The PAP has got to continue of- #DDCR age are expected to be announced in the
fering Singaporeans the leadership to imple- next Budget in February 2014.
Ş !D@1DRONMRHUD@MC
ment plans and take Singapore forward.” Furthermore, the PAP Seniors Group will
1DRONMRHAKD&NUDQMLDMS
To ensure that Singapore continues on be set up to focus on ageing issues as well
the right path, Mr Lee expounded on two as enable senior party activists to mentor
key goals: upholding an open and compas- ƥ ǤȋȌ
sionate meritocracy, and building a fair and Comrade Lee also elaborated on the other
just society. They were among the key goals key points in the Party Resolution: strength-
adopted by the Party Resolution at the Con- ening the Singaporean identity, creating op-
vention held on December 8, 2013. portunities for all Singaporeans, developing
Ƥ a democracy of deeds and being a responsive
equality of opportunity, while moderating and responsible government.
the inequality of outcomes. Comrade Lee As Singapore is now a more diverse
pointed out that the country is now at a society with a more contested political land-
higher level of development, and that social scape, the new strategic approach for the
mobility is harder to maintain. PAP will be vital.
The party must therefore ensure that Ending the Convention on a light-hearted
an individual’s success does not depend on note, Comrade Lee referred to activist
social background or family circumstances, Khartini bte Abdul Halid’s earlier comment
by helping those who are born with less get about Singaporeans’ tendency to ‘Kow Bei
to a good starting point. Kow Buǯȋ Ȍ
Comrade Lee declared: “We will provide in the face of adversity.
diverse pathways of success, treat all with ǣDz ǡƤ
dignity and respect, whether it is white you believe in, change what is not good and
collar, blue collar, any colour, any collar. TOP: Party cadres taking the PAP Pledge. help the ’ZhenghuǯȋȌ
Thereby, we can keep our society open and BOTTOM: The PAP Policy Forum team responsi- there is less need for other people to ‘Kow
ble for putting together the 2013 edition of the
mobile, and enable our people to rise.” Party Convention. 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
LDMSNQXNTMFDQNƧBDQR 3GDFQNTOŗRDWDBTSHUDBNLLHSSDDVHKKBNLOQHRD@BQNRR RDBSHNMNELDLADQRQDƦDBSHMFSGDBNTMSQXŗRRNBH@KL@JDTO MDDCR
@MC@ROHQ@SHNMR $2,&NG"GNJ3NMFVHKKAD/ / 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 At the national level, the PAP must De- At the local level, the party must Contact
Action Party must come to grips liver, Enable and Communicate. The party and Connect. Where national policies are
with, said Comrade Chan Chun Sing. must deliver a better life for Singaporeans not well connected at the local level, the
These are: the pain points of Singaporeans ơ MPs must connect them to deliver across
must be quickly addressed, the basis for such as housing and transport. the last mile.
ơ - At the same time, the government must But Comrade Chan pointed out: “Solving
cated and the party organisation must be also enable people to seek and develop solu- the problem is not the only measure of suc-
strengthened to meet evolving challenges tions for themselves and their communities, cess. We must touch the hearts and minds
and changing demographics. so as to engender a sense of commitment to of our people.”
Addressing some 1,400 party members community and nation. And at party level, PAP Resolution 2013
at the biennial party convention on 8 The way that the party communicates its spells out the way forward.
December 2013, the Young PAP chairman message must be customised and simpli- Comrade Chan concluded: “We must do
elaborated on the PAP’s 3-2-1 Plan for the ƤǤ ǡǡ our best. We must not fail Singapore and
coming years. These refer to: three national the common space for people to speak up Singaporeans. This is our promise. We must
priorities, two local areas of focus and one must be “continuously and strenuously” do the right things and we must do things
resolution at party level. defended. right.”
8 January 2014Views
ÎRahul Shah and Hamidah Aidillah Mustafa:
The true potential of young people must be nurtured, and the passion for servant
KD@CDQRGHOQD HFMHSDC (MNQCDQSNCNRN SGDQDLTRSAD@BG@MFDHMSGDV@XSG@SEDKKNVO@QSX
from our
@BSHUHRSR@MC2HMF@ONQD@MR@QDDMF@FDC 1@GTK2G@G@MC'@LHC@G HCHKK@G,TRS@E@NESGD
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
activists
SNADBNLHMFLNQD@OOQN@BG@AKD @SSQ@BSHUD@MCŔHE(L@XR@XŔ@RDWHDQ/@QSX Ś
ÎChan Hui Min:
"NLQ@CD"G@M'TH,HMNESGD6NLDMŗR6HMFB@KKDCENQ@ř2HKUDQ6HMFŚNESGD/ /SNAD
formed, made up of senior citizen activists. Given that a large segment of the population
Rahul Shah Benjamin Tay
VHKKADBNLHMFHMSNSGDHQřRHKUDQXD@QRŚVHSGHMSGDMDWSSVNCDB@CDR SGDQDHR@MTQFDMSMDDC
to address ageing issues. Comrade Chan stressed: “It is important to provide for the ageing
ONOTK@SHNMHM@RTRS@HM@AKDV@X RNSG@SHSQDL@HMRE@HQENQXNTMFDQS@WO@XDQR Ś
ÎBenjamin Joshua:
ř#NMNSVQHSDTRNƤʖŚV@RSGDQ@KKXHMFBQXEQNL"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
VDCNLNQDSNQDBNFMHRD@MC@OOQDBH@SDSGDDƤNQSRNENTQRDMHNQLDLADQR DRODBH@KKXSGD
pioneer generation among us, who helped to build the party and to build the Singapore that
we have today.”
Chan Hui Min Hamidah Kartini Benjamin ÎKartini bte Abdul Khalid:
Aidillah bte Abdul Joshua Singapore may not quite be a paradise, but it is the system of meritocracy that enables
Mustafa Khalid
TRSNRSQHUD@MCCNVDKK ř.MDNESGDSGHMFRSG@SSGD/ /G@RCNMDQHFGS@MCLTRSBNMSHMTDSN
CNHRHMSGDOQNUHRHNMNE@RXRSDLSG@SHRE@HQ@MCITRS @MCNMDSG@STRDRDCTB@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@BXOK@XR@JDXQNKDHMBQD@SHMF@E@HQ@MCITRSRNBHDSX ATSHSB@M@KRNAQDDC
DWBDRRHUDBNLODSHSHNM@MCCHUHRHNM 6GHKD"NLQ@CD!DMI@LHM3@XMNSDCSG@SGHRNVMAQNSGDQ
HM K@VADMDƥSSDCEQNLFNUDQMLDMSRBGNK@QRGHOR GD@CCDCř/DQG@ORHSHRSHLDSNBNMRHCDQ
what version of meritocracy is most in line with our founding mission.” He added that as far
@RONRRHAKD D@BGBGHKCRGNTKCG@UD@MDPT@KBG@MBDSNDWBDK@MCKD@C@ETKKKHED HMROHSDNE
SGDHMDPT@KHSHDRVGHBGVHKK@KV@XRDWHRSHMQD@KHSX
January 2014 9PARTY 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 2014Kuek 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,” he says.
ͥͤ͝͡ǡ ƪ-
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.
DzǤ
ǡ
keeps the team and myself going,” he says.
ǯ Ǥ
DzǯǤƤ Ǥ
That said, I still feel honoured and proud and I want to continue to serve as best as I can,”
promises Mr Kuek.
Scan the QR code
to access the Party
Samuel Ling Teck Seng Covention and
Awards microsite
Age: 54
Branch: Changi-Simei for full listings of
Position: Member award winners, photo
Years of service: 22 galleries and more.
T
ͥͥ͝͝ Ǧ
Ǥ Ǧ -
stituency just months earlier, he was thrust into the thick of the
action as the campaign got underway.
Ǧǡ ǡ
Chong Tee, retained his seat with 53 per cent of the votes in what was
ǯƤǤ
“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,”
he recalls.
Ǧǡ
which is now part of East Coast GRC. After nine years as branch secre-
tary, the 54-year-old businessman retired but remains as active as ever.
ǡ
on incumbent MP Jessica Tan’s regular walkabouts. It’s a privileged
position to be able to help others in need, he explained.
Ƥ
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,” 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.”
January 2014 11TRANSPORT
Petir brings you a
summary of key
Moving
Ahead
improvements
under Singapore’s
Land Transport
Master Plan 2013
GRAPHIC DESIGN: PATRIC HONG
Key Improvement
1
IMPROVING
RAIL NETWORK
AND SERVICES
A new train line
or extension opening nearly
every year from 2013 to 2021
!X@QNTMC LNQDSG@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
RHFMHƥB@MS
Similar improvements will be undertaken on
East-West Line
Key Improvement
2
by 2018
SAFER ROADS
Extend the Green Man Plus
RBGDLDSN@MNSGDQSQ@ƧB
light crossings by 2015
12 January 2014Key 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
NQHMBQD@RDNEATRƦDDSNUDQ
SGDMDWSƥUDXD@QR BBDKDQ@SDCCDKHUDQX
of 550 buses by 2014
90% of all bus services Achievements
by 2030
to operate at scheduled intervals of
12 minutes or less
95% of feeder bus services 8 in 10
to run at scheduled intervals of 10
minutes or less. Morning and evening
households
living within a
peak hours increased to two hours 10-minute walk
instead of the current one hour by 2014 from a train station
Key Improvement 5 Key Improvement 6
85%
GREATER MOBILITY EXPANSION OF of public transport
journeys (less than
FOR THE ELDERLY ROAD NETWORK 20km) completed
within 60 minutes
AND THE LESS
MOBILE
Install lifts in six overhead bridges by
the end of 2013, and lifts in another 40 75%
overhead bridges in the QH[WƩYH\HDUV of all journeys
during peak hours
undertaken on
All public buses wheelchair-accessible North-South Expressway to public journeys
by 2020, up from the current 64%
be completed around 2020
January 2014 13POVERTY
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 rele-
vant 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 Ǥ ǡ -
lower-income?
Take a low-income couple at the 10th OK, but can we do more for the poor? Ǥ
percentile of the income ladder. Such a
Ƥ ǡ So at the end of day, what does it mean to
ǡ ƤǤ have a fair and just society?
ǡǡǦ - ǣ ǯ
ǡ Ǥ ǡ
ǯȂ ǡ - Ǥ
Ǥ ǯ ǡ ǯȋȌ
Ȃ
How about the elderly? -
Ǥ- ǡǡ-
Ǧ ǡǤ Ǥ
Ǥǡ͜͠τ Ȃ
Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ
ǡ - ǡǡ
- It seems like the government is doing a ǡ
Ǥ lot, but the assistance schemes are not -
well communicated? Ǥ
Why not just impose a minimum wage? ƥ ǡ
ơ Ǥ -
Ǥ Ǣ
ǡ- Ǥ ǯ
͟Ǧ ǡ
ǡ Ǥǯ Ǥ
Ǥ ǡ ǡ Ǥ
Ǥ
entire economy. When the price of labour Ǥ ǡ Ȃ
Ƥ ǡƤ Ȃ Ǥ
14 January 2014PLUS
TARGET MEASURES
The "Kueh Lapis"
Lines of Assistance Local Help
Government help covers a broad spectrum to
ensure the diverse needs of Singaporeans are met
Schemes
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 >10,000
Number of
Ƥ Ȁ
Workfare Income Supplement >480,000
MOE Financial Assistance Scheme >100,000
CDC/CCC Bursary for Post Secondary Students >100,000
Kindergarten & Student Care Subsidies >4,200 – >8,500
Additional CPF Housing Grant 12,130
Schemes for Persons with Disabilities (ATF) >250
Special CPF Housing Grant 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 15POVERTY 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
Grateful for help
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
after multiple
1999. He went to work at a friend’s security
ƤǡǤ
Two years later, however, he had a stroke
ailments
ơǤ
Unfortunately, a second stroke hit him in delivering the "WeCare Pack" which contains
November 2009, during which he also suf- items such as instant noodles, canned food, through emails and facebook.
fered three heart attacks and kidney failure, biscuits, beverages and a medical kit to his Dz
forcing him into early retirement. He initially home. Ǥ
relied on his savings for his living and medi- Mr Nonis is very grateful for all the ȋ Ȍǡ ͜͜͝
cal expenses. assistance as he can now go to both the 200 metres,” he says.
The widower of more than 30 years who supermarket and his dialysis treatments Meanwhile, he hopes that his savings –
has no children, also had received some near his home, pushed by his helper in the which are used mainly to pay for his utility
Ƥ ǡǡ wheelchair. bills – will be able to last him till 65 – when
whom he had helped to raise since he was a He added that other than his twice-a-year ǤDz
Ǥ visits to Tan Tock Seng Hospital on the MRT Ǥ ǡdz
$2,650-a month expense for dialysis, with the for his medical check-ups, he rarely goes out, says Mr Nonis.
rest covered by medical insurance. preferring to stay in touch with his former
But as his savings dwindled, he began
to receive monthly vouchers as well as
other food staples like rice and cooking oil
Ǧƪ
Ǥ
Kidney Foundation (NKF) in 2010, followed
by the Eurasian Association in 2012, which MICHAEL
gave him bi-monthly vouchers. NONIS
͜͜͞͝ǡ Age: 60
Family: Widower of more
him to see Mr Seah Kian Peng, MP for Brad- than 30 years, no children
dell Heights under the Marine Parade GRC, Help received: Godson Daryl
for assistance in getting a maid as a daily (helper's cost); NKF; Eurasian
Association (food staples and
caregiver. vouchers); Braddell Heights
Dz ǯ͢͜Ǯǯ MP (new wheelchair, WeCare
so could not hire a maid unless the Ministry /@BJ NSGDQMNM ƥM@MBH@K@HC
such as getting approval for a
of Manpower permits it,” Mr Nonis explains, maid, and transfer to a dialy-
adding that his godson has since been foot- sis centre nearer to home.)
ing his maid’s expenses.
Mr Seah, he said, subsequently also facili-
tated 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
Ǯ ǡǯ
colleague.
Grassroots volunteers and activists from
Braddell Heights are also regular visitors,
16 January 2014H A V E R E C E I V E D H E L P F R O M T H E I R M P s
I
Braddell Heights’ t’s called Project Love and that’s exactly what it dispenses to the old, poor
layers of assistance and needy families in Teck Ghee constituency. And one of Project Love’s
for residents
Ƥ ǡͣͤǤǡ
ǡ
Braddell Heights has various schemes from corporate
sponsors and private benefactors to help the needy Ǥ
in the constituency. These include: ǡ ǡ
ͤ͝ǡͥ͜͝͠ǡ
1
NTUC FAIRPRICE VOUCHERS & more than a decade.
FOOD RATION SCHEME
ͥ͢͝͝ǡ
The NTUC FairPrice vouchers are popular as
they are as a good as cash. The food ration scheme, ƪǡ
which is in its third year, is funded by a group of ͟Ǧ ƪͥͣ͜͝Ǥ
doctors and a Braddell Heights resident who has his
ͥͣ͝͠ǡơ -
own business. It provides food rations and house-
hold necessities valued at $50 each month to about ǦǦǤǡ
MDDCXE@LHKHDR 2S@ƤNESGDATRHMDRRL@M@MC ǣDz
students from Nanyang Junior College help grass-
ǡ ͊͜͜͠Ǥdz
roots activists with the packing and distribution. The
food ration scheme has an annual budget of about ͊͜͡
$50,000 to $60,000. ǡ ƪ͞Ǧ
ƪǡ͝Ǧ
2
COMCARE 2
The ComCare 2 Fund is a supplement to the ǡǤ
state’s ComCare programme. Established since ơ ǯ
2011, it has an annual budget of about $50,000. It
ǡ ȋȌ
BNUDQRNMD NƤOTQBG@RDR@MCDWODMRDRSG@SŗRMNS
provided by ComCare and enables assistance for ͜͝Ǥ
longer periods to a larger pool of needy residents. not have to pay for medical
ComCare 2’s money comes from a religious institu-
treatment under the PA
tion. Its assistance helps some 40 to 60 residents.
scheme.
3
JOB & TRAINING FUND Project Love, a pro-
Funded by a businessman who lives in the
ward, it helps residents with training that im-
proves their employability or tides them over when ǡ
they are learning new job skills. The $100,000 dona- ǯ
tion is used to pay for course fees as well as transport
ǡ
and meal allowances for residents in low-paying jobs
to encourage them to remain employed. monthly food rations such
as rice and other basic
necessities. They also help
Ǧ ƪǤ
He also receives free meals
from the Lions Befrienders
Grassroots
CASE STUDY TWO
volunteers and at the foot of his block
activists from
Braddell Heights
are also regular
ƪǡ -
ers which he uses at
nearby hawker centres
Young PAP Teck
visitors, delivering
the “WeCare Pack”
supermarkets.
Ghee helps
which contains
items such as
A collector of caps
and mini liquor bottles pioneer
citizen
from his early peripa-
instant noodles, tetic days, his mementoes
canned food, include framed photos
biscuits, beverages ǡ
and a medical kit to ǡ
his home.
Ǥ
January 2014 17POVERTY More
kueh lapis
NOTE: These are examples of
various schemes undertaken
layers at
local level
by MPs to help their residents.
The listing is by no means
comprehensive as every MP
will have his/her own localised
help schemes.
Local help schemes spearheaded
by the MPs
FOOD MEDICAL EDUCATION
Food rations – Jurong Free TCM and Western clinic Yew Tee – EASB scholarship
Central, Kampong-Chai services – Jurong Central scheme
Chee, Woodgrove, Pasir Ris Medical transport allowance – Book voucher and
West, Hong Kah North, Ayer Rajah educational bursary – Teck
Boon Lay Free clinic for bone and joint Ghee PCF
400 bags of rice disbursed conditions – Queenstown Yuhua Trust for school
each month – Nee Soon Taxi voucher for regular children
South medical checkups at hospitals Free tuition and book
Grocery, sundry and/or meal – Kampong-Chai Chee vouchers – Nee Soon East
voucher scheme – Teck Ghee, Local bursary scheme – Ayer
Queenstown, Hong Kah Rajah
North, Bukit Batok Woodgrove continuous
Project Love provides home learning bursary for adults
improvement works and food Woodgrove educational
rations – Teck Ghee bursary for students
Food Connect programme – IT courses for seniors –
Ayer Rajah
Breakfast/Bread on the wall ELDERLY Woodgrove
University scholarships and
where residents can pay for Community employment book vouchers – Hong Kah
a suspended breakfast/a loaf programme creates jobs in North
of bread for the needy – Yew the community for the elderly Poly headstart bursaries –
Tee – Northeast District Ang Mo Kio-Hougang
Welfare fund provides Home alone senior support Community scholarships for
groceries to needy families scheme – Ang Mo Kio- polytechnic and university
every month – Ang Mo Kio- Hougang students – Pasir Ris West
Hougang
Hearty meal provides meals
at $1 per meal – Ang Mo Kio-
Hougang
18 January 2014CASH/ MPs’ take on the
VOUCHERS importance of
localised help
New Year Hongbao – Teck Ghee, Nee
Soon East, Hong Kah North, Boon Lay
“We knock on doors to see what
needs to be done (for the needy resi-
dents). Follow up closely and bring
them to the MPS. While this is being
done, we activate our local ComCare
OTHERS 2 scheme or what I call my 19th layer MP Seah Kian Peng
Single Mothers’ programme helps single
of kueh lapis.’’ (Braddell Heights)
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
“I run a few charity programmes
in life outside of the usual help groups, and
Project helping hands provides basic they are co-funded by private individ-
furniture such as bed, cupboard as well as
window grilles for households with young Ƥ Ǥ
children – Jurong Central ƥ
Funds from annual golf tournament
service as many towkays will let me MP Chia Shi-Lu
helps residents pay school tuition, buy
computers, wheelchairs, pay utilities bills know of job openings and I can refer (Queenstown)
and more – Nee Soon South unemployed residents directly.’’
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 “The additional layers of kueh lapis
Project Care and Share Initiative provides
regular grocery supplies, and regular are actually important and seldom
outings – Chua Chu Kang recognised. It is the most immedi-
Micro loan scheme for residents who do
ƪ
not qualify for any national help schemes
– Woodlands those in need.’’
Charity funeral service – Queenstown MP Alex Yam
6D"@QDƥM@MBH@K@RRHRS@MBDRBGDLD (Yew Tee)
provides short-term (3 months) help for
families with income ceiling higher than
$1,800 – Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC
/QNIDBS2 4 " " $ 2 2GDKORQDRHCDMSRƥMC
jobs – Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC
January 2014 19SHORTIES
Register for government feedback
N
etizens must register if they want to post comments on
ǡǯ Ǥǡ
ơ ͜͟͞͝ǡ
by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Registration via log-ins will deter users from hiding behind
harsh exchanges and hate-mongering. The move also came in the
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 $200-pay
ǡƤ͞ǡ͜͜͡ Ǥ
November 2013.
NEWS IN NUMBERS
500,000
+@MCENQ@ANTSG@KE@LHKKHNMMDVGNLDR
2,600
3HFGSDMHMFNE$LOKNXLDMS/@RR$/
LNRSKXOTAKHBGNTRHMF VHKKAD@U@HK@AKD PT@KHEXHMFBQHSDQH@G@RQDRTKSDCHMSGD
TMCDQSGD#Q@ES,@RSDQ/K@MVGHBG MNM QDMDV@KNERNLD $LOKNX
FTHCDRK@MCTRDNUDQSGDMDWSSN LDMS/@RRDRHMSGDƥQRSG@KENE
XD@QR 3GDXVHKKADENTMCHMMDVGNTRHMF 3GD$/GNKCDQRVDQDENTMCL@HMKXHM
@QD@R@S!HC@C@QH 3@LOHMDR-NQSG@R VGNKDR@KD@MCQDS@HKSQ@CD @MCOQNEDR
VDKK@RDRS@AKHRGDCDRS@SDRRTBG@R"GT@ RHNM@KRDQUHBDR RNE)TMD SGDQD
"GT*@MF VDQD $/GNKCDQR
65%
$ƤNQSRSN@SSQ@BSNKCDQVNQJDQRHMSNSGD
1.7 million
ANTS LHKKHNMBNLLTSDQRVHKK
VNQJENQBDG@UDO@HCNƤ (MO@QSHBTK@Q DMINXBNMBDRRHNMR TOEQNLSGDBTQQDMS
LNQDNKCDQVNLDMENTMCDLOKNXLDMS LHKKHNM TMCDQE@QDBNMBDRRHNMR
$LOKNXLDMSNEQDRHCDMSR@FDCSN OQNONRDCAXSGD%@QD1DUHDV,DBG@MHRL
RSNNC@SODQBDMSHM 1D@KHMBNLD "NLLHSSDD LNMFSGD"NLLHSSDDŗR
FQNVSGNE ODQBDMSK@RSXD@QV@R@KRN QDBNLLDMC@SHNMRVDQDKNVDQE@QDRENQ
SGDGHFGDRSRHMBD @BBNQCHMFSN@ @ANTS KNV HMBNLDVNQJDQR@MC
,HMHRSQXNE,@MONVDQQDONQS ODNOKDVHSGCHR@AHKHSHDR
20 January 2014CONVERSATION
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 ǡdzǡ Ǥ
did not come from one herself. The newly-appointed Parliamen- Dz Ƥ
tary Secretary of the Ministry of Social and Family Development had tried their level best but they were also in pain,” says the mother of
(MSF) was the only daughter of parents who ran a tailoring business. two boys.
She has a brother. Knowing the importance of family, she raised a silent cheer when the
ơ former Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports was re-
ǡƤǤ ͜͞͝͞ƪ Ǥ
ƥ ǡ͟͜ “When we have healthy families, we have a thriving society,” she says,
years later. simply.
Ƥ ǡǡ ƤǦ Now in charge of family and women-related issues at MSF’s family
ǡǤ ǡǣDz
Ǥ the community and schools so that we can empower families with more
DzǡǯǤ Ǥdz
Ǥ
January 2014 21CONVERSATION
to help. During a visit to the Jamiyah Children’s cry, you are also touched.” RIGHT: Ms Low Yen Ling together
with Social and Family Develop-
Home, for instance, she shared with the The tears possibly fell faster because Ms ment Minister Chan Chun Sing at
disadvantaged children she met that she, Low cajoled the children and parents into the opening of a new Day Activity
Centre run by the Movement for
like them, had spent some years away from hugging each other. the Intellectually Disabled of
her parents. “Hugging may make us feel awkward in Singapore (MINDS).
And getting families closer is always Asian culture. A few years ago I started to
on her mind. For instance, a high point ơ
in her two-year political career was when her. It took her a while to get used to it,” says
she, together with her team, revamped the Ms Low, whose father died 3 ½ years ago.
Edusave and bursary awards ceremony. “Now, she hugs us warmly.”
It was previously a long-drawn four-hour In the last two years, she has cham-
ơ pioned family and educational causes, LOW
sit on rows of chairs awaiting their turn to
receive their awards from the guest of hon-
speaking up for stay-at-home and working
mothers, children with learning disabili-
YEN LING
Age: 39
our while their parents stood behind. ties and the importance of early childhood Family: Married with two
boys aged 6 and 8
“The children were often so nervous they education. Favourite food: Yong tau foo
could not smile. There was little chance for “I really think every child deserves a fair Favourite radio station: Bilin-
the children to receive the award with their chance at life. For that to happen, every gual stations like FM88.3
Favourite exercise: Jogging
family,” she observes. ơ- Pet peeve(ƥMCHSCHƧBTKS
From January 2013, she broke up the able education.” to hide my disgust at people
ceremony into intimate tete-a-tete sessions She has a soft spot for the elderly, origi- who do not respect the
elderly
comprising about 25 children and their nating from her close relationship with her
families for each ceremony, allowing for grandmother.
greater interaction. She also hopes that more women can
However, it also meant Ms Low was on step out onto the political platform.
her feet to attend more Edusave sessions – “It’s important to have women’s voices in
all 51 of them over two days. Ǥơ ǡ
But at the end of it, it was not physical bring to the table priorities that need new
fatigue which overwhelmed her that she attention.
could barely eat. “It need not be a big step in coming up to
“I was tired because of the emotional be a political candidate. It can simply be giv-
toll. There were tears at every one of the 51 ing voice and being part of policy advocacy
sessions, even from the fathers. When they ơǤdz
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?
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
Sincerely, Mummy contact time with my family.
How do you foster your relationship with Who helps you out?
your sons, given you are so busy and hardly I’m very fortunate to have good family support, including my
see them? engineer husband, my mum and a reliable helper. He cut down his
I write simple, daily love letters to them. When I cannot be travelling a lot when I entered politics so he can be there with the
home to read short stories and tuck them into bed, I write each children.
22 January 2014Connecting with
KHUGRZQWRHDUWK
QDWXUH
Switching from the corporate trap-
pings 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 down-
to-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@BTNTRƥRS OTLOHMFřHuat 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 tradi-
tion to wish others well. I think it also
helps me to relate.”
3G@SRGDHRDƤDBSHUDKXAHKHMFT@KHR
What made you step up to the demands of political a plus. Comfortable in both English
OLIHLQWKHƩUVWSODFH" and Mandarin, Ms Low grew up speak-
As a mum living in an Asian society, you do think about whether I can ing Mandarin and currently sits on
be there for the family. I think about whether I will look back in time and several organisations and committees
see that I am not there in their formative years. These are things that will to promote the language, including
forever hold you back. But the way I see it, I was stepping up to serve. It’s an the Committee to Promote Chinese
extension of my public service journey. I also want to be a role model for my
Language Learning, Singapore Centre
children.
for Chinese Language Limited and
the Chinese Development Assistance
Council.
“But the way I see it, I was stepping up “It could be my Mandarin-speak-
to serve. It’s an extension of my public ing background or the fact that I come
from a heartlander family,” says Ms
service journey. I also want to be a role
+NV VGNRS@XRHM@ƥUD QNNLƦ@SVHSG
model for my children.” her family.
January 2014 23G RO U N DWO R K > B R A N CH I N G O U T
(PSRZHULQJWKH
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 Chi-
nese 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 sec-
retary 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.
“There were no complaints in the past. Now, “I connect with the branch members and
people can complain about anything and suss them out with the dissemination of
su
everything.” information on dialogues and talks.”
in
Meet the Bukit Gombak activists
Koh Wan Seng Leslie Kang
Les
Ş K@MCRB@ODBNMSQ@BSNQ Ş KDBSTQDQ
Ş5HBDBG@HQL@M LDLADQRHMBD Ş RRHRS@MSAQ@MBGRDBQDS@QXHMBG@QFDNECH@KNFTDR
RR S@KJR
@MC
@MCRDLHM@QR LDLADQRHMBD
Mr Koh Wan Seng started serving at the branch in the earlyy M
Mr Leslie Kang was inspired to join the Party after attend-
1970s when Mr Chai Chong Yii was the MP. “My friends had ing a talk by Minister Grace Fu some four years ago. It is only
asked me to come and help out as they were short-handed,” hee apt tthat he is now in charge of coordinating matters related to
recalls. dialo
dialogues and talks in the branch.
Since then, he has made it a point to “help out” at the Dz
DzơơǤ-
meet-the-people sessions (MPS) almost every week, acting as
Ƥ ǡ
the assistant to the MP. are more
m hands-on and prefer to help out at MPS,” observes Mr
ƪ Kang
Kang.
Hokkien and Teochew, he also sometimes steps in to help H
He believes that the various dialogue sessions have a
interpret.
ơ ǤDz
Over the years, Mr Koh has also cultivated strong relations Ƥ
Ƥǡǡ
with the local Chinese religious groups which proved tremen-- open up and give feedback. This is how we can engage them
dously helpful in the 1996 general election. and g get them involved. They may also form informal networks
“We had fought hard on the ground to counteract Ling amongst themselves.”
How Doong (from the Singapore Democratic Party). It was Mr Kang’s key
especially sweet when most of the temple groups swayed to role is to make the
support the PAP. I knew our strategy to connect with the tem- talks accessible
ples had worked.” for every branch
When asked about the changes over the years, Mr Koh la- member and keep
ments that “everything has changed.” Leslie them updated
Kang
“It’s very tough on our MPs nowadays when the expecta- about what’s avail-
tions are so high and so varied. Last time, we don’t even have able at the HQ and
Kelvin Kee Koh Lim
ƥ Ǥ ǯơ- Low Wei Wan Hee district-level as well
Heong Seng Leng
ent world now.” as at the branch.
24 January 2014G 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
Ƥǡ
waiting time for them and the entire process is
ơ Ǥdz
Kelvin Low
Ş ENQDHFMVNQJDQRŗCNQLHSNQXL@M@FDQ
Ş RRHRS@MSAQ@MBGRDBQDS@QXHMBG@QFDNE,/2 LDLADQ
RHMBD
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 letters” and “under-
stands the IT system completely.”
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
Ƥ
a data-base.
The process of attending to the residents was also improved,
reducing waiting time.
“We designed a new type of house visit card ǡƥ
that can be hooked onto the door knobs.” mobilising the activists initially. But time has helped him to
overcome it.
Lim Hee Leng “I was pushed in (to take charge) just after six months. Now,
Ş OQNODQSXL@M@FDQ I’ve been here for two and a half years.”
Ş RRHRS@MSAQ@MBGRDBQDS@QXHMBG@QFDNEQDKHFHNTRFQNTOR Bukit Gombak may have transformed but the work to serve
LDLADQRHMBD residents continues.
Other than mentoring new activists on the art of petition “Different members have
letter-writing and working with Mr Koh to liaise with the
Chinese temple groups, Mr Lim Hee Ling performs another key
different interests. Some are
function: the house visit planner. LQWHUHVWHGLQÀQGLQJRXWKRZ
Being in an area dominated by private housing and landed our country is governed, while
properties, planning how to “walk the roads” is not as “straight- some are more hands-on and
dz ƪǡǤ
Planning the routes around the private estates requires one
prefer to help out at MPS.”
to be extremely familiar with the roads and streets, something - Leslie Kang,
that is completely up Mr Lim’s alley for he has worked as a Assistant branch secretary
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.”
So, the branch designed a new house visit card that looks
like a “Do not disturb” 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
%XNLW*RPEDNLVDQDUHDZKHUH+'%GZHOOHUVRQO\PDNHXS
the MP around,” points out Mr Lim. SHUFHQWRIWKHHOHFWRUDWH
January 2014 G RO U N DWO RK > YO U N G PA P
demonstrate their values, skills and most
importantly, the willingness to serve the
community.
ơ
untested generation to showcase their view-
points and opinions, and be open to con-
structive 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
%DOO VLQ\RXUFRXUW
to prevent youth from being cynical towards
politics. Cynicism arises when one loses faith
in the government, its principles and doubts
ơǯ
Harness young people’s energy to develop Singapore 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 Ǥǡ
ourselves about policies to recognise and
analyse what’s good for the public.
Recognising our role in shaping Singa-
pore’s future through engagement and out-
reach 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.
I
became involved in politics for a simple ti-faceted society from afar. Greater concern
Politics need not be divisive. It can be
reason – to understand and help those for the community and participation in the
used as a tool of unity and a place for the con-
around me, especially the less fortunate. grassroots is the key as it provides opportuni-
ǤƤǦ
It led me to volunteer my time at the weekly ties for experiential learning, where youth are
voters are youths, and we will form opinions
meet-the-people session in 2010. Since then, ơ-
of our own too. What is crucial is that we
my participation in various Party and grass- ent backgrounds and immerse themselves in
ơ ǡ
roots activities has awakened me to an issue the lives of others.
rather achieve a common understanding
of greater importance – the involvement of As stewards of Singapore’s future, young
through discussions and dialogues – that we
young people in politics and the community. people need to demonstrate we have what
all care for the well-being of the nation that
Why does it matter that youth get in- it takes to assume the custodianship of our
has cared for us.
volved in politics? country in future. Sometimes mis-labelled
Now, more than ever, in our youth, it’s
Youth have to learn the societal needs of “The Strawberry Generation” – a generation
time to harness our enthusiasm and energy
our time. This is a good place to start, consid- that’s lacking in resilience and perseverance
to continue developing Singapore from
ƤǦ – today’s youth have to consider the gargan-
strength to strength.
about Singapore’s past, especially the tuan tasks ahead, such as taking Singapore
The ball is in our court, so let’s not drop it.
long and arduous journey that led to today’s to the next level of success, upholding the
successes. standards set by our predecessors and being
After decades of economic progress, entrusted to safeguard our present, while
modern Singapore is facing a new set of securing our future.
challenges: keeping the income gap in check, ơǤ '$9,'&+,$:((0(1*
creating equal opportunities for all, address- ơ The writer is a YP member from
Taman Jurong branch.
ing a declining birthrate and so on. show they are fully capable of being responsi-
It is impossible to truly understand a mul- ble citizens. Through their involvement, they
January 2014 27You can also read
