A LIFETIME OF SERVICE - Serving faithfully in Tanjong Pagar pg18 Dr Maliki Osman: Connecting to our people pg15 - 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
October 2013
A LIFETIME
OF SERVICE
Serving faithfully in Tanjong Pagar pg18
IN THIS ISSUE
Dr Maliki Osman: Connecting to our people pg15
PUBLICITY AND
PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE 06 NATIONAL DAY RALLY New way forward for Singapore
Chairman Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spells out major policy changes in
Lawrence Wong housing, health-care and education in his National Day Rally speech.
Vice-Chairman Activists give their thumbs-up to the changes.
Seah Kian Peng
Secretary 10 DIALOGUE PAP’s DNA: Look after the people
Lim Wee Kiak PAP is not just about winning elections but is here to help
Members Singaporeans, work for them and plan for their future, says Minister
Alvin Yeo, Arthur Fong, Baey Yam ơǡǤ
Keng, Devi Vasantha Haridas,
Kalyani Ramasamy, Chiang Heng
12 CRISIS MANAGEMENT 5HQHZHGFRQƩGHQFHDIWHUFULVHV
Liang, Abdul Jafar Darwis
ǡǯ Ƥ ǡ
District Representative
says Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and
Diana Pang
Water Resources.
Young PAP
Hamidah Aidillah
PAP Policy Forum
14 SHORTIES A summary of major new policies and news in numbers.
Malminderjit Singh
PAP WW 15 CONVERSATION The science of connecting
Teo Lin Lee Newly-promoted Minister of State for the Ministries of National
Editor Development and Defence, Maliki Osman talks about his
Lim Huan Chiang “connecting” ways when reaching out to his constituents.
Editorial and Design
Focus Publishing Limited 18 90TH BIRTHDAY Good health and happiness to Mr Lee Kuan Yew
(Tel: 6319-2392) WISHES The founder of PAP and Singapore celebrated his 90th birthday on 16
Printer September 2013. From ministers to activists, they all wish him well. They
KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd also took the occasion to pay tribute to him and his legacy – Singapore.
Photos
Singapore Press Holdings,
istockphoto.com,
Ministry of Communications and GROUNDWORK
Information 20 BRANCHING OUT Forever faithful to Tanjong Pagar
PAP stalwart activists share thoughts of their long-serving MP,
MCI(P) 106/02/2013
ǡ ǯǤ
Petir is published by the
People’s Action Party Central
Executive Committee. Material
22 YOUNG PAP
October 2013
Contents
21
24 30
24 PAP COMMUNITY PCF’s warm embrace
FOUNDATION They have all grown up but continue to serve the Foundation. These are the PCF
Ƥ Ǧ Ǥ
27 WOMEN'S WING Integrate work-family life
Government should consider integration of work and family life as a national concern,
29 PAP POLICY FORUM
not leave it to individual companies, says Women’s Wing position paper.
A CPF savings plan for our young
24
Start them young to build up nest eggs for housing and education.
30 BACKBENCHER'S BITE Senior cop turned MP
His professional grounding makes Patrick Tay, MP for Nee Soon East, better able to serve
his constituents.
31 CAUGHT ON THE NET What others say on the Internet.
32 QUOTE & UNQUOTE Thought-provoking quotes from parliamentarians.
Please send feedback, suggestions and comments to paphq@pap.org.sg. October 2013 5
NATIONAL DAY RALLY New way forward for Singapore 6 October 2013
“In a deeper
sense, these are
Housing not plans. These
Youth are acts of faith –
'DKOENQDUDQXVNQJHMFE@LHKXSN@ƤNQC
@Ʀ@S Initiatives in Singapore
-DV2SDO 4O'NTRHMF&Q@MSENQSVN
QNNLDQRSNTOFQ@CDSNSGQDD QNNLƦ@SR
-DVXNTSGBNQORSNDWO@MCNOONQSTMHSHDR
ENQXNTMFODNOKDSNRDQUD@MCBNMSQHATSD and in ourselves.”
$MG@MBD2ODBH@K"/%'NTRHMF&Q@MSENQ SNSGDBNLLTMHSX
KNVDQ @MCLHCCKD HMBNLDFQNTOR
!THKC 3N .QCDQOQHBDRSNQDL@HMRS@AKD
Health-care
- New MediShield Life, covering all
Education
- Replace PSLE T-score with grading
Future Plans
/@X@+DA@Q HQA@RDSNRGHESSN"G@MFH
2HMF@ONQD@MR HMBKTCHMFSGNRDVHSG system, like in 'O' and 'A' Levels EQDDHMFTOK@MCENQQDCDUDKNOLDMS
OQD DWHRSHMFHKKMDRRDR VHSGMN@FDKHLHS - From 2014, all primary schools will -DV12 %@HQA@RD@MCENTQSGQTMV@XSNAD
- New Pioneer Generation Package to reserve at least 40 places for children ATHKS@S"G@MFH$@RS
GDKOSGHRFQNTONEBHSHYDMRO@XSGDHQ with no prior connections to the school -DV)DVDK@S"G@MFH3DQLHM@KSNNODM
AX VHSGRGNOR QDRS@TQ@MSR@MC
,DCH2GHDKC+HEDOQDLHTLR - Top secondary schools to broaden
indoor garden
$WO@MC"NLLTMHSX'D@KSG RRHRS admission criteria
3DQLHM@KSNADATHKS CNTAKHMF"G@MFHR
Scheme to cover all ages ,NQDƦDWHAKDRTAIDBS A@RDCA@MCHMF@S DWHRSHMFB@O@BHSXSN@ANTSLHKKHNM
,NQDRTARHCHDRENQ2ODBH@KHRS Secondary 1 passengers a year by mid-2020s
.TSO@SHDMS"@QD $CTR@UDDWSDMCDCSN@KK2HMF@ONQD@M .OONQSTMHSXSNCDUDKNO@MDV2NTSGDQM
,DCHR@UDSNBNUDQNTSO@SHDMSAHKKR children aged 7-16 6@SDQEQNMS"HSX@ESDQ@KKBNMS@HMDQONQSR
HMETSTQD QDKNB@SDSN3T@REQNLNMV@QCR
“We want to help “This is a new strategic “We must pass on to
Singaporeans own their direction that will take us our children a better
own homes, raise loving down a different road from Singapore than the one
families and build strong the one that has brought we inherited. We owe it
communities. I will make us this far. There is no to them to do so, just as
sure every Singaporean turning back. I believe we owe what we have
family who is working can this is the right thing to today to our founding
afford a HDB flat. We can do given the changes in generation.”
do that.” Singapore and the world.”
See next page for
reactions from activists.
October 2013 7
NATIONAL DAY RALLY
Reactions
Leong Yi Xing,
Bedok branch
from activists
"With the three new
strategic shifts in the
government’s approach to
give more citizens a fair
share through housing, Victor Qin, Canberra branch
strengthening social services "If anything, this year's National Day Rally has shown that we have a leader
through health-care, and who's not only listened, but understands the plight of the common man – and
has taken concrete steps to improve the lives of the average man in the street.
keeping society upwardly
I felt upbeat about the rally this year. The segment on social mobility was truly
mobile through education, inspiring. It showed that opportunities and equality existed for all segments of
I believe our country has the society. As the speech moved on to housing, it answered my long running
what it takes to succeed. Our CNTASR@ANTSSGD@ƤNQC@AHKHSXNE2HMF@ONQD@RSGDBNTMSQX(VNTKCDUDMST@KKX
citizens, via Our Singapore settle down in.
Conversation, have discussed However, I have my doubts as to how the bill would be paid, for the plethora
NEMDVCDUDKNOLDMSR@MCBG@MFDRHM2HMF@ONQDHMSGDBNLHMFXD@QR (@L@KHSSKD
what they want for the future
bit wary if these changes would pose a heavy tax burden on me and my future
of Singapore."
family."
Hamidah Aidillah, Keat Hong branch
"I'm really very heartened at PM's announce-
ment to allow the use of Edusave for Madrasah
students. It's been a battle fought for years and
the students are finally getting their due credit,
and not penalised for pursuing their alternative
dreams. It is testament to the government for
embracing different educational routes.
I think the tweaks in health-care are so spot on
and inclusive. It has given a sense of security to
our elderly and their families – that no one will be
left behind. That no matter how big the health-
care bills will be, there will be a way to take care
of them. Big relief for elderly and families."
8 October 2013“Singaporeans sense correctly that the country is at a
turning point. I understand your concerns. I promise
you, you will not be facing these challenges alone,
because we are all in this together.”
Ip Kit Ling, Lou Woei Cherng,
Nee Soon East branch Thomson-Toa
"I like the NDR. It is heartening to Payoh branch
know the government is listening to the "Reserve 40 places for
Jayagobi s/o Jayaram, UNHBDRF@SGDQDCEQNL@KKSGD2HMF@ONQD Primary 1 admission. The 40
Nee Soon East branch Conversations. places should be reserved
Housing: I am a middle-income single and solely for Phase 2C and not
"PM Lee's speech was reassuring,
I was hoping to hear more housing policy be shared with 2B. Phase
forthright and heartening. Reassuring
changes for us. Unfortunately, no. Hopefully, 2B applicants are parents
in that our government has indeed
the HDB will announce more policies for who are still related to the
taken note of the challenges faced
middle-income singles soon. school.
by Singaporeans and, in particular to
Health-care: I like the Medishield Life Parents should also be
concerns raised by Singaporeans in limited to one application
2BGDLD HSBNUDQRDUDQXANCX ,XLNSGDQHR
regard to housing, health-care costs excluded from Medishield now because she per phase per school.
and education. has a pre-existing heart condition. I am glad This will restrict those
While I am heartened with the the government has made this major change. PT@KHƥDCENQD@QKHDQOG@RDR
broad-based plans that PM Lee has Education: I hope the government will but unsuccessful from
highlighted to address the shared @KKNVLNQDƦDWHAHKHSXSNTRD,DCHR@UDENQ competing with others in
challenges ahead of us, I do, however, post-graduate degrees. We are constantly later phases."
also sincerely believe there needs to be upgrading ourselves."
a continuous cautionary approach to
addressing these challenges, as well as
managing Singaporeans' expectations.
PM Lee is absolutely right to have
impressed upon the need to take a
calibrated, targeted and balanced Fu Zitian, Tampines North branch
approach in dealing with the concerns "My initial thoughts on this National Day Rally were pretty positive. It
ơ Ǥ projected an image that the government is actually willing to listen and
All in all, PM Lee delivered a engage but just that companies or residents do not know where to look for
heartening and hopeful speech that ǤƤ Ǧ
be well received.
was purposeful and inspirational for
My concern is how much will the cost go up in order to have a bet-
all Singaporeans in our pursuit of a
Ǧ ǫ Ǧƪ͊͝ǡ͜͜͜
shared and meaningful future."
monthly salary too good to be true? Maybe we need examples of it.
I like the idea where we plan way ahead for infrastructure such as the
airport and ports. It makes me want to be involved in these big projects."
October 2013 9DIALOGUE
PAP’s DNA: Look after the people
Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam exchanged views with activists
about the National Day Rally and mapped out the way forward for them
T
he health-care, housing ͜͟͜͞ ơǦǦ ơǤ the key is to convince the people
and education policy ͜͝Ǥ Ministers are focused on achiev- that the PAP government is here
changes announced in He made these remarks at a ing results and not usually very to help them, work for them and
the National Day Rally (NDR) closed-door dialogue with some emotive publicly. plan for the future. “The world
were aimed at giving Singapo- 65 activists on August 24, the “We don’t wear our hearts on and Singapore have changed.
reans a greater sense of security. ƤǤ our sleeves, but we empathise We cannot keep asking why
Singaporeans must feel “this is Organised by the PAP Policy genuinely with the issues raised. they have changed. We have to
my country. I can be safe here Forum, the 2.5-hour long session People on the ground know that accept the changes, and say: ‘Yes,
and my country will take care of saw active participation from we are sincere and genuine.” I accept the change’ and I will
me,” said Minister Shanmugam. activists engaging the Minister ƤǤ ǡ
“We have to make a move, on various topics, ranging from Accept change and adapt through our policies, that “we
(because) Singaporeans told us feedback on the NDR to Singa- A 74-year-old veteran from are better and the right choice,”
so clearly, during the OSC (Our pore’s foreign policy, to sugges- Changi-Simei branch, who he urged the group.
Singapore Conversation),” he tions on how to rally the ground. joined the Party before Singa- Mr Shanmugam explained
explained. An activist from Taman Ju- pore’s independence, expressed the changes were consistent with
However, he warned that rong commented that he received his worry that Singaporeans the PAP’s fundamental DNA of
such changes come with costs. positive feedback about PM’s ơ looking after the people.
Younger Singaporeans, espe- delivery of the NDR this year. In before; they have become more ơǦ
͜͠ǡ fact, many young people felt that demanding but are doing less for wing socialist party, and then it
will have to be mindful that such PM has completely changed. the country. adapted to a capitalist system
changes call for higher govern- Mr Shanmugam agreed He asked what can be done to because that was in the interests
ment expenditure, which will Ƥ ensure that Singapore would still of Singaporeans. Now that Sin-
translate into higher taxes going speeches PM has made, where ͜͜͝Ǥ gaporeans are getting older, the
forward. This will become very many parts of the NDR were Mr Shanmugam pointed out government has to modify the
“We don’t wear our hearts on our sleeves,
but we empathise genuinely with the issues
raised. People on the ground know that we
are sincere and genuine.”
- Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam
10 October 201312
0LQLVWHU6KDQPXJDPXUJHGDFWLYLVWVWRƩJKWKDUGWRDYRLGDQHURVLRQRI
support among Singaporeans, especially the middle-income group.
Post-GE 2011 to-do list
policies again. port from households in the bot-
Get priorities right and under- “For the young, they want us tom 25 percentile. The erosion
stand the people’s concerns. to create opportunities for them. of support came in the middle
3GD-#1HR@L@INQRSDO VHSGSGD For the old, they want us to take income group.
proposed changes. care of them and create opportu- “They don’t feel that they are
nities for the young. We received being taken care of. We have to
this feedback from talking to the look after people in the middle
people. as well. We’re making a concert-
ed policy to bring the four-room
PAP is here for the long term ƪ ǡdzǡ-
Get communications right. Ministers, “At the end of the day, Singa- ring to one of the new changes
MPs and activists will have to make ǤƤ announced in the NDR.
RTQDSG@SSGD-#1LDRR@FDHRTMCDQ- to do the right things. But we Concluding, he urged the
RSNNCNMSGDFQNTMC must also win elections in order DzƤdz
to do the right things. But we on the ground to “improve (the
don’t try and win elections by do- party’s) position”.
ing the wrong things with a short “We’re coming in to do right
Re-think groundwork. term populist focus,” he added. for the people, rather than for
6DMDDCSNOTRGG@QC Another activist from Bukit more power, which is the case
NMSGDFQNTMCVNQJ Batok East suggested that the with some other countries. If our
We need to share best PAP should analyse the “real politics resemble those in other
practices, and some level of pain” on the ground to countries, then the outcomes
ODNOKD@QDDWODQHLDMS- have an awareness of how low- will also resemble theirs. We
HMFVHSGOHKNSOQNIDBSR income earners are managing. Ƥ
NMSGDFQNTMC $UDQX ͜͞͝͝ erosion (of support). We can
DƤNQSLTRSADL@CDSN general election showed the improve our position. It’s your
serve the people. Party enjoyed the strongest sup- task and my task.”
October 2013 11CRISIS MANAGEMENT
5HQHZHGFRQƩGHQFH
after crises Singaporeans display compassion, cohesion and
activism dealing with SARS, dengue and haze
confidence
courage
cohesion
compassion
Courage and duty a fateful decision to cut short his vacation
VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN I will never forget the heartbreak on and returned to work at SGH.
The writer is the Minister for the Environment
and Water Resources. He is also the MP for ͞͞ǡ͜͜͟͞ SARS was a new and mysterious threat
Holland-Bukit Timah GRC informed that Dr Alexandre Chao had at that time, and it struck health-care
just passed away at the Singapore General providers disproportionately. He knew the
Hospital (SGH) Intensive Care Unit. I risks. And so did every single health-care
was part of the Ministerial SARS Combat worker. Every day, when they said good-
Unit and spent two months helping my bye to their families as they left for work,
ex-colleagues at SGH. they wondered whether it would be the
Singapore was in the depths of the last time. If anyone developed a fever, they
SARS epidemic. Although he was sup- ǡ ơ
posed to be on overseas leave with his ones. Those who passed away did so with-
wife, Dr Koh Woon Puay, Dr Chao made out the comfort of a last kiss or feeling the
12 October 2013hands of loved ones. Many slept alone in separate rooms success. Without trust in the government, anything we
to reduce the risk of infecting family members. say would not be believed, and all our carefully formu-
Ƥ Ǥǡǡ lated plans could not be implemented. This means
single person I worked with in hospitals all over Singapore being very careful to ensure that all information that is
knew instinctively what courage and duty meant. Every published is accurate. In an emergency, it also means be-
doctor, nurse, health-care professional, administrative ing prepared to admit that we don’t have all the data and
ơǡ ǡ Ǥ certainty that we would like. Even more crucial – never
No panic. Just this deeply-held sense of duty to fellow give false reassurances. Maintaining credibility amidst
Singaporeans. great uncertainty is essential.
Of course there are things that we could have done
Compassion, cohesion and activism in better and there will be criticisms. We will learn and
a crisis Ǥ̽ Ƥ
But it wasn’t just those on duty who shone. SARS, the way Singaporeans will respond to any future crisis. I
and subsequent crises like the dengue epidemic and have learnt just how tough, courageous, dedicated and
trans-boundary haze also showed ordinary Singapore- compassionate Singaporeans are. And we have emerged
ans at our best. We remained calm and collected. Our Ƥ Ǥ
Ƥ Ǥ
volunteers brought meals to the homes of people who
were quarantined. Masks were distributed. Hawkers or-
ganised themselves to check on one another. Taxi drivers
continued to drive, and even made special arrangements
for health workers.
Singaporeans also exhibited initiative and sponta-
neous ground up activism. No need to wait for orders.
Jeremy Chua started SG Haze Rescue to direct resources
and manpower to distribute masks to neighbourhoods
with more senior citizens. Sylvester Yeo donated his own
money to provide N95 masks for elderly cleaners and
hawkers. They leveraged both new media and more tradi- Minister Ng Eng Hen showing a resident how to use a mask
during the haze crisis.
tional ways to reach out. People opened up their homes to
others with no air conditioners.
Singaporean Celeste, expressing her love for the coun-
try in an online comment to a UK newspaper website,
said: “No matter what happens to Singapore, I will still
love Singapore, because this is my home and is where I
belong to.’’ Her comment was made in June, when Singa-
pore enveloped by haze.
In a quiet calm way, Singaporeans demonstrated the
power of community spirit and collective action.
Trust, our success ingredient
Trust is an intangible but crucial ingredient for our
Singapore saw a record high of 16,687 dengue infections
(as at September) in 2013.
“I have learnt just how
tough, courageous,
dedicated and
compassionate
Singaporeans are.” ŝ5HPHPEHULQJ6$56 SHORTIES
Novena to become new health-care hub
S
ingapore is planning its biggest health-care complex in Novena
which will have public health-care facilities, a medical school
and other health-care facilities.
The piece of prime land will yield a built-up area of about
͢͜͜ǡ͜͜͜ǡͤ͡ƤǤ
ǡ͜͝
the complex will be linked by underpasses and aerial bridges.
͜͟͜͞Ǥ
͞ǡ͜͜͞ǡ
mainly for step-down care use. In comparison, Singapore General
͝ǡ͜͜͡Ǥ
Family-friendly new buildings
N
ew buildings will have family-friendly features when they
are built, according to the Building and Construction Au-
thority’s new rules.
Starting from next April, new shopping malls, community clubs
and sports complexes will have nursing rooms and upsized parking
spaces for families, among other things.
Elderly-friendly features will also have to be installed. One in
Ƥ
for support.
Those in wheelchairs will also have wider corridors to move
Ȃ͝Ǥ͡ ͝Ǥ͞Ǥ
͜͡ Ǥ
NEWS IN NUMBERS
55
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3.5%
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SVN QNNLTMHSRHM2DMFJ@MF@MC8HRGTM ODQBDMS
3 years
3NDMRTQD2HMF@ONQD@MRG@UD@BBDRRSN
No.1
Singapore is tops with investors and
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HSRQTKDR /DQL@MDMSQDRHCDMSRB@MMNV destination for American companies,
NMKXATX'#!QDR@KDƦ@SR@ESDQADHMF@ QDBNQCHMF@ XD@Q@BBTLTK@SHUD
/1GDQDENQSGQDDXD@QR !TXDQRNEQDR@KD HMUDRSLDMSNE42ʙAHKKHNM@R@SDMC
Ʀ@SRB@MTRDNMKXTOSNODQBDMSNE 2012. Singapore is also the top Asian
their gross monthly income to repay BNTMSQXSG@S"GHMDRDSNTQHRSRV@MSSN
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14 October 2013CONVERSATION
The science
of connecting PHOTO: LIONEL LAI
The East Coast GRC MP has developed and implemented a rigorous system of meaningfully connecting
to residents, he tells Petir
W
hen he was teaching at the National University of Singa- advice. Using data analysis and informed by his academic discipline,
pore, Dr Maliki Osman would teach students how best Dr Maliki has pioneered a systematic way of doing grassroots work
to uplift the lives of the poor. He was spurred by his own that is meaningful to both residents and volunteers.
background. Born the eighth of nine children to a bus conductor and One key insight is the concept of micro-communities: the smaller
ǡǦ ƪǤ the community, the easier it is to strengthen it. Eschewing grand,
ǡǡͤ͠ǡ ǡ attention-grabbing events, Dr Maliki prefers many small, impactful
putting his theories into practice in the political sphere. activities that connect with people. “My mantra to grassroots is that
As the mayor of South East District, he links government agencies small is big and BIG is a measure of many strong smalls,” he said.
with community players on the ground. Newly-promoted to Minister He started developing micro-communities midway through his
of State for the Ministries of National Development and Defence, he time at Admiralty ward in Sembawang GRC, where he served from
manages issues such as housing vulnerable families, estate upgrading ͜͜͜͞͝͞͝͝Ǥ ǯ
and National Service, among his various responsibilities. ȋȌ͝͡ ǡ Ǧ -
But it is his work as an MP that has made fellow MPs ask him for munity, each with a kepala (village head in Malay). The kepala’s role
October 2013 15CONVERSATION
is to build relationships with every resident is. If an RC comes with less people from its
in the block so that data can be harnessed area, he analyses the reasons. “We can draw
to improve community resources. "When I ƤȋȌ
have a family who needs help, my commu- with, and who can’t, by virtue of who they
nity directory tells me where my taxi drivers, can get to turn up for the dinner.”
nurses, policemen, retired teachers are.” Most recently, the code of conduct for
House visits are critical to enabling parking in his Siglap ward that a resident-
his work. A structured programme trains led task force developed was cited by Prime
volunteers to treat residents with respect. Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National
Two months after the house visit to a block Day Rally speech, for building a sense of
or street (in the case of private estates), a ǤDz ƥ
get-together is held. “Constant engagement Police to decide, people get very upset. Here
makes them feel we are serious,” he said. ǡ Ƥ ǡ
During these get-togethers, he will have allow people to have a sense of community
dialogues with the residents, encouraging Ƥ
them to work together on local issues while solutions. This is community building!”
hearing their feedback on national issues. The work is time consuming but reward- MOHAMAD
If Dr Maliki meets people who he feels ing. Grassroots feel inspired that they are not MALIKI BIN
can contribute, he invites them right on the just event organisers but connectors making OSMAN
spot with a prepared letter to attend a tea ses- ơ ǯǡǤDz Age: 48
Family: Married with two
sion, where he will talk about his community always tell my grassroots leaders that we’re children
work, which he is most passionate about. A doing all this for the next generation. You Favourite food: Instant noo-
few hundred have been invited, with about don't want our children to grow up thinking dle with sambal blachan and
my wife’s shepherd’s pie
30 per cent of them signed up. “These people that neighbourhoods don't exist.” Favourite shows/movies:
have no previous connection with the grass- Eventually, he will return to academia. “I Korean period dramas and
roots. But they will join for house visits and want to be at the forefront of creating knowl- action movies
Pet peeve: Inconsiderate and
get to know their neighbours, and feel good edge. After my political career, I will probably impatient drivers who refuse
that they are connecting with people, help- go back with a richer perspective of what to give way even after I have
ing their neighbours,” he observed. works, what doesn’t, and develop a new set of given early signals
To Dr Maliki, big events like National training material. But how far down the road
Day dinners test how strong the community is that, no one can tell.”
own background. I started looking at dysfunctional families, drug
@CCHBSHNM ,XNVM,@K@XBNLLTMHSXHRUDQXLTBG@ƤDBSDCAXHS MC
to think there’s something I can do, it spurred me on.”
What drives you?
“My personal desire is to bring the Malay community up. We've
made a lot of progress but we need to do more. My observation today
is that because the pace of society is very fast, some Singaporeans are
Face time with Dr Maliki Osman unable to keep up. I want to see if I can put them on roller-blades to
help them move faster.
How did you get involved in social work? To do that, you really need to connect to as many people as you
“I never expected to get to university. I didn't know what can, so that you feel for them and hold their hands up to a point when
to major in. I looked through the prospectus and found social you can let go. But if you don't know them, you don't know which
work resonated with me because it talked about social justice, hands to hold.
bringing lower strata of society up. When the training started, I My other concern is dealing with the institution of the family,
V@RDWONRDCSNFQNTORNEODNOKDVGNL@CDLDQDƦDBSNMLX making sure families are able to cope with the stresses of daily, and our
16 October 2013Resettling the
East Coast Park
homeless
6GDMGDƥQRSLNUDCSN2HFK@OV@QC
after the 2011 general election, an
immediate problem Dr Maliki Osman
encountered was the large number
of homeless people living in tents
along East Coast Park beaches. “Cases
stemmed from the economic crisis of
,@MXVDQDKNRHMFƦ@SR RDKKHMF
property, and had to stay with friends
and families. But some had exhausted
the goodwill of those they were staying
with. Others were out of cash,” he said.
The sight of so many homeless
people prompted concern from the
public and the media.
Tackling it was right up Dr Maliki's
alley. His ward was next to East Coast
Park, and his work in the Ministry of
National Development was also about
housing the vulnerable.
He started putting in place a
comprehensive, coordinated programme
to help them. It was dubbed Project 4650
because the homeless were resettled in
Blocks 46 and 50 in Bedok South, two
E@LHKHDRSND@BGSGQDD QNNLƦ@S
ʗGNLDVNQJB@EDʗV@RRS@QSDC
at Siglap CC to give around 60 to 70
children a chance to do their school work
every weekday night. Volunteers, many
Volunteers at the from the private estates in the area, were
"homework cafe" roped in to supervise.
at Siglap CC. Because many families were Malay,
self-help group Mendaki set up a
subsidised tuition programme, and also
conducted workshops on budgeting,
ƥM@MBH@KL@M@FDLDMS@MCO@QDMSHMF
3GDFQ@MSHMFNEƥM@MBH@K@RRHRS@MBD
packages was tied to attendance of
these workshops.
children are equipped with life skills to be resilience in the face of adversity’’ Two years later, many of the original
families housed in Blocks 46 and 50
G@UDLNUDCNTSSNQDMS@KƦ@SR RNLD
What issues keep you awake at night? even went on to purchase Build-To-Order
“One issue is that of retirement adequacy, and dealing with an Ʀ@SR ʗ3GDJHCR@QDCNHMFADSSDQHMRBGNNK
ageing population. Is a 35-year-old today consciously Giving families the sense of stability is so
aware of the challenges he will face when he HLONQS@MS ʗGDR@HC
ANTSG@KENESGDE@LHKHDRG@UD
retires? Or if you ask a 45-year-old head of a moved out, but new ones are still coming
household what is your savings rate like HM ʗ3GDHRRTDR@QDCDDO (SS@JDRSHLD !TS
today, are you ready to retire in 20 years' they don't have to end up at the beaches
time, the answer is quite alarming. any more. They come to our touch points.
If you are besieged with any medical We stabilise their lives, provide hope
and work with them for longer term
illness, you can just imagine the whole RTRS@HM@AKDRNKTSHNMR ʗ
family in crisis. I don't think we have
Scan QR code or visit http://www.
spoken enough about such issues. It worries
pap.org.sg/news-and-commentaries/
me to see how families get stuck with a crisis commentaries/family-advocate-
little-time-home to catch a glimpse of
situation.”
Comrade Maliki's family life.
October 2013 17to Mr Lee Kuan Yew
Birthday wishes have poured “Mr Lee has been serving Parliament with distinction
in for Mr Lee Kuan Yew who for 58 years, our longest serving Member of Parliament.
celebrated his 90th birthday on He imposes high standards on himself, both in and
September 16, 2013. The good outside Parliament, and expects the same of all our MPs.
wishes came from far and wide, In Parliament, he once said that he wanted Members
from international leaders, of Parliament whose ‘instincts are immediately for
friends, Singapore ministers Singaporeans’.
and local party activists. On Mr Lee's birthday, I wish to thank him for helping to
shape our Parliament into one that is credible, competent
Some of them have conveyed and Singapore-centric. I hope that his values will continue
their wishes to Mr Lee to be upheld by all our Parliamentarians at all times.”
through Petir. Halimah Yacob, Speaker of Parliament
18 October 201390TH BIRTHDAY WISHES
“Unlike other governing political “Mr Lee is someone who has made
O@QSHDRDKRDVGDQD SGD/ /G@RMN every moment in his life count – and
grand building, or army of employees. S@JDMNUDQXD@QR SG@SR@M@L@YHMF
We are a frugal political party manned achievement! His will, spirit and
largely by activists and volunteers. determination are still very evident and
Mr Lee embedded in our party he continues to be an inspiration to all
#- @RSQNMFU@KTDNEEQTF@KHSX@MC of us.
humility. Party members do not '@OOXSGAHQSGC@X ,Q+DD @MC
enjoy special privileges. We act thank you for everything!
for the people and work hard for Wishing you the best of health!”
Singaporeans. We are proud of our Indranee Rajah,
achievements as a nation, but we do MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC
MNSƦ@TMSSGDL
BKD@M@MCGNMDRSONKHSHB@K
system is one of Mr Lee’s most
important contributions to Singapore.
RVDVHRG,Q+DD@'@OOXSG
Birthday, let us wish too that our
political system will remain clean and
honest forever.”
Khaw Boon Wan, Party chairman
“Mr Lee Kuan Yew's leadership
and big ideas have transformed
Singapore from a sleepy village into a
thriving metropolis. LKY has become
an ‘ism’ – a concept of governance
and government known around the
world. Singaporeans stand tall among
the citizens of the world. He made
us proud to be called Singaporeans.
3G@MJXNT ,Q+DD '@OOXSG
Birthday.”
Koo Tsai Kee, former MP of
Tanjong Pagar GRC
“Despite his health, he still
attended our Tanjong Pagar-Tiong
!@GQT-@SHNM@K#@X#HMMDQNM TFTRS
16, 2013. Mr Lee preserves and
completes the things that he set out
to do.
I salute him for his passion for the
community. He has been, is and will
continue to be an inspiration to many
of us. It makes us want to try that much
harder and not to let him down.
I will wish our LKY excellent health.”
Freddy Ang, branch secretary,
A special session for Parliament’s long-serving MP. Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru branch
October 2013 19G RO U N DWO R K > B R A N CH I N G O U T
Forever faithful to
Tanjong Pagar
Tanjong Pagar boasts the PAP’s oldest branch and stalwart activists who have
served the same MP for more than half a century. The activists share the
branch’s rich history with Petir
N
ot many activists in Singapore served Tanjong Pagar for more than 50 serving a total of about 52,000 residents.
can say they have served in the years, mirroring that of Mr Lee Kuan Yew,
same constituency, much less the the ward’s long-time MP since April 1955. When the Prime Minister visited him
same MP, for half a century and more. But Together they have witnessed the tre- in hospital
at least two veteran activists can proudly mendous transformation in the area in the Recalls Mr Cheong of the beating inci-
claim that long faithful record. intervening years. Where the streetscape dent: “I was putting up campaign posters
For one of them, Cheong Seck Wee, it once consisted of shop houses, itinerant when I was attacked by gangsters who did
is even more remarkable – a beating in the hawkers and triads, it has been replaced not support the PAP,’’ he said. Laid up for a
early 1960s by gangsters did not deter him by gleaming buildings (anchored by the week, he was surprised when Mr Lee visited
from supporting the Party. If anything, he 50-storey The Pinnacle @ Duxton), and him in hospital. “I did not expect him to
has inducted his nephew into volunteering trendy F&B outlets. The Tanjong Pagar PAP come to hospital,’’ said the 74-year old Mr
in Tanjong Pagar. branch merged with nearby Tiong Bahru Cheong who, nudged on by his friends, be-
Mr Cheong and fellow activist Mr Choo branch after the 2011 general election to be- gan serving Tanjong Pagar (TP) in 1960.
Wye Foo are among the activists who have come Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru branch, Mr Cheong lives in Tanjong Pagar Plaza, in
țThe PastȜ Tanjong Pagar PAP
Branch 18th Anniversary
Celebrations in 1972.
Tanjong
Tan
Tan
njon
jong
jong Pagar
Paga
a arr PAP
PAP
AP Sub
S
Sub-Branch
ub-Br
-B a
anc
ncch in
in the
the
h 197
1970s.
0
0s
0s.
Tanjong Pagar ‘longevity’ facts RS/ /AQ@MBG DRS@AKHRGDCHM)TMD / /V@RGD@CPT@QSDQDC@S3@MINMF/@F@Q
20 October 2013G RO U N DWO R K > B R A N CH I N G O U T
the same building complex as the PAP branch. a National Day celebration in the 60s. “Fire branch to update ground sentiments on gov-
Just as all those decades ago when he was crackers were permitted then. The plan was to ơ Ǥ
ƪ ǡ ơƤ ǡ One of them is Shawn Soh, a true-blue TP
nephew Anthony Kng to join him at TP. anthem. But after sometime, the crackers resident – he grew up in Tanjong Pagar Plaza
Said Mr Kng, 45, who is a member of the ơ and continues to live right above the branch.
branch exco: “I have been here (serving the Lee appeared impatient. So the MC asked us “I belong to the heartlands, I want to return
ward) since 1992 as my uncle suggested I can to sing but the moment the words Mari Kita something to society,’’ said Mr Soh who, at 28
help. I started shortly after I graduated.’’ ǡ ơǡ years old, is a baby compared to his seniors.
Another stalwart is Choo Wye Foo who has anthem. The proximity cannot be applied to Mr
been a PAP member since 1955. “As the stage was some distance from where Yap Kwee Seng who does not even have roots
While age has slowed him down, the Ƥ ǡ in TP but serves it. A Woodlands resident,
78-year old’s recollection of TP in the 50s and could not see the crackers clearly,’’ explained Mr Yap, 42, was introduced by friends to TP.
60s remain sharp. A Chinatown boy all his life Mr Choo. Dz Ƥ ǡǯ
and given his familiarity with its surrounding A livid Mr Lee dressed down the organisers. I’m here,’’ he said, despite the long trek to
area, he often went on house-to-house visits to “If we cannot do a simple task like this, how his home after the weekly meet-the-people
canvass voters during GE. “Sometimes I even can we govern a nation?” Mr Choo recalled the sessions on Mondays which occasionally end
look after their children so that the adults can former Prime Minister’s rationale. at 3 am.
go and cast their vote,’’ he recalled. Another activist Ganesan s/o Kulandai,
As TP has been uncontested since Mr Lee Sea change in Tanjong Pagar but spirit 55, observed: “Most of the problems centre
became its MP in 1955, these activists are to serve intact Ƥ ǡ ƪǡ
deployed to help candidates in other constitu- Both Messrs Choo and Cheong cited the social visit pass and neighbourhood disputes.’’
encies such as Bukit Merah, Nee Soon, Radin eradication of triads, improved security and Almost sixty years since Mr Lee won
Mas, Hougang and Punggol-East. living conditions as among some of PAP’s big- Tanjong Pagar, the spirit to help each other
gest achievements in TP. “The PAP smashed remains vibrant. His presence at this year’s
/HVVRQIURPIDLOHGƩUHFUDFNHUV the triads,’’ said Mr Choo. National Day celebrations on 16 August only
Mr Choo, who lives in nearby Everton Both have made way for younger activ- spurred the activists to work harder for Tan-
Park, recalled an amusing incident during ists although they continue to drop in at the jong Pagar!
țThe PresentȜ Comrades Choo Wye Foo
and Cheong Seck Wee (in
red and white check shirt),
UHƪHFWRQWKHLUPHPRULHV
of Mr Lee Kuan Yew in
Tanjong Pagar.
From left: Comrades Ganesan s/o Kulandai, Shawn Soh, Yap Kwee Seng, Choo
Wye Foo and Cheong Seck Wee. A happy blend of young and old activists.
ADSVDDM@MC +NMFDRSRDQUHMF,/HM2HMF@ONQD/@QKH@LDMS ,Q+DD8T@M8DV ,/RHMBD OQHK
October 2013 21G RO U N DWORK > YO U N G PA P
Young Patriots
score on and
RƨWKHSLWFK
The
h team reaches
h out to society
i through
h h ffootball
b ll
22 October 2013G RO U N DWO RK > YO U N G PA P
N
ot many of you may be aware
“At the end of the day, it does not
but the Young PAP has its
matter who wins or loses. The
very own football team!
important thing is that we pass
Known as the Young Patriots
on the message that we are a
Football Club or “YP FC” in short, the
community of activists who care.”
team had humble beginnings in late
2009, starting with just 20 players.
- Shaikh Ismail, co-team manager from
Pasir Ris East PAP branch The team trains together regularly
and has also played against a number
of local teams as well as participated
in local tournaments.
Most notably, just barely three
years after its formation, the Young
Patriots Football Club emerged
Ƥ Contact Card, which is given to the
Futsal Tournament, beating 16 other opponent players at the start of
teams in 2012. each game. Taking this piece of YP
The team was formed by then with them, the opponent players are
Young PAP Chairman, Mr Teo Ser asked to pass on the contact card to
Luck, to provide an avenue for YP someone who they know may be in
members to connect and network need of help. Through this initiative
through soccer, a popular mass sport. called “Caring through Football’’,
It also gives a fantastic platform for the team hopes to put the needy
activists to meet and interact with individuals and families in touch with
other Singaporeans. the relevant agencies or branches for
These days, the team boasts a total further assistance.
of 42 players comprising a good mix “Many in Singapore love football
of activists as well as friends of Young so this can be a vital contact point
PAP. The youngest player on the team with the community. At the end of
is only 13 years old while the oldest the day, it does not matter who wins
player is about 40 years old. With a or loses. The important thing is that
good combination of young talent we pass on the message that we are a
and seasoned players, the Young community of activists who care,” said
Patriots Football Club aims to scale co-team manager Shaikh Ismail from
greater heights this year by being part Pasir Ris East PAP branch.
of the competitive ESPZen Amateur In addition to the above, the Young
Football League. There are also Patriots FC also organises other
plans to start a youth team as well community outreach activities with
as veterans’ team to provide more welfare groups and organisations,
opportunities for activists and friends providing an opportunity for the YP
to come together. players to give back to society. This
The Young g Patriots FC is not is outside the bi-weekly training
ju about playing
just sessions organised and conducted
fo
football. To enhance by team coach, Eugene Ong from
th team’s outreach
the Punggol Central branch.
ơǡ
u
underway for the
Y
Young Patriots FC
t be more active
to
ơǦ
in some community
JOIN US!
If you are interested to join the
team or would like to arrange
initiatives as well. for a friendly with the team,
The team please contact us at
yp.soccer@gmail.com.
recently launched
the Young Patriots
Community
October 2013 23G ROU N DWO R K > PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
PCF’ s
warm embrace
Beneficiaries tell Petir how PCF pre-
schools have enhanced their lives
24 October 2013G ROU N DWO R K > PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
“Parents can be PCF’s helping hand
assured the PCF is
here to ensure their Some $610,000 was handed out to 30
children are well taken charities, VWOs and self-help organisations
care of, and is raising at PCF Family Day. The money was raised by a
the bar in pre-school group of MPs in the South East District, led by Mr
education, and also Lim Biow Chuan of Mountbatten constituency.
3GHRHMHSH@SHUDHRO@QSNENMFNHMFDƤNQSR
making sure that they by Ministers and MPs from various districts
enjoy their childhood.” who take turns to raise money for the under-
OQHUHKDFDC@MCSGNRDVHSGƥM@MBH@K@MCRODBH@K
- Jurong GRC MP and Organising needs.
Chairman for PCF Family Day 2013
David Ong Of the amount raised this year, $98,000 was
given to 49 deserving polytechnic students.
Each student was presented with a Polytechnic
Study Award worth $2,000 by the Prime
Minister. The students were selected based on Ms Kimberly Soh was one of the 49
their household income, academic results and recipients of the Polytechnic Study
involvement in community service or CCA. Award given out by PCF.
One of the recipients was Kimberly Soh, 18, a second year communications and
media management student at Temasek Polytechnic.
3GDXNTMFDQNESVNFHQKRR@HCSGD@V@QCHR@řQDKHDEŚENQGDQE@LHKXŗRƥM@MBDR 'DQ
mother works as production operator while her father passed away in 2011.
“I feel very honoured to get this award. I’m not old enough to work yet, so it’s
extra money for the family. And I was quite excited to meet the Prime Minister,” said
Kimberly, who aspires to be a radio DJ with Kiss 92 FM.
One for the album: pre-school children posing for a picture with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at
the PCF Family Day.
October 2013 25G RO U N DWO R K > WO ME N ' S WI N G 26 October 2013
G RO U N DWO R K > WO M E N ' S WI N G
Integrate
1. Why did you lead the advocacy
paper on Women at Work?
I gladly accepted the challenge to lead
work-family life
this position paper, as I have always been
passionate about women’s potential and
challenges in the workplace. I drew on my
experience as a working mother, internation-
al corporate leader and participant in gender WW paper asks for incentives and support schemes to develop more
diversity forums. pro-family environment at work. Petir speaks to MP Foo Mee Har on
The PAP government has created educa- her role in leading the paper and more
tion and job opportunities that greatly
ƤǤ ǡ
labour force participation remains low at 58
per cent compared to 76 per cent for men.
Few women make it to leadership positions.
Women occupy about 15 per cent of top man-
agement positions and 7 per cent of board
seats. In keeping with the PAP’s principle of
inclusivity, the Women’s Wing (WW) sees
the need to step up advocacy for women in
the workplace.
If we deploy more women at work, it will
Ƥ
unique life experiences and perspectives to
the workplace.
2. What approach did you take and
what were the key recommenda-
tions of the paper?
“Women at Work” is the WW’s second
position paper after the “Marriage and Parent-
hood” paper. It was developed with inputs
from various sources: the public, employers
Ǥ
developed countries’ experiences.
We called on the government to consider
advances made in other countries, which in- and employer groups to make pro-family – including gender, skills and experience –
clude prioritising the integration of work and employment practices much more pervasive for the selection of directors, and disclosure
family life as a national concern, for both men in Singapore. We want to help employers un- requirements on future plans to achieve a
and women, instead of leaving it to individual derstand that it makes good business sense to diverse board. We also need to mentor and
companies. We advocated the use of incen- be able to attract and retain women, and that help develop a pool of “board-ready” women.
tives and support schemes that help employ- it starts with creating the right environment.
ers, especially SMEs, build capabilities and 5. How did your personal experi-
infrastructure, to retain and encourage more 4. How does WW plan to address ence as a senior executive of a large
women to re-enter the workforce. the inadequate representation of ƪ
We asked for more government interven- women in board rooms and in lead- your perspective on women in
ơ ership positions? leadership?
cultural change in the workplace, including We are working with like-minded I’ve learnt that the key issue is less about
legislation for the right of workers to request stakeholder groups such as BoardAgender, equality, but rather about the complemen-
ƪǦǡ the Singapore Institute of Directors and the tary strengths that women bring to the
three years. Singapore Exchange. Setting quotas may not workplace. Women contribute to improved
be the best approach; it could lead to ‘token- performance through their unique talents in
3. How does WW intend to advocate ism’, and diminish the meritocracy of women collaboration, communication and people
for more women participation in appointed to senior positions. management. But they need the support of
the work place? Instead, the Corporate Governance Code the government, their employers and families
We will work with government ministries Ƥ to get there.
October 2013 27GRO U N DWO R K > PA P P O LI CY F O R U M
A CPF savings plan for our young
Give the young a headstart by having a CPF account when they are infants
T
he Central Provident Fund (CPF) sav- child turns 20. Parents and grandparents, a total of $1,470 a year. Over 20 years, it will
ings policy has been a founding pillar together with the Government as partners, ͊ͥ͞ǡ͜͜͠ǡ -
of Singapore. can complement each other for this new terest, monthly higher contribution and any
Many of us would not have been home- initiative. For every dollar contributed by a special grants to the CPF account along the
owners if not for the CPF savings which can parent or a grandparent, the government can way. When the child starts working, he will
ƪǤ match it at 25 per cent at a cap of $200 each have some CPF funds to give him a headstart.
having CPF monies as a retirement fund, year. A special interest rate of 5 per cent from The scenario I have given may not be
we can also use it to pay for our individual CPF can be awarded to this group of young the exact example, but we can always start
Ǧ Ǥ Ƥ account holders. somewhere by using our CPF policy to invest
university students by allowing them to Currently, the CPF pays 2.5 and 4 per cent in our young as well. A good way forward on
complete their undergraduate studies using respectively for the Ordinary account and a government-parent partnership initiative.
their parents' CPF savings and repaying to Special/Medisave account. For example, a
CPF when they work. parent who contributes $100 a month to their
In short, the CPF policy has helped to child’s CPF account pays a total of $1,200 a
JOSHUA SELVAKUMAR
create happiness, prosperity and progress for year, of which the government matches 25 The writer is a PPF Council
Singapore. per cent of it at a cap of $200. This amounts Member.
ǡ to $1,400. The interest rate at 5 per cent gives
together with our society’s current and future
demands. Often, we hear these retirement
ƥ
retires in years to come. Most of their savings
Ƥ ƪǤ
over the years. I remember my father bought
ƤǦƪͥͣͤ͝
for a mere $24,000 which, at that time, was
considered costly. Even so, he was able to
Ƥ
funds. This meant that after the 5th year, all
his payments due towards his home are his
savings in his CPF account, which grew with
Ǥ -
edge that he has funds for his retirement.
This group of Singaporeans is in their 60s
and 70s today.
Many of them have a home and retire-
ment funds. But my heart goes to the Sin-
gaporeans of tomorrow, whom I think have
to work harder and might not have enough
ƪ ǯ
education. To keep abreast of the future, we
should start contributing to CPF for our fu-
ture Singaporeans while they are still in their
infancy, and not wait till they join the labour
force. We must start investing in them while
they are still young, to cope with rising costs
for their tertiary education and homes.
The “Young CPF Saver” programme, as
I call it, could start from the age of 1-year-
old over a 20-year period, that is, till the
October 2013 29BACKBENCHER'S BITE
ON THE MENU
ª Crispy noodles with seafood ($4)
ª Mao Shan Wang durians ($12 per kg)
to work very closely as a team to resolve dif-
Ƥ Ǥ
My union background and two law
degrees have also helped me greatly, whether
it’s dealing with top management to negoti-
ate labour agreements or having a meal with
workers at a shipyard to hear their views and
solve their grievances.
All these aspects – a former policeman, a
grassroots background, the NTUC training,
the legal training, the experience in dealing
with government agencies – have enabled me
to do a better job as an MP.
The PME champion
At NTUC, I champion the PME group,
the ‘‘sandwich class’’ in society. A third of
workers today are PMEs and this number is
growing. I’ve been lobbying for changes to
the Employment Act to cover PMEs, given
their jobs are extremely vulnerable, especially
WHO: Patrick Tay, MP for Nee Soon in a downturn.
East Ward in Nee Soon GRC. He entered
politics in 2011 and is a unionist at the
National Trades Union Congress. amended to ensure better union representa-
WHERE: "NƤDDRGNO@S!KNBJ 8HRGTM
Ǥ Ƥ
Street 22, a stone’s throw from Nee Soon testing, which means giving fair consideration
Town Council. to Singaporeans when it comes to PME jobs.
In my ward, I focus on three areas – health
Senior cop turned MP
and wellness because we have many elderly
residents; the importance of safety and secu-
rity in a dense neighbourhood; and to ensure
the estate is clean and green.
P
atrick Tay is just 41 but he has already Still, it has not deterred him from Facebook, my personal journal
devoted almost two-thirds of his life feasting on his favourite noodles – even I run my own Facebook account which
to grassroots work, having been a if it means he has to order takeaway most has about 4,000 friends – and counting. I’m
volunteer since he was a teenager. The trade times. The durian lover also shares his quite prompt in replying, I try to do so within
unionist is known for championing the rights favourite fruit with his grassroots by “ta- a day, if possible. At every event I attend, I
of Singapore workers, be it private security paoing’’ (takeaway) boxes from the durian try and snap a picture to post up. Facebook
ƥ ǡ- stall, located conveniently outside the is a log of my life. My wife and children say
ers and Executives (PME) group. ơ ͥ͞͝Ǥ they check my account so they know exactly
Always beaming, the father of three where I am every day!
spent seven years in the Singapore Police TOPICS DISCUSSED Social media is important because it gives
Force before joining the NTUC in 2002. Life’s lessons me an additional channel to reach out to
ǡ Ƥ As a policeman, I learned to think on my people. No red tape, no communication bar-
demanded of almost 24/7, a leisurely meal feet and to have a high stress threshold. I rier. People give me feedback directly or chat
is a luxury he rarely gets to enjoy. dealt with life-and-death situations and had with me about their concerns.
30 October 2013You can also read
