The P65 Blog

During my holidays, I had the chance to speak to a patient during ward rounds at a local hospital back home.

I was puzzled why he was only warded after his diabetic condition had deteriorated so badly and this not arrested earlier in the beginning.

Diabetes is a chronic problem in which the body does not adequate insulin in processing glucose. If not managed well, it could lead to a host of other complications such as the eyes, nerves (sensation) and kidney.

The patient related to me that he did not take his medication regularly and that he had a hectic job, which caused him to eat out and eat unhealthily.

Initially i was rather upset and concerned that he did not take his health seriously. But as our conversation progressed, i realized that due to financial constrains, he was unable to afford the medications which averaged to be about $100 every month, and  that his main concern was working to pay off his arrears.

In my mind i thought: “isnt there 3M (medisave, medishield and medifund) that could be used for the treatment of certain chronic diseases?” I found out that although these measures were in place, this patient did not know how to access them.

I was rather sad to know that in the need to generate wealth, health has been sacrificed and in turn resulting in a greater deficit in wealth.

The patient was subsequently supported by the medical social work staff from the hospital. But this incident led me to think about the healthcare system we have.

In fact I was rather surprised that our healthcare system was used as a yardstick by BBC News comparing healthcare systems across the world.

I was even more surprised with the news that greeted me when i returned to UK – a British MEP (member of European parliament) made some comments about his country’s healthcare system and cited our Singapore model as one which UK should follow.

Strangely after i made my first Sneeze post, i fell sick with a bad flu. (Yeah you can call it suay or ominous). I was contemplating visiting a polyclinic, but in the end visited my GP. Although it was costlier, i was more concerned with efficiency rather than cost.

I was yet reminded again about the time i fell sick in the UK with flu, although it was free for me to see the doctor, i had to wait 4 days just to get an appointment ( although without fever, by then i felt that i was already going to die).

source: BBC.com

I relent that although we have an excellent healthcare system, more can be done to keep costs affordable for all, more than our existing 3m. These measures should as well be easily made known and accessed with ease by patients so that the incident with the patient with a deteriorated diabetic condition should never happen again.

I am encouraged that PM Lee addressed this in his recent NDR speech and i am excited to see what measures are rolled out. However, good plans does not always translate into good execution.

Having the opportunity to see both extremes, a free healthcare system versus a paid one, i realized there is a fine line between affordability and efficiency. As the saying goes 生在褔中不知褔 (born in prosperity but not realizing it), perhaps i should complain less and be more appreciative.

I was just on Mrbrown’s blog and saw his post on the Democracy no need opposition one, says PAP member and “That essential journey” article. I had a quick read of the article and I’ll admit now, I have to follow Mrbrown on this one.

Just as much as there is a need to have an efficient system this shouldn’t be a point to sideline our engagement process or the voice of the opposition.

A vocal opposition when providing just, balanced and logical arguments should be something to listen to. For every policy, there is always a two sides of a coin, we need to be aware of both sides and it can help when we have a second eye on the issues. It isn’t about how vocal opposition automatically translates into better governance, but it’s really about the process and the ability to utilize balanced opposition views to translate them into developing better policies.

Personally, I think we are definitely in position to be bright enough to take in different voices and opinions when there are good ideas being exchanged. The presence of more NCMPs should improve parliamentary debates precisely because they are present to provide other balanced  views and meaningful political debate.

Opposing views for good administrations, such as Obama’s has strengthen their leadership rather than soften it by the mere fact that they brings out plans that will help the people directly and used the criticism to shape better policies if necessary. I think the American public and policy makers are trying to deal with a matter that is unprecedented and have big consequences for whichever choice they make. The debates act as catalyst to picking out effective criticism and working to improve the system.

However, the American system is rather complex and has different influences to deal with, which cannot just be looked at superficially as many opposing views being shouted in Congress.

Additionally, the increase of NMPs I believe is a good step to increasing the variety of debate and ensure quality candidates. Afterall, I believe that Parliament has a vigorous selection process to making nomination of NMPs, which can at least guarantee some form of commitment and stature of the NMPs.

Take for example, NMP Siew Kum Hong who in my opinion did well in voicing his opinions and those of interest groups in parliament. Mr. Siew provided balanced ideas, voiced his opinions and gave credit to policies where he believed it was due.

The need of a system that evolves with the people’s aspiration and the country’s need is being met, with these recent changes of more opposition voice in parliament is a timely and a good way of having more people involved in the policy making process, as we set to reinforce our commitment as an inclusive society.

I was somewhat intrigued when I was invited to write contributions for a blog to be titled ‘P65’.  Almost as soon as the blog came out, I understand there have been rumblings about the links between this blog and the PAP.   This may not have been helped by the fact that this blog was formerly a forum for young Members of Parliament to make their contributions.

For the record, I am a member of the Young PAP.  However, all the views I share here are my own.  I am not sure to what extent they are or will be in line with the PAP’s view on any given issue – in fact, based on various Young PAP meetings and forums I’ve attended and the robust discussions I’ve seen, I am not even sure there is such a thing as a ‘party view’ on many of the issues of the day. 

I have been interested in politics, economics and social issues for a very long time.  I was an avid debater both in school and university but after graduation, I have generally had to satisfy my appetite with interesting and challenging discussions with my friends.  Naturally, I do not agree with my friends all the time.  However, I am very comfortable listening to and engaging with people who hold views very different from my own because I often find there is something I can learn from them.  As such, I welcome comments from anyone and everyone on my posts, whether or not you agree with me.

I should also add that I am not aware of the affiliations any of the other writers may or may not have to the PAP.  I am stating only my own affiliations in the spirit of openness that I hope will be characteristic of both my entries and any discussions I have with people who may comment on them. 

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew recently commented on the issue of foreigners and new migrants to Singapore.

I think Singaporeans generally agree on the point that Singapore needs foreign talent and that closing doors to foreigners would be a foolish (actually, impossible) thing to do due to economic needs, a drop in birth rates and an outflow of talent.

The question is not whether we need them or not, but rather how much of them do we need? To some extent it is understandable for Singaporeans to have these concerns and insecurities because over the past few years we seem to have had a sudden deluge of foreigners coming into the country. These concerns and insecurities will have to be managed well.

I am all for integration but there are some things I think that can be done better to facilitate this process. In a Straits Times article (English Still 1^st Language, 14 August 2009), MM Lee said “We cannot make (the requirements for residency) so onerous that they will not come, for example, by requiring permanent residents or new citizens to be fluent in English, which even some existing citizens are not.”

Requiring migrants to be fluent in a language is something debatable, because it depends on the level of fluency that is expected. While expecting a high level of fluency in English may be a tall order since it takes time, I do not think it is too much to ask for a basic, or rudimentary command of English since it is the language that has, for many years, become the bridge for Singaporeans of different races to communicate with one another. I’ve met some migrants who work in the service sector and who could not even answer a simple question like “How much (is this)?” It may make economic sense for employers because of the lower labour costs involved, but it does not make logical sense to have people working in a sector that requires communication to not be able to even communicate at a basic level in a language that is spoken by the majority of people in the country. Over time, this will increase customer frustrations and may turn people away from certain establishments where there is an overpopulation of staff who cannot even answer the most basic questions.

As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” likewise it would not hurt to ask future migrants to at least have a rudimentary command of English before they come over to Singapore or are granted PR or citizenship status. Some other countries, like Germany, have requirements for some categories of migrants to have knowledge of the German language.

That said, I do admire the spirit of some migrants to Singapore who are trying their best to learn English. There are those who are very proactive in seeking knowledge and in upgrading themselves, and this spirt that they have is something to admire and perhaps, emulate. It is these people who will perhaps, have less of a harder time integrating with Singapore society. It has led me to wonder if some of these migrants are willing to go all the way to learn English if it means improving their lot in life, why aren’t more of our non-Mandarin speaking Singaporeans showing the same spirit in wanting to learn Mandarin if doing this may lead to more job opportunities?

In this respect, I wonder if the government should introduce subsidies for Singaporeans of all races to learn each other’s languages. Surely, in the long term, that will lead to better integration all around be it with old or new citizens. While English remains the main language for business and work, knowing a smattering of Malay, Mandarin or Tamil can certainly help smoothen ties. Having a higher level of fluency of Mandarin can even help non-Mandarin speakers who desire to learn Mandarin in order to be more marketable to employers secure jobs, since many advertisers who say that they need “bilingual speakers” in reality mean that they need “English and Mandarin speakers”. It will also be in line with our life-long approach towards learning.

At the end of the day, I think what’s important is to remember that integration is an all-way process. It is not just between Singaporeans and foreigners, it is about everyone who wants to be part of this society being able to give a little, and take a little.

Recently i was just talking to some friends and they were telling me that they read about my involvement with this p65 blog.

So they were asking me: “Eh why no introduction about you all wan arh”

I guess on cyberspace, there is always a thin line between privacy and transparency.

Personally i hope that this will be a casual  thing to share my observations as a Singaporean student studying overseas. As i was saying in my earlier posts that this means of articulating my thoughts helps me to develop my worldview that would shape what i hope to do in life.

Presently i am studying in the University that has 2 great footballing teams – Manchester City and Manchester United (a huge distraction!)

I remember a speech i read once that covered the topics, Who I am, Where I’ve come from, Where i am going. In my personal introduction, i shared about how i faced a life threatening disease at the age of 3. To me even though i was young, that has always shaped the perspective for the rest of my life, i know that my life is a second chance and with that i always hope to make a positive difference.

I come from a humble HDB family and although it wasnt always easy growing up, i have always been interested in community service and humanitarian work – serving others.

And through such opportunities, i realized that there is always 2 sides of a coin. The good and the bad. To every positive comment about Singapore, there is a negative comment. Its seeing the 2 extreme ends that i learnt to come to a consensus and craft my own personal worldview about the country which i have not given up on.

Tails

It was on one of these community service events that i met a friend who asked whether i would like to share my experiences as a Singaporean student in UK with the net community.

As a maturing youth, i realized that identity is essential in charting direction for my life. Being able to answer the 3 pertinent questions Who I am, Where I’ve come from and Where I am going will inadvertently be the compass of my life ship.

With the proliferation of technology, sharing one’s thoughts and observations have never been easier. I hope that through my down time in between studying, i may offer a glimpse of life through the lenses i wear and ultimately broaden my horizons through the exchanges i hope to have with anyone who reads this! (:

I was having lunch with a friend today and our conversation strayed to the topic of domestic helpers.

She shared her personal experience of working with her domestic helper from the Philippines, recounting how she would still insist for her young children to assist in the household chores because she believed it is important for them to learn to be independent. She remarked that her friends were surprised at how much initiative this maid showed while taking care of guests. To add, she was asked not to call the employers “Mdm” and “Sir”, but by their first names.

I know some of my friends will warn that being too friendly to the maid will lead to disaster. I also know that others will applaud this friend for her approach in being a employer.

Whatever our stand on how maids should be trained, taught, handled, punished, rewarded, and treated, there is no argument that the foreign domestic helper has featured prominently in some Singaporeans’ lives – and is pretty much part of the skyline of Singapore.

So while we count on our maids to do the chores, I’m beginning to wonder in some households, who should the children and the aged parents count on – us? or the maids?

I guess my recent trip to Timor has impacted me greatly about the things that i have and yet take for granted.

I realized that writing and articulating my thoughts has helped me to learn better from my experiences as an individual and in a hope glean epiphanies that will strengthen my desire to make a positive difference in the world i live in.

Over the next 2 weeks, i hope  to share my thoughts and views gleaned with respect to the following 5 areas. I hope to call it the Sneeze series! Why sneeze ?

1) Security and peace

2) Education

3) Healthcare

4) Water and irrigation

5) Simplicity of life

I realized that when a person sneezes, most of the time, the Physician does not just treat the sneeze but treats what causes the sneeze – From Hayfever (allergies) to the common flu to H1N1

Ah Choo!

In the same respect,  i guess thats how i have been wired to think, exploring these 5 paradigms and perhaps discovering the cause (root) and effect (sneeze) through my experiences in UK, Timor Leste and Singapore!

Personally, i hope that when i look back at what i’ve blogged a decade later, these thoughts would not only keep my feet on the ground, but also help me cherish what i’ve been given.

As some of you may be aware on the 4th of June this year, what is known to have been the biggest-trans national election in history took place across Europe. About 375 million European citizens in 27 countries were eligible to vote, as 736 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were elected for a five-year term.  This group of MEPs will legislate laws within the EU and these laws will affect every single person living in the EU – regardless of race, language, religion, sexuality etc.
Within Britain, most of us were dealing with the after-shock of the MP’s expenses scandal coupled with the sinking state of the economy. A large majority either didn’t realise that elections were going to take place or couldn’t be bothered to care. As someone who ‘discovered’ her political spirit after moving to Wales, I followed the election campaign of the British parties very closely and as a Singaporean who is of ‘rojak heritage’ and grew up having friends from all sorts of random backgrounds, some of the messages that came out from the British National Party (BNP) made me worry about the future of Britain including my future here and also the future of my family.
This is a party that believes in the repatriation of ‘non-indigenous Brits’ i.e. non-whites and their descendants, anti-mixed race relationships and that mixed race children from such relationships dilute the white superiority of their genetics. More recently the Chairman of their party who also happens to be an MEP was quoted as saying, “Frankly, they need to sink several of those boats” on the issue of boats carrying migrants from Africa. Well what do you expect from a man who named his two pet pigs ‘Anne’ & ‘Frank’. As a party they are anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim and as pro-white as the Klu Klux Clan.

For years the mainstream parties kept playing down the BNP threat, saying they weren’t a credible party, however the failure of the British political system to put the needs of the public before personal greed and growing apathy around voting meant that the BNP got 2 seats in Europe at these elections. Now in addition to gaining credibility as a legitimate political party, they are also able to access a significant amount of financial resources to promote their messages of hate across Britain.

When I first started wearing a hijab (tudung), I was physically attacked while I was out in a shopping mall, minding my own business and having a very ‘British’ meal of fish and chips with my mum who was visiting me at that time…..last year I participated in a documentary for BBC Wales where I wore the niqab (the full-veil) for a day and I had people threatening to shoot me – that message of hate is getting out there.

As Singaporeans, we should never take for granted multi-culturalism and our ability to live side by side as countrymen regardless of race, language or religion. Our country got it right by making us understand that it does not matter if you’re Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian etc, if you’re Singaporean then you’re Singaporean no question about it. We cannot assume for one minute that this ‘togetherness’ that we feel as a nation will continue forever and ever. Things can change drastically in 10 or 20 years if we stop growing together as a nation or stop putting in the effort.

Think of the legacy we’d like to leave for the next generation.

It has been a very turbulent year with the world in recession after the credit crisis hit. Now, the economy is showing signs of improvement and the light at the end of the tunnel seem to be closing in. National Day is a perfect time to look at Singapore in retrospect and see what we have done.

Currently, Singapore’s population has grown to 4.6 million and it is still going to grow to the projected size of 6.5 million.  This will make Singapore’s population density one of the highest in the world and it cannot be doubted that this feat would have been impossible without the long term planning that goes beyond housing or just employment.

Today, Singapore enjoys one of the best education systems in the world, one of the lowest levels of official corruption in the world and a country that has embraced its multiracial community with mutual respect.

Granted, the path of nation building has still put us far from a perfect country, but Singapore till today has achieved a lot. Nation building is a continuous process to find the best solutions for Singapore and to meet new global challenges. Thankfully, we have been in a good position over the many years to make hard choices that allowed us to flourish.

Moreover, the true Singapore heartbeat emerges with the people sector taking leading roles in their communities, and wanting to take an active part in making the country a better place.

I remember attending the discussion groups on the national day rally at the Peopleís Association. There were people from all walks of life and the youth did not hold back at giving their thoughts of the rally and the feedback they received from their community. The Youth Executive Committee volunteers were dedicated and ready to put out suggestions or brainstorm new ideas to bring the community together.

Likewise in the civil society, many know that they have a part to play in building and shaping Singaporeís civic affairs. [Groups such as Acres that was started to address animal abuse, One Singapore that created the Stand Up, Take Action campaign or Wilson Ang, who started ECO-Singapore that started a chain reaction of followers taking to the streets to promote an eco-friendly country–these are just a few of the many groups of people who have stepped up and became participants. They are well informed, dedicated and have our country’s interest at heart. Everyone’s participation comes at a timely period and their shared responsibility of molding Singapore is key if we are going to effetively face coming future challenges.

My feeling is that the p65 generation is definitely not an apathetic generation, neither is it a generation that lacks activism. It is a generation that is inquisitive, open-minded, will continue to voice their opinions and will not fail to take lead in future despite the challenges ahead.

Happy Birthday Singapore! Hope Singapore will continue to prosper and be an inclusive society.

I returned from Timor Leste (East Timor) 2 days ago. To me, these 2 weeks of my summer holidays were one of the best-spent holidays ever.

This has been my third trip to this former Portuguese colony, which was invaded by Indonesia in 1975. For more than 20 years, Timorese fighters struggled to free their country from Indonesian occupation, which ultimately resulted in a quarter of the population dying in those dreadful years.

Being able to offer my time and energy through humanitarian efforts in this young nation has certainly helped me catch a glimpse and understand the struggles of our founding Fathers first hand. As someone of the post independence generation, I always assumed that good governance was a given.

The paradigm of Timor Leste and Singapore as two South East Asian countries with many similarities has allowed to reflect a lot on the simple things such as basic education, healthcare, security, peace, water, electricity, which I so readily have and yet take for, granted.

Even after 7 years, East Timor still faces a challenge of governance and basic infrastructure.

Through continuing efforts that partner various NGOs, the UN, EU and other countries, I hope that East Timor will flourish just as Singapore did in a short span of 44 years.

As national day draws closer, I am once again reminded of how blessed I have been to be able to enjoy the privilege of being born and bred in Singapore (: