I have been
following with interest the plans that both seasoned and aspiring politicians
are going to undertake for the electorate.
I agree with
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean that it is important to have a team with
“integrity, stability, the ability to look into the future and execute for the
present” (“Coming GE crucial for S’pore to pick leaders for road ahead: DPM
Teo”; Aug 15).
It is also
important for elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and Cabinet ministers to show
empathy and support for the marginalised in society.
This group
includes persons with mental illness, who are often isolated because of the
nagging stigma they carry practically all of their lives, and their family
members.
Although mental
illness is a growing problem, and these citizens need all the support they can
get, I hardly hear the issue being championed in Parliament, leaving many of
their carers to suffer in silence.
Before my wife,
who was a psychiatric patient, died last year, I had discussed the daily
struggles these carers face, based on my experience and that of others, with
several MPs from the ruling party and the Opposition.
It was
discouraging when, despite my attempts to seek more support for these needy
citizens, mental health issues were hardly raised by the MPs.
RAYMOND
ANTHONY FERNANDO
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