My letter to The New Paper is published today, Thursday 26th
June 2014, page 17.
I am deeply touched by the kindness and compassion shown by
Mr Liew for his elderly neighbour, as reported in “He kept shouting for me to
let go” (The New Paper, June 24).
Despite his exhaustion, Mr Liew did not give up and was
determined to save the life of the suicidal man.
The authorities should commend this Good Samaritan for his
public spiritedness so that others will be encouraged to step forward and help
anyone who thinks of giving up on life.
Our Government has always stressed the importance of
citizens looking out for one another, and undoubtedly Mr Liew has risen to the
occasion.
In our fast-paced society, stress has become a reality that
we must learn to accept and manage. But
there will always be people who will not be able to handle all that life throws
at them.
As a caring society,
we must help those who are unable to help themselves. The elderly man and his
family need all the help they can get.
QUICK SUPPORT
I hope that the authorities will step in to support them
quickly because a person who attempts suicide is at a higher risk of doing it
again. Sadly, people who are suicidal or
depressed often find it awkward to reach out for help.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently told the Mayors of
the Community Development Councils to reach out to the needy, and it is
important for the authorities to do so, at times even when no help has been asked
for.
RAYMOND ANTHONY
FERNANDO
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